Springtime: the sun is shining and the birds are chirping, and if you’re anything like us, all you want to do is get out there and ride your bike! With the help of our in-house off-road connoisseurs, we’ve gathered a few of our favourite local gravel routes for you to sink your teeth (or tyres) into!
With the help of our in-house off-road connoisseurs, we’ve gathered a few of our favourite local gravel routes for you to sink your teeth (or tyres) into this Spring!
Gravel Safari
Distance: 23.6 miles/38km
Ascent: 1225ft/370m
This route may be relatively short, but it’s suitably challenging! This is a good option for those looking to give gravel a try for the first time that aren’t looking for a free ride – if you want a workout, this is ideal! Starting out in Littlebourne you first turn off just before Howletts Zoo and venture down through to Bishopsbourne, Charlton Wood and then to Covet Wood for some monkeying around. This is a fun section to ride, as you’ll venture up a couple of punchy climbs to be rewarded with some winding descents! From there you’ll jump onto the bridle path back up to Kingston, continue up to the Adisham Water Tower and meander through the country lanes back up to Littlebourne.
Wye Not?
Distance: 30.2 miles/48.6km
Ascent: 2025ft/620m
Featuring the highest concentration of climbing, this route is aimed at being slightly more challenging. Taking in some varied terrain along the way, this one will keep you on your toes! Kicking things off in Brabourne, you quickly head across to West Wood where you’ll find some postcard-worthy views, but don’t take your eyes off the ball, we’ve only just started! Once you’re done there, it’s onto Elhampark Wood for some more fun trails and then across to Knowler Farm. The furthest point on this route is just before Chartham, which you’ll come to through the tree-covered country lanes. Then, you’ll start to Wye-nd back down towards the Wye Nature Reserve via the picturesque Pilgrims Trail. From there, it’s up and over the Nature Reserve and back down to the finish!
Marshland Meander
Distance: 37.7 miles/60.7km
Ascent: 850ft/260m
Looks can be deceiving – despite being the longest route it’s also the flattest of the three, so if you’re slightly elevation-averse or want to try something different this could be a good one to try! Starting in Hythe, the route takes in the best of what the marshes have to offer with the views across the sprawling flatlands being worth the effort to enjoy. You’ll continue up to Woodchurch, winding through Orlestone Forest and then down to Ham Street Woods for some singletrack fun! From there it heads back across to Bonnington and runs alongside the Royal Military Canal all the way home.
Want to check out some more of our favourite local routes? Head over to our Shop Rides & Local Routes page to find out more!
Explore our range of Gravel Bikes or head in-store to check them out in the flesh.
