The Wild Westie
GG
From Glorious Gravel
Sunday 25th May 2025
Past event
08:00
By, Port of Menteith
£62.72–£83.90 · 2 races
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at THE WILD WESTIE, hosted by Glorious Gravel on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Set against the stunning backdrop of By, Port of Menteith in Stirling, this event promises to be one of the most exhilarating days for gravel bike enthusiasts in the UK. Riders can choose between two thrilling distances: the challenging long route, spanning 200km with nearly 4,000m of elevation gain, or the more accessible medium route, perfect for most riders looking for an epic experience.
The ride takes you through the famous gravel trails of Loch Ard Forest, across ferry crossings over Loch Lomond, and into the breathtaking landscapes of the Arrochar Alps. Expect a day filled with true escapism, incredible views, and the camaraderie of fellow cyclists. To enhance your experience, camping is available on Saturday and Sunday nights, making it the ideal Scottish adventure long weekend. Plus, don't miss the optional coffee ride on Saturday, exploring new terrains before the main event. Mark your calendars, prepare your bikes, and get ready for a massive day out in 2025!
The ride takes you through the famous gravel trails of Loch Ard Forest, across ferry crossings over Loch Lomond, and into the breathtaking landscapes of the Arrochar Alps. Expect a day filled with true escapism, incredible views, and the camaraderie of fellow cyclists. To enhance your experience, camping is available on Saturday and Sunday nights, making it the ideal Scottish adventure long weekend. Plus, don't miss the optional coffee ride on Saturday, exploring new terrains before the main event. Mark your calendars, prepare your bikes, and get ready for a massive day out in 2025!
The Wild Westie
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Races
-
The Wild Westie - Long Route
Entries closed08:00
£83.90
-
The Wild Westie - Medium Route
Entries closed08:00
£62.72
Event information
LONG ROUTE
Starting at Cardross Estate just outside of Aberfoyle, the brand new route for 2025, part of our Monument series, is definitely one to add to the bucket list of rides to tick off in your gravel riding life.
The route will first take you into Loch Ard Forest on some of the best gravel in the UK. After a long loop of the forest, the route takes you past Loch Chon and Loch Arklet and down to the ferry at Inversnaid to take you across Loch Lomond.
The Western part of the route takes in a loop of the Arrochar Alps on some stunning singletrack and gravel trails. After the loop on the West side of Loch Lomond, you will hop back on the ferry to head back into Loch Ard Forest on the trails high above the Loch and wind your way back to Cardross via Aberfoyle.
MEDIUM ROUTE
The medium route stays on the Aberfoyle side of Loch Lomond and avoids the climbs near Inversnaid.
The gravel on most of this route is excellent; Aberfoyle’s reputation as the best gravel spot in the UK is well earned and this is a great 92km route to discover the best of it.
Starting at Cardross Estate just outside of Aberfoyle, the brand new route for 2025, part of our Monument series, is definitely one to add to the bucket list of rides to tick off in your gravel riding life.
The route will first take you into Loch Ard Forest on some of the best gravel in the UK. After a long loop of the forest, the route takes you past Loch Chon and Loch Arklet and down to the ferry at Inversnaid to take you across Loch Lomond.
The Western part of the route takes in a loop of the Arrochar Alps on some stunning singletrack and gravel trails. After the loop on the West side of Loch Lomond, you will hop back on the ferry to head back into Loch Ard Forest on the trails high above the Loch and wind your way back to Cardross via Aberfoyle.
MEDIUM ROUTE
The medium route stays on the Aberfoyle side of Loch Lomond and avoids the climbs near Inversnaid.
The gravel on most of this route is excellent; Aberfoyle’s reputation as the best gravel spot in the UK is well earned and this is a great 92km route to discover the best of it.
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 route takes in some remote sections. We have support vans available but we recommend you are as self sufficient as possible including:
Bike spares
2 x inner tubes suitable for the size of your tyre
If running a tubeless set up, have a tubeless repair kit including plugs and spare sealant.
Multitool | Chain link specific for your bike chain
Small pump | Brake pads (especially in wet conditions)
Personal Medical kit
1 x crepe roll bandage | Gauze or similar absorbent dressing
Assorted plasters | Antiseptic (spray, cream or wipes) | Prescribed medication
Bike spares
2 x inner tubes suitable for the size of your tyre
If running a tubeless set up, have a tubeless repair kit including plugs and spare sealant.
