The following are organised gravel events within sensible (ish) travel distance of Otley... and the sportive.com link to 'the best' if you have grand ideas!
Full details of the events below are available on https://gloriousgravel.com/uk-rides
I have done routes in Wales, Keswick, the Peak District and from Skipton with this company and they have always been really friendly and well organised. Some of the long routes are too technical for me and better suited to MTB but hubby does Enduro events and loved it
Glorious gravel - Peak District Winter X, 24th Feb 2024
LONG ROUTE 73km | 1600m MEDIUM ROUTE 42km | 950m
A winter warmer in the Hope Valley, one of the most spectacular parts of the Peak District! Choose between the long 73km or the medium 42km route taking in a mix of winter friendly gravel and back roads – ideal to give you something to train for over the long cold months.
The route takes in wild sections of the moors, the fast & fun Monsal Trail and gravel tracks around the national park. Being in winter, this has more tarmac than a normal Glorious Gravel ride with approx 60% on back roads and 40% on winter friendly gravel.
Glorious gravel - Sherwood Forest gravel X, 23rd March 2024
LONG ROUTE, 83km | 700m. MEDIUM ROUTE, 62km | 550m. SHORT ROUTE, 50km | 450m
A beautiful 50 to 83km gravel ride in the East Midlands. Most of the route is on fast & flat(ish) forest tracks in the glorious Sherwood Forest. Suitable for experienced off roaders or riders new to the gravel and a season starting big ride this Spring. This is one of our most popular rides of the year with a fun, social atmosphere on the route and at the rider village.
If you fancy doing a full weekend, the following rides are consecutive days (but are entered as separate events)
May 4th and 5th...
Glorious Gravel, Lancashire Epic 4th May 2024 - Gisburn Forest
LONG ROUTE, 102km | 2200m. MEDIUM ROUTE, 70km | 1500m
Set in the heart of the glorious Forest of Bowland, this ride takes you through woodlands, over climbs and into some of the most remote gravel roads in England.
Choose between the medium 70km or full 102km route starting & finishing on the smooth gravel of the Gisburn Forest and taking in picturesque back roads and the iconic 17km Salter Fell Road – one of the great gravel sections in the UK. The gravel, particularly on the Salter Fell, is technical with some rocky sections and the route mixes in long sections of remote & glorious gravel with long sections of back roads.
Yorkshire Dales Gravel Epic - 5th May 2024, Gisburn Forest
LONG ROUTE, 95km | 2150m. MEDIUM ROUTE, 62km | 1350m
One of our most remote & beautiful rides of the year, the Yorkshire Dales Gravel Epic packs in beautiful back roads and some long, sweeping gravel sections. An all new route for 2024 and part of our Gravel Roses Weekender, choose between the 62km or full 95km route and escape onto the amazing off road trails of the Dales.
June 15th & 16th...
Peak District Gravel Epic - 15th June 2024, Bakewell
EPIC ROUTE, 109km | 1750m. MEDIUM ROUTE, 77km | 1200m. SHORT ROUTE, 42km | 550m
An early summer gravel EPIC. Choose between the short 44km route on (relatively) flat / rolling terrain, the medium 77km option or the full, epic, 109km 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.
Dark Peak Gravel Epic - 16th June 2024, Bakewell
EPIC ROUTE, 92km | 2200m. MEDIUM ROUTE, 55km | 1250m
The second part of our epic Peaks Gravel Weekender takes us north of Bakewell to the wilder and more spectacular trails of the Dark Peaks. With more climbing, more varied terrain and more spectacular views, this is a stunning 92km or 55km route going over moorland and punchy climbs in the Hope Valley including the legendary broken road up Mam Tor.
Lake District Gravel Epic - 13th July 2024, Coniston
LONG ROUTE, 84km | 2050m. MEDIUM ROUTE, 53km | 1350m
Welcome to the stunning Lake District and the epic gravel it has to offer!
We have two route options for this glorious off road adventure around Coniston and the Grizedale Forest taking in a great mix of challenging climbs and fast, flowing sections through the forest. The ride takes you into remote parts of the Lakes that most people never see. Pure escapism and one of the great rides gravel rides of the year.