Late summer and early autumn is prime gravel season, but sometimes finding great trails can be tricky. Gravel cycling started as a US phenomenon, thanks to the continent’s myriad networks of long, wide, dusty trails. So when it made its way across the pond and into the UK, many would-be gravellers were left scratching their heads. How could our little island replicate that kind of riding, and where on earth do you even find enough gravel to warrant a day out on the bike?
If this is you, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Over the past few years in particular, any pre-made gravel routes have been popping up across the country, and now gravel riders and bikepackers alike are spoilt for choice. Many of these routes are accessible by public transport at various points, so if you’re just looking for a day out on the bike, you can easily just do a section of a longer route, depending on what suits your needs. If you’re planning a few days of riding and camping, there are also plenty of great options that reach between 100 and 200 miles in length. Or, if you really feel adventurous and have a lot more time available to you, you could opt for some seriously long routes, or knit a few of the suggestions below together to cover a lot more mileage and see the best gravel that the UK has to offer.
So whether you’re new to gravel, or a seasoned bikepacker, here are some of the best pre-made off-road routes in the UK, divided by region, and ascending in length.
South East England
South Downs Link (37.4 miles)
Connecting the North Downs Way to the South Downs Way, the South Downs Link can be ridden on its own as a day out, or used to join the two longer routes for an extended bikepacking trip. With 25 miles of unpaved surface, the route passes through beautiful landscapes, woodlands and charming villages, providing plenty of rest stops along the way. The largely flat route follows a disused railway line, and runs between Guildford and Shoreham-by-Sea.
Find out more about the South Downs Link
The Ridgeway (87 miles)
One of the oldest trails in the UK, the 87-mile ancient Ridgeway path weaves through the scenic Chilterns and North Wessex Downs. It offers up a heady mix of gravel paths, bridleways, and country roads that offer challenges and rewarding descents, all the while surrounded by lush green countryside, ancient woodlands, and open fields.
Find out more about The Ridgeway
South Downs Way (100 miles)
The South Downs Way is a 100-mile undulating route that starts in Winchester and ends in Eastbourne, passing through stunning countryside and picturesque villages. The route winds through an area rich in history and heritage, and offers glimpses of ancient landmarks, including Iron Age hillforts and prehistoric burial mounds.
Find out more about the South Downs Way
King Alfred’s Way (217 miles)
This circular route starts and ends in Winchester, traversing many bridleways and byways through Salisbury and Reading, and includes both the Ridgeway and South Downs Way. Whether you choose to do the whole thing in one go over several days, or make use of public transport to do one section at a time, you’ll head through historic landmarks and gorgeous countryside.
Find out more about King Alfred's Way
The Rebellion Way (232 miles)
Launched just last year, the Rebellion Way is a bikepacking trail around Norfolk that follows the chariot tracks of Boudicca, the trailblazing warrior queen. It offers a mix of byways, cycle paths, bridleways and flat back roads, making it a great introductory route for first-time bikepackers.
Find out more about The Rebellion Way
South West England
East Devon Trail (115 miles)
Sitting at around 115 miles long, the East Devon Trail is 50 percent unpaved and offers a challenging ride for experienced gravellers and bikepackers. It knits together a myriad of gravel trails, some technical singletrack and quiet lanes with panoramic views of heathland and fields, out towards the Jurassic Coast. Expect some hike-a-bike and lots of wildlife.
Find out more about the East Devon Trail
The Westcountry Way (130 miles)
This coast-to-coast crossing takes you north from Plymouth to Minehead via Dartmoor and Exmoor. The route includes natural singletrack, ancient trails, beautiful woodland and wide panoramic views of the Bristol Channel from Dunkery Beacon. There are plenty of options for refreshments along the way, as well as campsites and bunkhouses to stay at.
Find out more about The Westcountry Way
West Kernow Way (200 miles)
Embark on a 200-mile journey along the rugged coastline and ancient moorlands of Cornwall. The West Kernow Way showcases Cornwall's natural beauty, taking you off the beaten track and providing glimpses of breathtaking seascapes and historic sites, traversing the western half of the peninsula and passing Bronze Age monuments and tin mines.
