Best UK Gravel Routes

Are you tired of battling heavy traffic on your weekend rides? You aren’t alone. Gravel cycling is exploding across the globe, drawing riders away from busy tarmac and onto quiet forestry tracks, rolling chalk hills, and historic trails.

Whether you are looking for a casual weekend spin or a multi-day bike-packing adventure, the UK has some fantastic gravel trails to explore. 

Ready to get off the beaten path? Here are some of the five best UK gravel cycling routes spread across England, Scotland, and Wales that are worth a visit.

UK Gravel Routes Overview

1. The Forest Escape: Kielder Forest, Northumberland

Photo credit: northumberlandadventure.co.uk*

If there is a spiritual home for UK gravel cycling, it is Kielder Forest. Covering over 250 square miles near the Scottish border, Kielder offers miles of traffic-free timberland riding. It is the ultimate playground for both beginners and seasoned endurance riders.

The Route: Kielder is a hub for numerous trails starting from Kielder Castle. Beginners can take on the Lakeside Way – a stunning 26-mile multi-user trail that tightly hugs the shoreline of Kielder Water. For a bigger challenge, the Cross Border Cycle Trail is a 30-mile forest road route connecting to the renowned 7Stanes centre in Scotland.

Terrain: Smooth forestry roads, hardpack dirt, and lakeside paths.

Top Tip: Try out the 1,000-yard timber fly-over on the Lonesome Pine Trail if you want a fun detour to avoid boggy terrain.

• 📍 Location: Northumberland, England
• 📏 Distance: 26 miles / 30 miles+ depending on route
• ⛰️ Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• 🚲 Bike: Gravel / All-Road
• 🌲 Terrain: Forestry roads, hardpack dirt, lakeside paths
• ⏱️ Time: Half to full day
• ☕ Best stop: Kielder Castle Café / Kielder village
• 🐕 Dog-friendly: Yes (on lead in busy areas)
• 🚆 Getting there: Parking available at Kielder Castle (NE48 1ER); nearest train station is Hexham (30 miles away).

Plan your visit to the Kielder forest >>

The Perfect Reid Bike Match: The Reid Firetrail Flatbar 1

Prefer a more upright, relaxed riding position when tackling variable mountain terrain? The Reid Firetrail Flatbar 1 takes the capability of a gravel bike and pairs it with the comfort and control of flat handlebars. It’s ideal for confident handling across changing surfaces.

Discover more about the Reid Firetrail Flatbar 1 

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2. The Welsh Lake District: Elan Valley Gravel Circuit, 

Mid Wales

Photo credit: elan-valley.co.uk

Looking for dramatic mountain views, historic reservoirs, and a taste of true Welsh wilderness? Swapping busy urban paths for the remote beauty of Powys, the Elan Valley Circuit delivers an unforgettable off-road experience in the heart of Mid Wales.

The Route: Starting from Rhayader, this loop takes you past Victorian engineering marvels including the Caban Coch and Craig Goch dams. You'll climb through open moorland on wide fire roads and skirt pristine reservoirs before making a fast, flowing descent back into the valley.

Terrain: Victoriana reservoir paths, exposed mountain passes, and hardpack forest fire roads.

Highlight: Cruising past the imposing Victorian dams while Red Kites soar over the open mountain valley

Top Tip: The weather in the Cambrian Mountains can change rapidly. Always pack a lightweight waterproof jacket, even if the forecast looks clear!

• 📍 Location: Powys, Mid Wales
• 📏 Distance: 28 miles (45 km)
• ⛰️ Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• 🚲 Bike: Gravel bike / Hardtail MTB
• 🌲 Terrain: Hardpack gravel, reservoir paths, exposed mountain tracks
• ⏱️ Time: 3 to 5 hours
• ☕ Best stop: Elan Valley Visitor Centre Café
• 🐕 Dog-friendly: Yes (must be kept under control due to grazing livestock)
• 🚆 Getting there: Parking at Elan Valley Visitor Centre (LD6 5HP); nearest train station is Llandrindod Wells (12 miles away).

Plan your visit to the Elan Valley >>

The Perfect Reid Bike Match: The Reid Kielder 2

The Yorkshire Wolds demand versatility. The Reid Kielder 2 dropbar gravel bike is designed to roll fast on tarmac while retaining the tyre clearance and disc-brake stopping power needed to confidently dive onto chalk paths and farm tracks.

Discover more about the Reid Kielder 2 dropbar 

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3. The All-Road Adventure: Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Route, East Yorkshire

Photo credit: yorkshirewoldscycleroute.co.uk

If your idea of gravel riding involves quiet country lanes seamlessly blending into farm bridleways and chalk tracks, the Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Route is calling. This is quintessential "All-Road" territory.

