DORSET GRAVEL X

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From Glorious Gravel

  • Date Sat 5th April 2025
  • Time 08:00
  • Location Wareham, Dorset
  • Price £62.72
  • Races 2 races

Event summary

Get ready for an exhilarating adventure at the DORSET GRAVEL X, organized by Glorious Gravel, taking place on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, in the picturesque town of Wareham, Dorset. This exciting event invites riders to explore the stunning Purbeck Hills, Wareham Forest, and the breathtaking Jurassic Coast, featuring views of iconic landmarks such as Corfe Castle and Old Harry Rocks. Participants can choose from two exhilarating routes: the Long Route, stretching 89km with a challenging 1,300m elevation and a thrilling series of climbs, or the Medium Route, a more accessible 61km journey designed for all abilities.

The DORSET GRAVEL X promises a fantastic mix of flowy trails, steep climbs, and technical descents, all while showcasing the best of Dorset's diverse terrain. With 60% of the routes off-road, riders can expect smooth gravel paths and some thrilling chalky sections. Why not make a weekend of it? Camping is available on Friday, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this unforgettable cycling experience. Don't miss out on this perfect spring classic that combines adventure, stunning scenery, and camaraderie among fellow cycling enthusiasts!

Organiser's Description

Ride parts of the Purbeck Hills, Wareham Forest and Dorset, with coastal views, Hill Forts and castles along the way.

The all new Dorset Gravel X takes on varied terrain, surfaces and surroundings, really showing off the best the area has to offer.

The trails are generally easy going with flowy sections near Wareham Forest before some climbs around the Isle of Purbeck. A cracker of a ride with camping available on Friday to make a weekend of it.

RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:

See the stunning Jurassic coast with the best views in the Purbeck Hills.
View Corfe Castle and Old Harry Rocks, then travel in-land to experience the gravel trails of Wareham Forest.
Two route distances, with an easier option for those less keen on the bigger steeper climbs

WHAT TO EXPECT
A ride of three parts with a flowy first section, punchy climbs on more technical gravel before flatter trails on the way home.
RIDE DIFFICULTY
The long route has a challenging middle 40km with 6 climbs back to back with a few sharp gradients. The medium route avoids most of the climbs with one 2.5km hill to get over in the middle of the route.

Long Route ***
Medium Route **

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
The route is 60% off road with a mix of surfaces. The gravel around Wareham Forest is mostly smooth. The first three descents are on tarmac before a more technical section on Purbeck Ridge with some chalky sections & a couple of steeper off road descents.
Long Route ****
Medium Route **

TYRE & BIKE RECOMMENDATIONS
This route is designed for gravel bikes but you will be fine on a hardtail MTB. We do send out tyre recommendations closer to the time as if it’s wet you will want wide, knobbly tyres. In normal conditions, a slightly wider, all-rounder tyre (40-50mm) will be ideal

ROUTE DETAILS
LONG ROUTE
A proper spring classic in Dorset on a route with loads of variety and some great gravel.

Starting just north of Wareham, we take in some smooth off road around Wareham Forest before heading south to the Isle of Purbeck where the climbing begins.

We head up onto the ridgeway at around 25km and then have 6 climbs back to back over the middle 40km of the route as we roll past Corfe Castle & along the Purbeck Hills to Studland Bay.

From here we stay on the ridge before descending north to the coast and a flowy section back to the finish.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 60%
Distance: 89km
Elevation: 1,300m

MEDIUM ROUTE
The medium route splits from the long route at 24km and you can decide at this point which route you want to do.

This option skips two tough climbs on the way to Corfe Castle before the main climb of the day, a 3.5km onto the ridge before dropping down to the coast & finishing with a flat section back home.

A ride suitable for all abilities on a lovely varied route in Dorset.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 60%
Distance: 61km
Elevation: 600m

Races

  • Dorset Gravel Epic - Long Route

    Sat 5th April 2025 (08:00)

    £62.72

    Booking for more than 1?
  • Dorset Gravel Epic - Medium Route

    Sat 5th April 2025 (08:00)

    £62.72

    Booking for more than 1?

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Location

Wareham, UK

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