UK gravel trails: Some of the best to try around the country

Originating in North America, gravel biking was borne out of cyclists heading off of traditional routes to explore the likes of forest fire roads, old ridgeways and long-forgotten wagon trails. And like fast food, trap music and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, it quickly became a global export and crossed the pond to the UK's humble shores.

Combining elements of road and mountain biking, gravel grinding aims to open up the land around us for adventure. Essentially, wherever you find an unpaved road or trail, you’ll likely find gravel riders. And because most unpaved roads are found outside of urban areas, the discipline naturally requires you to step into the wilderness and literally off the beaten track.

Ultimately, it’s a sub-section of cycling driven as much by the joy of discovery as it is by the thrill of getting your heart rate up on two wheels. To help you dive wheels-first into this new craze, a selection of the UK’s cycling authorities on gravel riding have recommended their favourite spots across the country. Some are mammoth slogs, while others are more beginner-friendly woodland loops. All will get your heart thumping and your face smiling though. Time to saddle up.

1. Peebles

“Although well known for mountain biking, the southern uplands around the Tweed Valley contain many amazing gravel routes,” explains Ed Shoote, Kinesis bikes ambassador and the man behind We Love Mountains. “Starting in Peebles, this route climbs on gravel tracks up Soonhope Valley, then up through Glentress Forest to the mast at the top. From here, it leaves Glentress behind on a sneaky cut through where you can choose the fast downhill towards Leithen water or head northwest up to the local classic tour to Bowbeat wind farm.”

From Bowbeat, you’ll have fantastic views of the sea and the fringes of Edinburgh as you struggle up a steep climb. But you aren’t done there.

“The descent hairpins sharply before a smooth and flat out fast ride along the Leithen Water valley,” says Ed. “Innerleithen's cafes provide a coffee stop before gravel tracks through Traquair, Glenbenna and Elibank forests and a quiet backroad take you to Yair Forest. Here you can climb to the Three Brethren and back along the ridge top Southern Upland Way to Traquair village. It is then a cycle path spin back to Peebles after a stunning ride of 80km and 1,800m climbing.”

2. Salisbury Plain

“This 85km route takes you up onto the Plain from west to east in a circular course,” explains John Pagan of Wiltshire’s mobile cycling repair service Cannimore Cycles. “The loop is primarily a mix of fast and rough gravel, and has almost 1,000m elevation for the whole route.”

John’s route highlights include the Westbury White Horse, the ancient hill fort at Bratton, a ridgeway section that takes you round the main military areas in the centre of Salisbury Plain (a 300-square mile chalk plateau), the old Marlborough road and the view of Sidbury Hill. Plus, he notes: “There’s also a shop, cafe and pub in Netheravon that make for a good rest stop.”

A word of note though: as Salisbury Plain is a military training area, you’ll likely bypass areas of live firing or exercising troops, so stay on the path and obey all flags and signs. (Or stick to weekends when there is very little troop activity.)

3. Cambrian Mountains

Matt Page from ACycling – organiser of popular local events Gritfest and Gravel Fondo Cymru – promises “a beautiful, scenic, but very isolated landscape within the Cambrian Mountains.”

The mid-Wales mountain range is Matt’s backyard and he points to the “endless forest roads within the Upper Towy Valley as particularly suited for gravel biking as long as riders are prepared for challenging climbs and all weather conditions.

“The area is very barren and tranquil but that is what makes it feel so special,” he explains. “With lots of great viewpoints and rolling terrain it has helped Gritfest become such a hit event. For riders who love adventures, it is a brilliant place to ride. With several bothies dotted around the Cambrian Mountains close to this route, it is also perfect for multi-day expeditions.”

4. Kielder Forest, Northumberland

“Kielder Forest in Northumberland is one of the biggest areas of commercial woodland in the UK. Accessing and moving all of this timber requires lots of roads, making the area a Gravel Riders dream!” explains Andy Heading of Dirty Reiver event organiser Focal Events.

At a touch under 42km, this looped route follows the picturesque shoreline of Northumberland through a variety of woodland with plenty of open vistas.

“The trail is well-marked and can be done in either direction,” adds Andy. “Though undulating, the surface is very good; perfect for honing those skills!”

Andy adds that there’s plenty to interest the more casual rider along the way, with places to stop for refreshments as well as some famous sculptured landmarks. Experienced riders can opt to add loops along the way to make it that bit tougher.