Long Route
103km | 1650m
Medium Route
85km | 1450m
Short Route
59km | 785m
Ride Overview
A spring gravel classic in the Peaks taking in the heart of this stunning region.
Starting in Buxton, we take on the best gravel in the Peaks with glorious views in all directions as we head east to Bakewell & then south to the edge of the Peaks.
Unlike most of the road & MTB routes through this region, this ride is (relatively) flat / rolling with just over 1,000m elevation on the 100km long course. The gravel is well maintained and smooth so it’s suitable for riders of all abilities & experience. A great way to see one of the UK’s most beautiful regions.
Highlights
- Epic rail to gravel trails throughout the route
- Get off the beaten track and ride over rolling hills, passed abandoned stations and remote villages in the stunning Peak District.
- Unlike most rides in this region, the terrain is relatively flat / rolling so it’s suitable for most riders.
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
30th March: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
1st April – 7.45am: Ride village in Buxton opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
1st April – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
1st April – 6.30pm: Rider village closes
1st April – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Long Route
Starting in Buxton, we head west on a fast first 20km to Bakewell mostly on smooth gravel. Just outside of Bakewell we hit one of two “proper” climbs on the day, a 2km road climb averaging 6.5%.
After the first feed stop we head onto more gravel with a lovely 10km section on the top of the hills with sweeping views as we get to near Carsington Water and the southern most part of the ride.
From here its a 35km roll back north to Buxton on more smooth gravel with a fun road descent before finishing with a beer and food at the ride village.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 65%
Distance:
103km
Elevation:
1650m
Difficulty:
3.5/5
Medium Route
The medium route follows the long route for the first 45km so you can choose at that point which route to take on.
There is an extra feed stop at 50km and then you get back onto the long route for the High Peak Trail all the way to Buxton.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 60%
Distance:
85km
Elevation:
1450m
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:
59km
Elevation:
785m
Difficulty:
2.5/5
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 April in the Peaks can see changeable weather so even if the forecast is good, 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.