Find out more about the West Kernow Way
Midlands
Cannock Chase (15 miles)
Cannock Chase Forest has a lot to offer visitors, including mountain bike trails, but it’s perhaps lesser known for its various gravel fire roads. If you’re in the area and looking for a short family-friendly gravel ride, there’s a 15 mile circular loop that starts and ends at the Cannock Chase MTB Trail Centre.
Find out more about the Cannock Chase Gravel Route
Peak Potter Overnighter (61 miles)
This is designed to be a two-day circular route that takes from from Sheffield city centre to the beauty of the Peak District for a camp out. Ideal for first-time bikepackers, the ride takes in Dark Peak, the steep limestone dales, and the rolling hills of White Peak before returning to the city.
Find out more about Peak Potter Overnighter
Jack Mytton Way (68 miles)
The Jack Mytton Way is half paved, half unpaved, with some singletrack that connects Cleobury Mortimer to Llanfair Waterdine. It passes through Long Mynd, a heath and moorland plateau offering expansive views of the Shropshire Hill Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as well as Wenlock Edge and the Clee Hills. You’ll also be treated to views of the Severn Valley.
Find out more about Jack Mytton Way
Lincoln Gravel Imp (137 miles)
This loop takes you through north Nottinghamshire, home to Robin Hood, and is named after the legendary imp depicted above the choir in Lincoln Cathedral. It takes in a variety of landscapes, including sandy heathland, country parks and ancient forests, traversing woodland singletrack and forest roads, farm tracks, former railway lines, and towpaths along the Georgian Chesterfield Canal.
Find out more about Lincoln Gravel Imp
North England
Lakeland 200 (127 miles)
The Lake District has a wealth of beautiful gravel tracks to explore, and the Lakeland 200 takes in as many of them as possible, circling the Cumbrian mountains and throwing in some hike-a-bike for some added fun. Terrain-wise, expect challenging cross-country tracks and trails that are probably more at the end of the mountain biking end of the spectrum.
Find out more about Lakeland 200
Reivers Cycle Route (170 miles)
This coast-to-coast trail traces the Anglo-Scottish border regions, starting in Tynemouth and ending in Whitehaven. Immerse yourself in the history and beauty of the region, passing through unspoilt Northumberland countryside, Carlisle, the Lake District, and the Kielder Forest. This one is light on gravel and has a large amount of paved sections, making it ideal for those new to off-road riding.
Find out more about the Reivers Cycle Route
North Yorkshire Moors Ramble (199 miles)
This long route explores a mix of forest tracks, gravel backcountry roads, flowing singletrack and medieval flagstone paths traversing the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Expect stone wall-lined fields, medieval abbeys, ancient bridges and purple heather-covered sandstone moorlands, as well as Rosedale Chimney Bank, one of England’s steepest climbs, at a 33 percent gradient.
Find out more about the North Yorkshire Moors Ramble
Pennine Bridleway (205 miles)
Covering 205 miles from Derbyshire to Cumbria, the Pennine Bridleway is known as the ‘backbone of England’ and is one of the most iconic long-distance trails in the UK. Parts of it are fairly technical, so expect some hike-a-bike in places. You should also be prepared for changeable weather conditions and lots of climbing, while you enjoy the wild beauty of the area from up high.
Find out more about the Pennine Bridleway
Scotland
Loch Leven Heritage Trail (13 miles)
The Loch Leven Heritage Trail is a family-friendly 13-mile loop around Loch Leven in Kinross-shire, which offers easy gravel paths and stunning views of the loch and nearby hills. It’s mostly off-road and traffic-free, and suitable for most bike types, making it an accessible option for gravel-beginners.
Find out more about the Loch Leven Heritage Trail
South Loch Ness Trail (28 miles)
Running for approximately 28 miles along the south side of Loch Ness, this trail connects Fort Augustus with Torbreck near Inverness, and offers a mix of gravel paths and quiet country roads. Enjoy spectacular views of the famous loch and wild rugged beauty of the surrounding hills, via a mixture of minor roads, forest tracks and purpose-built trails.
