Choose your Ride
36 miles | 3600 ft
Northern Fellmaster
Keswick
Venture into the remote Northern Fells around Skiddaw. After a gentle start from Alpkit Keswick along the old railway to Threlkeld, you'll head up the Glenderaterra Beck right into the heart of the fells. Stop for some refreshment in Hesket Newmarket before continuing on lovely back roads with views over the Solway Firth and distant Scottish mountains.
The route finishes with some gnarly 'Lake District gravel' and a steep descent into town where you'll find some hearty pub grub to finish off a great day out in the hills.
43 miles | 4875 ft
Ride ‘N’ Hope
Hathersage
Enjoy the Peak District's hills, trails and gritstone edges that surround the Hope Valley. Setting off from Alpkit Hathersage, you’ll hit some iconic peaks and climbs, including Shatton Moor, Mam Tor and Stanage Pole.
There’s plenty of Café’s along the way, From Coleman’s Deli next door to get you started to Penny Pot Café for that well deserved tea and cake. If you fancy a swim, take a quick plunge in Redmires reservoir before heading back to the shop.
Cafés/pubs:
Colemans Deli, Hathersage
Intrepid Brewery, Stretfield Road
Penny pot Café, Edale
Anglers Rest, Bamford
Blue Moo Café, Redmires
38 miles | 3225 ft
Lakes, Lanes and Lonnins
Ambleside
Find faraway nearby along the lakes, lanes and lonnins. Setting off from Alpkit Ambleside, you’ll head out towards Rydal water, where you’ll find your first swim spot of the day (that’s right, it’s not just a two-wheel adventure). Not long after you’ll find yourself on some gorgeous primo gravel in the Langdale valley, making the perfect spot for some photos of your much-loved steed. Take a quick pit stop at Elterwater for coffee and cake to set you up for your first big climb up towards Grizedale Forest. Sweep through the trees and crunch along the fire roads to bring you back down to Windemere to bag your second swim of the ride.
Further down the trail you’ll see Wray Castle, where you can find Joey’s café. It’s a slight detour off route but worth it for the cake! Weave down the last few sections of gravel and you’re back in Ambleside, finishing off the day with some hearty food in town!
38 miles | 3125 ft
Glen Nessie
Inverness
A round of highland grit exploring Glen Nessie. Setting off from Alpkit Inverness, you’ll head for the Great Glen Way through the hidden gem of the Abriachan area to Drumnadrochit. Pop into the Abriachan Eco cafe for coffee and cake and try your bike skills on the obstacles in the trails next to the native wood (a great spot for a family day out).
As you head back, you’ll find some lovely viewpoints of Inverness, making a perfect spot to capture one of many photos on route. Visit the Uilebheist distillery and cafe for a dram or coffee near the end of the trail. Finishing at Alpkit Inverness, and Red Point cafe in the Ledge Climbing Wall for a spot of in-store browsing with a brew.
63 miles | 3750 ft
A Ride of Two Halves
Metrocentre
A ride of two halves with a little bit of everything thrown in. Setting off from Alpkit Metrocentre, you’ll head towards the Pennines along Derwent walk. You’ll pass by Derwent Resevoir and onto some primo gravel in Slaley Forest, taking you through to Blanchland for your first fuel spot of the day. You’ll find some great pubs and café’s here. Take a moment to dip your feet in the river before climbing up Edmondbuyers Common to Waskerley Way, which is part of the off road C2C route (another one to add to the bucket list).
Not far after you’ll find yourself at Nana B’s café, before descending back down into town to finish back off at Alpkit Metrocentre. There’s a rich mining history in these parts of the North East so keep an eye out on route for contemporary art pieces paying homage to the industrial age.
39 miles | 1700 ft
Forest Trails and Forgotten Ways
Bristol
A round exploring local grit, forest trails and forgotten ways that surround and neighbour Bristol. Setting off from Alpkit Bristol, you’ll head out across the Clifton Suspension bridge into Ashton Court Park, look left for panoramic views over Bristol and Dundry Hill. After dropping into the Land Yeo Valley, you'll then head up Wild Country lane and up a sharp climb onto the top of Bourton Combe where you'll find some old ruins and more great views. You'll follow old Roman roads through the King's Wood before a view of the broad flank of Beacon Batch, tallest point in the Mendips, before descending into Wrington.
The latter half is a spin through the North Somerset levels, keep an eye out for Tyntesfield and Barrow Court nestled among the trees on opposite sides of the valley before the climb back into Ashton Court.
39 miles | 1250 ft
Escape Route
Kingston
Discover the hidden gems of Southwest London on our exhilarating 38.9-mile gravel cycling route! Starting at the Alpkit Kingston store, this trail winds through town, scenic parks and lush woodlands, extends down to the breathtaking Surrey Hills National Landscape, and loops back up for some coffee and snacks at your local Alpkit store.
Suitable for all skill levels, it promises thrilling gravel sections and stunning views so join us for a social ride that blends city scapes with natural beauty.
41 miles | 1725 ft
The Pencaitland Method
Edinburgh
Setting off from Alpkit Edinburgh, you’ll be heading for Pencaitland (AKA Head of the Woodland) to explore one of the oldest inhabited places in East Lothian. Here, Saltoun Forest awaits, a place where wizards once met the devil - so don’t hang around for too long!
The route then takes you on a cultural loop of the neighbouring area, taking in Winton Estate and Fa’side Castle, finishing off at Arthur’s Seat for those compulsory bike photos!
Café spot: Rosearista Coffee Shop, Pencaitland
50 miles | 4875 ft
Crossing the Wharfe
Ilkley
Setting off from Alpkit Ilkley you’ll be crossing the four moorlands which surround Wharfedale; Denton Moor, Pockstones Moor, Barden Moor and Ilkley Moor.
From the highest points you’ll enjoy views out to the peaks of the Yorkshire Dales and once in the valley will enjoy the quiet lanes, fast rolling gravel and beautiful vistas of the River Wharfe, which you will cross four times. A word of warning, this is Yorkshire and there’s a couple of steep climbs!
24 miles | 2425 ft
Celtic Rainforest
Betws-y-coed
Discover one of the unsung treasures that surround Betws-Y-Coed; the Celtic Rainforests. Setting off from Alpkit Betws-y-Coed, you’ll navigate through the wealth of nature, finding rare plants along the way. With plenty of lake and mountain views, you’ll be spoilt for choice on those mid-ride snack spots.
Before heading out, stock up at Popty Taderwen in town for some baked goods and then when you’re back, treat yourself to a Pizza down the road at Hangin’ Pizzeria.
Mountain journal
Grab a brew, kick back and relax with in-depth features, tales of derring-do and Go Nice Place Do Good Things.
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