North Wales Gravel X
GG
From Glorious Gravel
Saturday 3rd May 2025
Past event
08:00
Ruthin
£62.72 · 2 races
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable cycling adventure at the North Wales Gravel X, taking place on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, in the picturesque town of Ruthin, Denbighshire. Organised by Glorious Gravel, this event invites riders to experience some of the best gravel terrain in the UK, featuring a stunning route that encompasses parts of the renowned UCI Gravel World Series race, Graean Cymru. Participants can choose between two exhilarating distances: the challenging full 80km route or the rewarding 55km medium option, both set against the backdrop of North Wales' breathtaking countryside.
Expect an exhilarating day filled with scenic rides through lush forests, rolling back roads, and around tranquil reservoirs. The North Wales Gravel X promises epic climbs and thrilling descents, culminating in a well-deserved celebratory drink at the finish line. With a ride village opening at 7:45 am and start times from 8:00 am to 8:45 am, this event is not just a race; it's a chance to connect with fellow cycling enthusiasts and immerse yourself in the beauty of Denbighshire and Conwy. Whether you're a seasoned gravel rider or new to the sport, this event caters to all abilities, ensuring a memorable
Expect an exhilarating day filled with scenic rides through lush forests, rolling back roads, and around tranquil reservoirs. The North Wales Gravel X promises epic climbs and thrilling descents, culminating in a well-deserved celebratory drink at the finish line. With a ride village opening at 7:45 am and start times from 8:00 am to 8:45 am, this event is not just a race; it's a chance to connect with fellow cycling enthusiasts and immerse yourself in the beauty of Denbighshire and Conwy. Whether you're a seasoned gravel rider or new to the sport, this event caters to all abilities, ensuring a memorable
North Wales Gravel X
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Races
-
North Wales Gravel X - Saturday - Long Route
Entries closed08:00
£62.72
-
North Wales Gravel X - Saturday - Medium Route
Entries closed08:00
£62.72
Event information
LONG ROUTE
The route starts in Ruthin and begins with a 5km stretch on tarmac to warm up the legs. After a short off road section we hit the day’s biggest climb with fresh legs. The 3km backroad climb through the forest gives some great views as we get higher and from the summit we stay on the flats for the next 40km.
The long route then takes us around two reservoirs on fast, flat gravel with great views as the trails cut through the forest with the water on one side and rolling hills on the other. These are perfect gravel trails – remote, smooth and rewarding.
From the reservoirs we cut through the forest before a fast section on the road back to Ruthin for a well earned beer & some food. An 80km North Wales classic route
MEDIUM ROUTE
A short, tough but very rewarding medium route. We follow the long route up to the reservoirs over a big back road climb and through lovely gravel in the forest before skipping the section round the reservoirs and a rapid descent back to Ruthin.
The route starts in Ruthin and begins with a 5km stretch on tarmac to warm up the legs. After a short off road section we hit the day’s biggest climb with fresh legs. The 3km backroad climb through the forest gives some great views as we get higher and from the summit we stay on the flats for the next 40km.
The long route then takes us around two reservoirs on fast, flat gravel with great views as the trails cut through the forest with the water on one side and rolling hills on the other. These are perfect gravel trails – remote, smooth and rewarding.
From the reservoirs we cut through the forest before a fast section on the road back to Ruthin for a well earned beer & some food. An 80km North Wales classic route
MEDIUM ROUTE
A short, tough but very rewarding medium route. We follow the long route up to the reservoirs over a big back road climb and through lovely gravel in the forest before skipping the section round the reservoirs and a rapid descent back to Ruthin.
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.
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.
The North Wales Gravel X starts in Ruthin, just under an hour away from Liverpool, 1hr20 from Manchester & 1hr50 from Birmingham.
There are plenty of hotels & restaurants in Ruthin.
The nearest train station is in Rhyl or Wrexham,
There are plenty of hotels & restaurants in Ruthin.
The nearest train station is in Rhyl or Wrexham,
Organiser's description
Ride the North Wales Gravel X with some of the best gravel in the UK over a lot of the same route as the UCI Gravel World Series race (Graean Cymru).
The route takes in forests, rolling back roads and gravel tracks around the reservoirs in this stunning region.
Choose between the full 80km route or the medium 55km option and explore some remote riding in glorious countryside.
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
Ride large parts of the iconic Graean Cymru UCI route
Smooth gravel around Llyn Brenig & Alwen Reservoir
Challenging but very rewarding ride with some epic climbs, thrilling descents & a well earned beer at the finish.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A challenging but glorious ride in the beautiful countryside of Denbighshire & Conwy. Plenty of climbs both on back roads and on the gravel & some lovely riding in forests & around the reservoirs.
RIDE DIFFICULTY
Both routes involve a decent amount of climbing starting with a long drag out of Ruthin. The forest section is lumpy but the long route extension around the reservoirs is flatter and flowing.
Long Route ****
Medium Route ***
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
The gravel in this part of North Wales is mostly smooth with a couple of soft spots which could be muddy if wet but overall this is an off-roader suitable for all abilities.
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. A standard all-rounder gravel tyre (35-45mm) will be ideal for both routes
EVENT PROGRAM
1st May: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
3rd May: 7.45am: Ride village in Ruthin opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
3rd May: 8am to 8,45amm: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
3rd May: 6pm: Rider village closes.
3rd May: 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email
The route takes in forests, rolling back roads and gravel tracks around the reservoirs in this stunning region.
Choose between the full 80km route or the medium 55km option and explore some remote riding in glorious countryside.
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
Ride large parts of the iconic Graean Cymru UCI route
Smooth gravel around Llyn Brenig & Alwen Reservoir
Challenging but very rewarding ride with some epic climbs, thrilling descents & a well earned beer at the finish.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A challenging but glorious ride in the beautiful countryside of Denbighshire & Conwy. Plenty of climbs both on back roads and on the gravel & some lovely riding in forests & around the reservoirs.
RIDE DIFFICULTY
Both routes involve a decent amount of climbing starting with a long drag out of Ruthin. The forest section is lumpy but the long route extension around the reservoirs is flatter and flowing.
Long Route ****
Medium Route ***
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
The gravel in this part of North Wales is mostly smooth with a couple of soft spots which could be muddy if wet but overall this is an off-roader suitable for all abilities.
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. A standard all-rounder gravel tyre (35-45mm) will be ideal for both routes
EVENT PROGRAM
1st May: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
3rd May: 7.45am: Ride village in Ruthin opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
3rd May: 8am to 8,45amm: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
3rd May: 6pm: Rider village closes.
3rd May: 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email
Location
Ruthin Farmers Auction Co Ltd, Ruthin, UK
North Wales Gravel X
GG
Glorious Gravel
Outdoor Adventures in Cycling. Glorious gravel rides across the UK from the Isle of Wight to the Scottish Highlands. Explore the UK way off the beaten track.
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Since
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Events
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Avg. review
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