Rapha Pennine Rally 2023

The Rapha Pennine Rally returns for a third edition!

Applications to take part are open from 9-27 January 2023.

Launched in 2021, the Pennine Rally is a 500km off-road ride from the Scottish capital Edinburgh along the Pennines mountain range to Manchester.

Organisers Rapha say: "Part long-distance audax, part multi-day stage race; half cross course, half hill-climb, the Pennine Rally is a mud-spattered mongrel of a ride.

"But for those brave enough to enter, all manner of rewards lie in wait high on the fells and deep in the forests on our self-supported gravel adventure along Britain’s mountainous backbone."

Riders must navigate their own way along the course using the GPX files provided. There are three check points en route, and the ride is self-supported - entrants must find their own food and accommodation along the way, with wild camping encouraged.

The route features a mix of "gravel roads, byways, drovers' roads and bridleways" with only the occasional stretch of tarmac, meaning a gravel/adventure/cyclocross bike looks a good shout - at the very least. It's definitely not a parcours for your thoroughbred road bike, and a mountain bike may not be out of place.

With a generous-sounding five days to complete the course, Rapha emphasise this is a rally not a race - all the better to enjoy the surroundings.

"Expect stunning scenery and remote riding as you navigate the length of the Pennine range, passing through the Scottish Borders, the North Pennines, the Yorkshire Dales and the Forest of Bowland before the final approach to the finishing party at Rapha Manchester."

Having ridden the first edition in 2021, we can confirm this is one of the best few days cycling you can have anywhere - an unforgettable experience.

Entry is by application and with just 125 places on offer, only a lucky few will take to the start line. As in previous editions, Rapha will allocate at least 50% of entries to under-represented groups in cycling, including female riders.

Included in the £150 entry fee is a GPS spot tracker, pre-ride breakfast and a finishers' feast at Rapha Manchester.

Applications are open until 27 January 2023.

In the meantime, check out some of the riders' rigs from the 2021 edition here:

> Bikes of the Rapha Pennine Rally 2021 >