GB divide

bikepacking.com/routes/gb-divide/

www.gbdivide.net/

The GB DIVIDE route runs the length of Britain, linking its wild places with its rich industrial past. Riders will experience a diverse range of geographies and micro cultures to give them a unique perspective of the rich history that has shaped the British Isles. Bursting with climbs and technical descents, this route will reward those with versatile ‘all-road’ setups and attitudes… expect road, gravel, singletrack, and everything in between.

We sought to utilise the versatility of ‘all-road’ bikes by designing a route that links GB’s most remote off-road riding via small roads, following the most direct natural line possible. The route passes through several National Parks (NP), areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and other mountain ranges including Exmoor NP, Quantock Hills AONB, Mendip Hills AONB, Brecon Beacons NP, Cambrian Mountains (aka the Desert of Wales), Snowdonia NP, Yorkshire Dales NP, North Pennines AONB, Kielder Forest Park, Scottish Borders, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs NP, Cairngorm NP, and the Scottish Highlands. With ~30,000m of climbing packed into the ~2,000km route, this is one for the mountain lovers.

The route also pays homage to Britain’s past, passing sights such as Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Falkirk Wheel, as well as providing a glimpse into vibrant city life by passing through Manchester city centre. It will also give riders an insight into the similarities and differences of the three countries that make up Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland). It is also full of contrasts; from the buzz of city life to the remoteness of Wales and the Highlands; from remnants of dark satanic mills to state-of-the-art wind farms; from fast road/gravel sections to singletrack and the odd hike-a-bike.

Pennduro

Organised by The Racing Collective, the Penduro is an event staged in the Pennines. The 2021 route is 160 km, and riders are timed in ‘enduro’ style segments along the way to make up an aggregate time.

However, it makes for a great bikepacking route too. You can take things easy on a hardtail mountain bike, or gun your way through on a gravel bike. Either way, the Pennines is a stunning place to ride your bike.

Distance: 160 km

Time: 1-3 days depending if your ‘race’ the route or travel more leisurely

[some questionable spots for bike access and busy roads]

King Alfred’s way

www.cyclinguk.org/route/king-alfreds-way-gpx-route

Immerse yourself in 10,000 years of history by riding this 350km loop around historic Wessex, the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Alfred the Great.

King Alfred’s Way starts and ends in Winchester where Alfred is buried, and connects iconic monuments including Stonehenge, Avebury stone circle, Iron Age hill forts, Farnham Castle, and Winchester and Salisbury Cathedrals.

Yorkshire Dales 300 (komoot)

www.komoot.com/collection/903458

Welcome to the Yorkshire Dales 300, brain child of local rider and cycle mechanic Stuart Rider. The official route is ridden annually as a participation event from Stuart’s workshop in Skipton, Riders Cycle Centre - but is also available to ride year round for cycle tourers or racers fancying a challenge with a timed Individual Time Trial (ITT).

If you’re looking for a straight-forward A to B route then this is not for you. But if the idea of a wiggling trail taking in all the most hidden off road gems, toughest climbs, most exposed moorland estate roads and testing singletrack is more your cup of Yorkshire Tea, then you’re in the right place. A total of 186 miles (300km) doesn’t sound like much, but don’t be fooled: this is one challenging route. You should consider your fitness level before attempting the Yorkshire Dales 300 as there are many testing climbs, even spread over five days.

The official route passes by many of the quaint towns of the Yorkshire Dales, so don’t be afraid to go ‘off route’ a little to visit these and sample their delightful tearooms and pubs! By splitting the route into five days here, there should be ample time for exploring the local sights, especially in the summer months with more daylight hours.

The best bike for this challenge is probably a hardtail mountain bike or similar. It certainly can be attempted on a gravel bike although some parts of the trails are quite technical so be prepared to walk a little! Remember that wild camping is not legal in this part of the UK so if you’d like to camp you’ll need to seek out campsites. Thankfully there are plenty to choose from in the Yorkshire Dales. It’s important to take a survival bag and other emergency equipment with you whether you’ll be camping or not, as some of the areas you reach are very remote which means emergency help could take some time to reach you.

Perhaps the best time to visit the Dales is late summer or early autumn - September and October. Here it will be less busy as the school holidays will be finished and the purple heather should be blooming - marvellous! Be aware that severe weather can strike year-round so make sure you’re prepared with good quality waterproofs and plenty of spare layers.

East Midlands cycleway (c.t)

cycle.travel/route/east_midlands