Multitool | Chain link specific for your bike chain
Small pump | Brake pads (especially in wet conditions)
Personal Medical kit
1 x crepe roll bandage | Gauze or similar absorbent dressing
Assorted plasters | Antiseptic (spray, cream or wipes) | Prescribed medication
Organiser's description
Get ready for one of the best days you are going to have on a gravel bike in the UK, and quite possibly the world.
The route takes in in wide gravel trails, ferry crossings, sublime singletrack, epic scenery across mountains & lochs and miles of true escapism nothingness.
All in all, this is going to be a massive day out on the bike and for sure one to aim for in 2025.
Camping available on Saturday & Sunday night to make this a true Scottish adventure long weekend. We also have a coffee ride available on the Saturday going north from Cardross and exploring a different area than Sunday’s epic.
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
Famous gravel trails of Loch Ard Forest
Getting the ferry twice over Loch Lomond to really make this ride an adventure
True escapism & incredible views in the wild Arrochar Alps
WHAT TO EXPECT
Quite possibly the toughest one day gravel ride in the UK with 200km & nearly 4,000m of elevation.
The medium route is flowy on smooth gravel – suitable for most riders. The long route is massive. There is an option to cut 45km on the far side of Loch Lomond if needed but you will need to be in excellent shape for this and expect it to take 12hrs plus.
RIDE DIFFICULTY
The medium route stays on the Aberfoyle side of Loch Lomond. The route is rolling throughout with plenty of smaller climbs & descents. There are two main climbs – 1.5km at 6% and a pitchy 6km at 3.5%. This should take 4 to 7hrs.
The long route is our hardest ride of the year. The 76km on the far side of Loch Lomond is punchy to say the least. All of this section is up or down as we head down to sea level, then up to over 200m a total of 4 times.
Long Route *****
Medium Route ***
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
Nearly all of the route is off road on some super smooth gravel. On the other side of Loch Lomond, there are a couple of technical sections suited more to experienced off roaders.
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. For the medium route, a standard 35-45mm tyre will be fine. You will want something wider (40-50mm) for the long route.
EVENT PROGRAM
22nd May: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
24th May: Optional 48km coffee spin to Brig o’ Turk
25th May: 6.00am: Ride village in Cardross Estate opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
25th May: 6.30am to 7am – long route starts. 8am to 8.15am – medium route starts. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
25th May: 8pm: Rider village closes.
25th May: 9pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
The route takes in in wide gravel trails, ferry crossings, sublime singletrack, epic scenery across mountains & lochs and miles of true escapism nothingness.
All in all, this is going to be a massive day out on the bike and for sure one to aim for in 2025.
Camping available on Saturday & Sunday night to make this a true Scottish adventure long weekend. We also have a coffee ride available on the Saturday going north from Cardross and exploring a different area than Sunday’s epic.
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
Famous gravel trails of Loch Ard Forest
Getting the ferry twice over Loch Lomond to really make this ride an adventure
True escapism & incredible views in the wild Arrochar Alps
WHAT TO EXPECT
Quite possibly the toughest one day gravel ride in the UK with 200km & nearly 4,000m of elevation.
The medium route is flowy on smooth gravel – suitable for most riders. The long route is massive. There is an option to cut 45km on the far side of Loch Lomond if needed but you will need to be in excellent shape for this and expect it to take 12hrs plus.
RIDE DIFFICULTY
The medium route stays on the Aberfoyle side of Loch Lomond. The route is rolling throughout with plenty of smaller climbs & descents. There are two main climbs – 1.5km at 6% and a pitchy 6km at 3.5%. This should take 4 to 7hrs.
The long route is our hardest ride of the year. The 76km on the far side of Loch Lomond is punchy to say the least. All of this section is up or down as we head down to sea level, then up to over 200m a total of 4 times.
Long Route *****
Medium Route ***
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
Nearly all of the route is off road on some super smooth gravel. On the other side of Loch Lomond, there are a couple of technical sections suited more to experienced off roaders.
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. For the medium route, a standard 35-45mm tyre will be fine. You will want something wider (40-50mm) for the long route.
EVENT PROGRAM
22nd May: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
24th May: Optional 48km coffee spin to Brig o’ Turk
25th May: 6.00am: Ride village in Cardross Estate opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
25th May: 6.30am to 7am – long route starts. 8am to 8.15am – medium route starts. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
25th May: 8pm: Rider village closes.
25th May: 9pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Location
By, Port of Menteith, Stirling
Cardross Estate, Port of Menteith, By, UK
The Wild Westie
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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