The Route: The full circular route is 146 miles, often ridden clockwise from towns like Beverley or Bridlington. It is best tackled over a few days, allowing you to stop at coastal spots like Bempton Cliffs, or the historic Sledmere House & Walled Garden. For a shorter trip, Driffield acts as a fantastic base with highly-rated gravel loops right on its doorstep.

Terrain: Rolling chalk hills, deep dry valleys, woodland tracks, and quiet backroads.

Top Tip: The chalk and gravel sections here are fast-rolling, making it the perfect route to cover ground quickly.

• 📍 Location: East Yorkshire, England
• 📏 Distance: Up to 146 miles (Day loops available from 20–40 miles)
• ⛰️ Difficulty: Moderate🚲 Bike: All-Road / Gravel
• 🌲 Terrain: Chalk tracks, farm bridleways, dry valleys, tarmac lanes
• ⏱️ Time: Multi-day touring or half-day loops
• ☕ Best stop: Sledmere House Kitchen / local bakeries in Driffield
• 🐕 Dog-friendly: Route-dependent (bridleways run near active farmland)
• 🚆 Getting there: Regular train services stop directly at Beverley, Driffield, and Bridlington.

Plan your visit to the Yorkshire Wolds >>

The Perfect Reid Bike Match: The Reid Kielder 3

Named after this exact forest, the Reid Kielder 3 gravel bike is built for this terrain. With wide tyre clearance for grip on loose forestry roads and comfortable endurance geometry, it’s the ultimate all-rounder for long days in the saddle.

Discover more about the Reid Kielder 3

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4. The Chalk Plateau: Salisbury Plain Gravel Circuit, Wiltshire

Photo credit: gravelunion.cc

If you want wide-open horizons without relentless steep mountain climbs, head to Southern England. Salisbury Plain spans over 300 square miles of chalk plateau, offering some of the fastest, smoothest off-road gravel riding in the UK.

The Route: Starting near Westbury or Andover, this loop navigates wide perimeter tracks and artillery roads managed by the Ministry of Defence. The route delivers massive sky views, ancient hill forts, and long flowing off-road stretches where you won't see a single car for miles.

Terrain: Fast-packed chalk trails, gravel tracks, and open plateau roads.

Highlight: The panoramic views near the Westbury White Horse and sweeping descents across rolling chalk hills.

Top Tip: Always check the MOD firing times schedule before riding, stick strictly to open public rights of way, and carry plenty of water!

• 📍 Location: Wiltshire, South West England
• 📏 Distance: 53 miles (85 km)
• ⛰️ Difficulty: Moderate🚲 Bike: Gravel / All-Road
• 🌲 Terrain: Packed chalk, doubletrack gravel, grass paths
• ⏱️ Time: 4 to 6 hours
• ☕ Best stop: Local pubs in Netheravon or Pewsey
• 🐕 Dog-friendly: Yes (on lead near agricultural & military boundaries)
• 🚆 Getting there: Direct train access via Westbury or Pewsey stations; ample parking near public access points.

Plan your visit to Salisbury Chalk Plains 

The Perfect Reid Bike Match: The Reid Firetrail 2 Dropbar

Fast-rolling chalk routes reward bikes that combine speed with stability. The Firetrail 2 Dropbar features lightweight geometry and wide-clearance rims to absorb chalk ruts while maintaining effortless momentum.

Discover more about the Firetrail 2 Dropbar 

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5. The Scottish Capital of Gravel: Gravelfoyle Loop, Aberfoyle

Photo Credit: bikeperfect.com

Known affectionately as the gravel capital of Scotland, Aberfoyle ("Gravelfoyle") offers world-class off-road trails winding through ancient forests and past tranquil lochs.

The Route: Operating in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, this loop uses a pristine network of Forestry Commission roads. The trail takes you past Loch Ard and Loch Chon, offering gentle gradients, predictable surfaces, and breath taking Highlands scenery.

Terrain: Smooth forestry gravel, loch-side tracks, and well-maintained woodland roads.

Highlight: Cycling along the edge of Loch Ard with the iconic peak of Ben Lomond looming in the distance.

Top Tip: Head to Aberfoyle village before or after your ride, it features a vibrant gravel community, bike hire options, and excellent coffee spots.

• 📍 Location: Stirling / Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, Scotland
• 📏 Distance: 23 miles (37 km)
• ⛰️ Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• 🚲 Bike: Gravel / All-Road / e-Gravel
• 🌲 Terrain: Forestry gravel roads, hardpack loch paths
• ⏱️ Time: 2 to 4 hours
• ☕ Best stop: Local cafés in Aberfoyle village
• 🐕 Dog-friendly: Yes (follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code)
• 🚆 Getting there: Parking available at Station Road Car Park in Aberfoyle (FK8 3UQ); nearest train station is Stirling (20 miles away).