Find out more about the The South Loch Ness Trail
The Great Glen Way (73 miles)
Usually ridden from west to east, the Great Glen Way starts in Inverness and ends in Fort William. Along the way it takes in a multitude of glens and lochs, linked by the Caledonian Canal, and passes through Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit. This is a very challenging route with some sections more akin to mountain biking, so you may need to walk
Find out more about the Great Glen Way
The West Highland Way (96 miles)
Possibly Scotland’s most loved long-distance off-road route, the West Highland Way covers 96-mile through the Scottish Highlands, with plenty of challenging terrain and stunning views. It joins Milngavie to Fort William, traversing a diverse range of landscapes from countryside parks and loch-shores, to open moorlands and steep mountains.
Find out more about The West Highland Way
The Hebridean Way (185 miles)
Cycle through the stunning Outer Hebrides, starting from Vatersay and ending in the Isle of Lewis. Experience the rugged beauty of these remote islands, with breathtaking coastal scenery and ancient historical sites along the way. The route involves hopping ten islands, following six causeways, and taking two ferries to cover 185 miles in total.
Find out more about the Hebridean Way
The Cairngorms Loop (181 miles)
A circular loop that’s popular with bikepackers and independent time trialists alike. This version of the Cairngorms Loop varies slightly from the original ITT event in order to be more rideable and touring-friendly. It takes in some glorious singletrack, goes through the Caledonian forest, passes the Ruigh Aiteachain bothy, and traverses the exposed Highlands.
Find out more about the Cairngorms Loop
Wales
Mawddach Trail (9 miles)
Nestled within the Snowdonia National Park and following the Mawddach Estuary beneath the foothills of Cadair Idris, this family-friendly 9-mile trail is mostly flat and surfaced with loose but fine gravel, making it an excellent choice for those new to gravel, and is perfect for cycling with children.
Find out more about the Mawddach Trail
Elan Valley Loop (50 miles)
The Elan Valley is home to some incredible off-road riding, and this 50-mile loop offers a great taster. Mixing road and gravel, this undulating route requires some good climbing legs as it takes in highlights like the Devil’s Bridge, the Claerwen reservoir and the Victorian dams near Rhayader.
Find out more about Elan Valley Loop
The Taff Trail (55 miles)
Following the River Taff for approximately 55 miles from Cardiff to Brecon, this route offers a mix of gravel paths and quiet lanes, making it accessible and family-friendly, as well as being an excellent way of getting to the Brecons while leaving the car at home. It comprises a mixture of old disused railway paths, riverside paths and forest roads.
Find out more about the Taff Trail
Black Mountain Crossing (73 miles)
Perfect for a weekend overnighter, this route is easily accessible by public transport and takes you on a hilly adventure through Aberdare and the Cynon Valley. Passing burial mounds, druid stones, caves and old forts, there’s plenty of singletrack and forest roads to enjoy before setting up camp.
Find out more about Black Mountain Crossing
Trans-Cambrian Way (103 miles)
Starting in Knighton on the English side of the border, the TCW heads west, skirting the Cambrian mountains, passing through the Elan Valley, heads through the gorgeous Hafren Forest, and traverses the middle of Wales as it heads north to Machynlleth. Certainly challenging in places, your efforts are rewarded tenfold by the views and remote wilderness.
Find out more about the Trans-Cambrian Way
Northern Ireland
Lesser Spotted Ireland (70 miles)
A figure-of-eight that crisscrosses the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, this route takes in gravel roads and national waymarked trails to explore the Cuilcagh Lakelands Global UNESCO Geopark before enjoying the grassy lanes of the Cavan Way. Expect steep and long gravel descents and remote locations.
Find out more about Lesser Spotted Ireland
We hope you find this super helpful. Be sure to share with your adventure-loving friends. Looking for the perfect gravel bike? Take a look at our wide range of gravel bikes.