EPic Route
139km | 2200m
Medium Route
84km | 1000m
Short Route
64km | 750m
Ride Overview
A late summer / early autumn gravel EPIC. Choose between the short 64km route on (relatively) flat / rolling terrain, the medium 84km option with one of the fastest and prettiest century rides of the year or the full, epic, 139km route including some epic gravel to the north of the White Peak.
All of the routes take in parts of the classic trails in the area including Monsal, Tissington & High Peak as well as some secret local spots. An epic day out in one of the most stunning National Parks in the UK.
Highlights
- Ride sections of the classic Monsal, Tissington & High Peak Trails going way off the beaten track.
- Take on the EPIC route – 136km on the best trails, back roads, climbs & gravel the Peaks has to offer. One of our biggest rides of the year.
- Beautiful views over one of England’s most popular National Parks.
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
14th Sept: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
16th Sept – 7.45am: Ride village in Buxton opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
16th Sept – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
16th Sept – 6.30pm: Rider village closes
16th Sept – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
EPIC Route
Here it is, one of our biggest rides of the year. 136km taking in huge sections of the mighty Peak District.
Starting in Buxton, we head onto the Monsal trail for a quick start to the day – a chance to find a group and smash out easy miles. We then split from the other routes and go north up a tough gravel climb to Eyam and a road climb to Hathersage.
After a quick feed stop we hit the gravel to Redmires Resevoirs and then head back south over wild moorland before a fast road descent all the way past Chatsworth House and meeting the other routes again.
There is one punchy climb at 73km but eventually we join the High Peak and Tissington trails for the last 50km which is mostly flat or rolling.
It’s an absolutely epic day out with varied and glorious scenery throughout. The main challenge (apart from the distance) is the really punchy 40km to the north of the route. It comes early in the ride (just after 15km of quick riding on the Monsal trail) so legs will be fresh but it packs in almost 1000m of elevation in those 40km so the epic route is not to be understimated.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%
Distance:
139km
Elevation:
2200m
Difficulty:
5/5
Medium Route
This route takes in a flat start on the Monsal Trail, then heads south on some lovely local gravel before hitting the High Peak and Tissington trails.
You can choose to switch to the Epic or short route on the day but this is a really lovely century ride most cyclists can do with some training.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 65%
Distance:
84km
Elevation:
1000m
Difficulty:
3/5
Short Route
A really nice short route taking in a mix of back roads and two long gravel sections. The route follows the long route for the first 30km to the feed stop and then chops out the bottom half, finishing on some nice gravel back to Buxton.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%
Distance:
64km
Elevation:
750m
Difficulty:
2/5
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: Early Sept in the Peaks should be nice but even if the forecast is good, the weather can be very changeable so pack layers & a waterproof jacket. Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes just outside Buxton. 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.