Plan your visit to the Gravelfoyle loop 

The Perfect Reid Bike Match: The Reid Kielder 1

With steady woodland climbs and fast forest descents, the Reid Kielder 1 gives you multiple hand positions for maximum comfort and control on long climbs and flowing downhills.

Discover more about the Kielder 1 

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Know before you go

A little preparation goes a long way when heading out on the trails. Before you set off, take a few minutes to check the conditions, plan your route and make sure you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable ride. 

• Check weather and trail conditions before setting off
• Download your GPX route file to your bike computer or phone
• Carry enough food, water, and basic puncture repair tools
• Tell someone where you're going when riding remote routes
• Respect walkers, horse riders, and other trail users
• Leave gates as you find them (open or closed)
• Stick to permitted public rights of way and bridleways
• Leave no trace and take all your litter home with you

What bike do you need for gravel riding?

You don't need a dedicated race rig to start enjoying unpaved roads! There are many versatile bikes available that can help you have the off-road adventure you’re looking for, including:

• Dropbar gravel bikes: Drop-bar bikes featuring wider tyres (38mm - 45mm+), slacker geometry for off-road control, and lower gear ratios designed for climbing steep off-road tracks.
• All-road bikes: Versatile endurance road bikes with clearance for 32mm–38mm tyres. Perfect for routes that blend tarmac with smooth chalk or hardpack dirt.
• Flatbar gravel / Hybrids: Flat-handlebar gravel bikes provide a more upright riding position, giving excellent vision and control on forestry tracks, lakeside paths, and former railway lines.

Gravel etiquette: Share the trail

UK gravel routes aren't cycling-only spaces. Remind yourself and fellow riders to share the outdoors responsibly:

• Slow down around walkers: Pass slowly and use a friendly bell or greeting to announce your presence early
• Give horses plenty of space: Stop and ask the rider how best to pass, horses can spook easily if approached quickly from behind
• Follow local signs & access rules: Pay attention to seasonal closures, forestry work updates, and MOD firing warnings
• Keep dogs under control: Ensure pets don't disrupt grazing livestock or wildlife
• Avoid damaging muddy trails: If a track is severely waterlogged, ride through the center or walk to avoid widening the trail

Ready to hit the gravel?

Whether you are navigating the deep woods of Northumberland, crossing the reservoirs of Mid Wales, or sweeping across the rolling chalk hills of Wiltshire, having a versatile bike changes the way you experience the outdoors. You don't need to spend a fortune to start exploring - you just need a bike that is reliable, comfortable, and ready for mixed terrain.

Explore our full range of Reid Gravel Bikes today and start planning your next weekend escape!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are UK gravel routes suitable for beginners?

Yes! Routes like the Kielder Lakeside Way or the Gravelfoyle Loop feature smooth, wide surfaces with low gradients that are ideal for riders transitioning off the road for the first time.

What tyre width is best for UK gravel?

For general gravel riding, a tyre width between 38mm and 45mm offers the ideal balance of speed, puncture protection, and grip across changing terrain.

Can I ride these routes on an eBike?

Absolutely. eGravel bikes and eHybrids are fully permitted on all public bridleways, forestry roads, and multi-user paths across the UK.

Do I need a gravel bike for UK gravel trails?

Not necessarily! Hardtail mountain bikes or hybrid bikes with knobbly tyres will comfortably handle all five routes listed above.

Can you ride a road bike on Salisbury Plain or the Yorkshire Wolds?

Standard road bikes with thin 25mm or 28mm tyres will struggle on unpaved chalk and loose gravel due to a lack of traction and an increased risk of pinch flats. An all-road bike or gravel bike running 32mm–38mm tyres easily handles smooth hardpack and chalk transitions without sacrificing speed.

Do I need a GPS bike computer for remote UK gravel routes?

For self-contained paths, signed markers are easy to follow. However, remote routes through Kielder Forest, Salisbury Plain, or the Elan Valley often have limited mobile phone coverage. It is highly recommended to download offline GPX files onto a GPS bike computer or routing app before setting off.

What is the difference between a gravel bike and an all-road bike?

Gravel bikes feature wider tyre clearance (up to 45mm+), slacker geometry for off-road stability, and lower gearing for steep dirt climbs. All-road bikes bridge the gap between traditional road bikes and gravel bikes, offering faster on-road handling with enough tyre clearance (typically 32mm–38mm) to confidently tackle smooth chalk paths, light gravel, and rough country lanes.