Peak District Gravel Epic
GG
From Glorious Gravel
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable cycling adventure at the Peak District Gravel Epic, organized by Glorious Gravel! On Saturday, September 16th, 2023, join fellow cycling enthusiasts in Buxton, Derbyshire, for a thrilling day of exploration and camaraderie in one of the UK's most picturesque National Parks.
Participants can choose from three exhilarating race distances: the short 58km route, perfect for those seeking a relatively flat and rolling experience; the medium 100km option, which promises one of the fastest and most scenic century rides of the year; or the full 136km epic route, featuring challenging gravel paths and stunning views in the northern reaches of the White Peak. Each route showcases the area's classic trails, including Monsal, Tissington, and High Peak, along with some hidden gems that only locals know about. Join us for an epic day out filled with breathtaking scenery, challenging rides, and unforgettable memories!
Participants can choose from three exhilarating race distances: the short 58km route, perfect for those seeking a relatively flat and rolling experience; the medium 100km option, which promises one of the fastest and most scenic century rides of the year; or the full 136km epic route, featuring challenging gravel paths and stunning views in the northern reaches of the White Peak. Each route showcases the area's classic trails, including Monsal, Tissington, and High Peak, along with some hidden gems that only locals know about. Join us for an epic day out filled with breathtaking scenery, challenging rides, and unforgettable memories!
Peak District Gravel Epic
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Reviews
5.01 review
AB
alistair body
Verified entrant
This reviewer is a verified Find a Race user who purchased a place at this event.
Took part in the 2023 edition · 3 years ago
Probably the best organised ride I have entered. Not a huge event which helped make start, finish, fuel stops and parking well organised.
Fuels stops were amazing, freshly made rolls,/baps/cobbs, waffles with biscoff spread, plenty of gels and hydration tablets and the usual suspects of bananas etc
Other than a couple of killer hills you can't go wrong joining one of Glorious Gravel events. Already booked the next one.
Fuels stops were amazing, freshly made rolls,/baps/cobbs, waffles with biscoff spread, plenty of gels and hydration tablets and the usual suspects of bananas etc
Other than a couple of killer hills you can't go wrong joining one of Glorious Gravel events. Already booked the next one.
Races
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Epic Route
Entries closed08:00
£51.86
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Medium Route
Entries closed08:00
£51.86
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Short Route
Entries closed08:00
£51.86
Event information
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:
136km
Elevation:
2100m
Difficulty: 5/5
Medium Route
One of the fastest 100km rides in the country. 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:
100km
Elevation:
1200m
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:
58km
Elevation:
700m
Difficulty: 2/5
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:
136km
Elevation:
2100m
Difficulty: 5/5
Medium Route
One of the fastest 100km rides in the country. 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:
100km
Elevation:
1200m
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:
58km
Elevation:
700m
Difficulty: 2/5
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.
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.
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.
Organiser's description
A late summer / early autumn gravel EPIC. Choose between the short 58km route on (relatively) flat / rolling terrain, the medium 100km option with one of the fastest and prettiest century rides of the year or the full, epic, 136km 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.
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.
Location
SK17 9PX
Buxton, England, United Kingdom
Peak District Gravel Epic
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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