bikepacking.com/routes/gb-divide/
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.
