Glorious Gravel: Cotswolds Gravel Sportive

A glorious 87km gravel sportive in the charming Cotswolds. Taking in sections of the Roman Fosse Way and off road tracks in the hills including the Cotswolds Way & Monarchs Way, this is a great day on the bike suitable to new & experienced gravel riders in a lovely part of the country.

Starting from Didmarton we initially head south on local bridleways, byways and country lanes to pick up in the wheel tracks of the Romans on a 20km long, almost arrow straight, section following the course of the Fosse Way. The first half of the route is generally flat or rolling but as we turn off the Fosse Way and head towards the Cotswolds Hills the terrain start to get a bit more challenging. We climb on gravel tracks up through Ozleworth Park across to Wotton-under-Edge to pick up sections of the Cotswolds Way and Monarchs Way following the edge of the Cotswolds escarpment. A final section across open country fields then around the outskirts of Badminton Park brings you back to the finish.

What’s Included

• GPX Files
• Pre ride briefing
• Two feed stops
• Free coffee & beer at the finish pub
• Ride marshals supporting you on the route

Preparing for the Ride

The Glorious Gravel Series is open to all off-road bikes. While it is aimed primarily at Gravel & Adventure bikes, which are essentially fat tyred drop bar bikes, you are also most welcome on a mountain bike or cyclocross bike. We recommend a tyre width of 33+mm for most for our rides. 

What to bring : You will be further from van support or facilities you would find in most towns than with our road trips so it is advisable to take a little more with you. 

GPS device with route loaded, Spare tube or Tubeless plug, Pump and/or CO2, Mini tool, Jacket and/or additional layers.

We will email you the GPX route & a full breakdown of the route one week before the ride. Our route director will then be at the start to give you last minute advice and tips. You will be asked to select a start window which we will then confirm one week before the ride to ensure you roll out in group sizes based on current restrictions.