Glorious Gravel: The Dark Peak
The higher & wilder side of the Peak District, the Dark Peak is the less visited northern part of the Peaks and home to some glorious gravel riding. This punchy 77km route starts & finishes on the outskirts of Outer Manchester and goes straight into a 2km, 8% climbs before heading into the wild through the Wessenden Valley, over the moors and through Holme Styes Wood before the one easier section along the reservoirs and the final climb, the part tarmac, part gravel Chew Road with stunning views from the top. Then all is left is to roll home for a celebratory pint and cake at the finish.
NEW TO GRAVEL RIDING?
Rent a Pearson Off Grid bike for the day £49)
Routes suitable for new & experienced gravel riders
Ride marshalls on the route to support you
Pre ride briefing to go through any technical sections
Packing List emailed when you book
Route Notes
Event Director's Notes:
A tough & lumpy 77km loop from the outskirts of Outer Manchester to the wild and rugged Dark Peak. The route is on rolling terrain with three main climbs and just one flatter section - an quick 11km sector by the reservoirs. The terrain is mixed including some tarmac, fine packed gravel, singletrack bridleways and even a sprinkling of cobbles. As a reference, our average speed on the route is 16km/h so it typically takes us nearly 5hrs riding time. The main climb is the classic Chew Road - this is at the end and is an out before finishing with a very well earned pint.
Ride Details
Start Time : From 7.45am
Finish time : Between 12pm and 4pm
Location : Uppermill
What’s Included
- GPX File
- Pre Ride Briefing
- Two Feed Stops
- Free pint or soft drink at finish pub
- Ride marshals supporting you on the route
What's Included
GPX File
Pre Ride Briefing
Two Feed Stops
Free pint or soft drink at finish pub
Ride marshals supporting you on the route
Accommodation
:
Ride Rules
Preparing for the Ride
Our events are open to all off-road bikes. While it is aimed primarily at Gravel & Adventure bikes, which are essentially fat tyred drop bar bikes, you are also most welcome on a mountain bike or cyclocross bike. We recommend a tyre width of 33+mm for most for our rides.Â
What to bring : You will be further from van support or facilities you would find in most towns than with our road trips so it is advisable to take a little more with you.Â
GPS device with route loaded , Spare tube or Tubeless plug , Pump and/or CO2 , Mini tool , Jacket and/or additional layersÂ
We will email you the GPX route & a full breakdown of the route one week before the ride. Our route director will then be at the start to give you last minute advice and tips. You will be asked to select a start window which we will then confirm one week before the ride to ensure you roll out in group sizes based on current restrictions.
More Reading
Preparing for the Glorious Gravel
The Glorious Gravel Series takes us on a tour of some of the UK’s finest gravel riding regions. For those more used to the road than the rough stuff, gravel riding is all about enjoying the surrounding and exploring new roads off the beaten track – obviously coffee and cake still feature heavily. Our Gravel ... Read more
Book Now
New to gravel riding, hire a gravel bike for the day. See options in the checkout
| 6th Mar 2021 | |||||
| Ride Entry to Glorious Gravel: The Dark Peak | £39 | £39 | Sold Out | ||