Long Route
100km | 1560m
Medium Route
75km | 1140m
Ride Overview
Ride parts of the Pilgrims way and North Downs way and follow in the steps of a route which was first used in 1172.
The Kent Gravel Epic takes in the best off road sections of this corner of South East England and dips into Dover to briefly see the coast before finishing with a gravel lap of Lydden Hill circuit.
The trails are generally easy going and any road sections are generally on quiet back roads. With varied views of rolling hills & picturesque villages, this is an off road classic for mid summer.
Highlights
- Follow in the footsteps of early pilgrims in the glorious Kent countryside
- Ride classic off road trails including the Pilgrims and North Downs Way
- Complete an off road century (100km) on the long route finishing with a lap on the gravel of Lydden Hill.
Included in Entry
Fully Signed Route
Our team work tirelessly to create the best gravel routes in the UK. All courses are fully signed so you can just enjoy the ride.
Checkpoints with Proper Food
An epic ride deserves proper support. We have tea, coffee and cake at the first feed and sandwiches & crisps at the main feed. Checkpoints are approx every 30 - 35km
Accurate GPX Files
A few days before the ride, we will send GPX files for all of the route options so you can follow the course on your GPS as well as the signs.
Mechanics Available
At the rider village & at selected feed stops we have mechanics available to help with any bike issues. We also have spare inner tubes, CO2 & more .
Rider Support Vans
We are here to make sure you have a great day on the gravel. If you have any major mechanicals or need collecting, support vehicles are a phone call away.
Beer at Finish Line
You will be greeted at the finish line with a beer & food available from our food truck. Perfect to chat about your day with fellow riders.
Event Program
3rd August: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
6th August – 7.45am: Ride village in Lydden Hill opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
6th August – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
6th August – 6pm: Rider village closes
6th August – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Long Route
Setting off with a lap of Lydden Hill race circuit, we head north towards Canterbury with our first long gravel section coming at 5km.
From just west of Canterbury, we pick up the Pilgrims Way towards Ashford. This off road section includes the longest climb of the day (3.8km at 3%).
After a feed stop we head South East on a mix of backroads and bridleways all the way to near the coast in Dover. The terrain is a mix of flat, rolling hills and a couple of short, sharp climbs that Kent is famous for.
After a climb out of Dover the final 20km is rolling before a finish on the gravel circuit of Lydden Hill. A big but stunning day on the bike for early Aug.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 50%
Distance:
100km
Elevation:
1560m
Difficulty:
3.5/5
Medium Route
The medium route mirrors the long route for the first 60km so you can decide at this point whether to go the direct route (17km to go) or complete your century ride.
The section back to the finish from the split is on backroads with two short inclines before a finish on the gravel lap of Lydden Hill.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 40%
Distance:
75km
Elevation:
1140m
Difficulty:
3/5
Short Route
The short route follows the medium for the majority of the day but cuts off a section in the middle and near the end to make this nearly 20km shorter. With some nice variety on the off road sections & very little climbing, this is ideal for riders of all abilities.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%
Distance:
47km
Elevation:
350m
Difficulty:
1/5
Bike Selection & Packing List
Bike Choice: The route is 50% on bridleways and good gravel & 50% on back roads so a gravel bike is ideal. There are a few short, punchy climbs so a good bike for climbing is recommended. E-bikes are allowed on all of our rides.
Tyre Choice: We will send an update on conditions closer to the ride. The gravel on the route is mostly smooth so a 35-40mm all rounder gravel tyre will be ideal.
Packing List: Bring equipment to be self sufficient on the route (inner tubes, sealant, multi-tool, pump or CO2 etc). We recommend a bell to warn walkers / runners of your presence.
Clothing: August in Kent should be warm but we always recommend bringing a wind layer for the early start along with sun-cream. Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes at the race circuit at Lydden Hill. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments. We will send the ride village address by email.
Yes, e-bikes are allowed on all Glorious Gravel ride. These must comply with UK law.
We have first aiders & mechanics at the feed stops. There will be a phone number on the back of your ride number – call this if you need collecting.
Yes, we start between 8am and 9.30am and set people off in small groups so the off road sections are not too busy. Please come to the start line with anyone you want to ride with, we will give a short ride briefing and set you off.