Long Route
93km | 2200m
Medium Route
70km | 1700m
Short Route
53km | 1200m
Ride Overview
A beautiful 50 to 90km off road loop from Keswick over fells, passed lakes & through mountain forests.
This is one of our highlights of the gravel season with incredible scenery and massive variety from the high peak of Skiddaw to the glorious Whinlatter Forest.
The smooth trails over the fells and then fire roads in the forest make for one of the best gravel rides in the UK.
Highlights
- Ride over stunning fells and enjoy the views at the top in the glorious Lake District.
- Finish on smooth fire roads through England’s only mountain forest.
- Roll around the beautiful Bassenthwaite Lake.
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
20th April: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
22nd April – 7.45am: Ride village in Keswick opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
22nd April – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
22nd April – 6.30pm: Rider village closes
22nd April – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Long Route
Starting in Keswick, we head east getting off road immediately before a glorious 10km section featuring a big climb up to 500m and views of Skiddaw. After skirting Bassenthwaite Lake, we back down to Keswick before hitting the fire roads up to Cockermouth.
On the way back we take in the smooth gravel tracks in Whinnlater Forest on a stunning 15km section with one final big climb. The last 5km is a fast & fun descent back home for a beer and food at the ride village.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 60%
Distance:
93km
Elevation:
2200m
Difficulty:
4.5/5
Medium Route
The medium route follows the long route on the big climb up Skiddaw and then cuts out 23km taking back roads to Cockermouth before one final fell in the Whinlatter Forest.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%
Distance:
70km
Elevation:
1700m
Difficulty:
3.5/5
Short Route
The short route takes in the second half of the long route with a section in the forest, backroads to Cockermouth and then a big fell to get over in the Whinlatter Forest before getting home.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 65%
Distance:
53km
Elevation:
1200m
Difficulty:
3/5
Bike Selection & Packing List
Bike Choice: The route is largely off road on good quality gravel so we recommend a gravel bike though a mountain bike will be fine. 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: This route goes high over the fells & into the forest so be prepared for changeable weather (arm & leg / knee warmers, gilet, waterproof jacket etc). Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes just outside Keswick. 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.