The Winchcombe Wanderer

This is a #newevent for 2026 presented in collaboration with local rider Simon. A rather punchy affair born from the success of The Broadway Grinder last October. Expect some tough climbs, exhilerating descents and some of the best gravel in the Cotswolds is guaranteed! It’s a fabulous area to ride a bike and routemaster Simon has carefully curated a selection of his best local trails to share with us. Enjoy!

Gravelton Events are not official or sanctioned. They are self-supported group rides. Same route, same day. It’s just you, your bike and your mates having fun.

All riders who wish to join me on a ride agree to adhere to my code of conduct. Have fun and share your ride with everyone else in the community afterwards.

How to Enter

Entry is FREE. Just turn up but I do recommend you subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest route and event info.

The Route

The route climbs straight out the gate past Sudeley Castle but quickly picks up the first trail of the day. At the summit it’s onto the Campden Lane sector to the top of Stanway for a short loop that tracks back around then heads out SE towards Guiting Power and Barton. At the village of Upper Slaughter, riders turn for home and take a meandering course on some fab trails westbound through Cold Aston, Turkdean and Brockhampton then a loop out to the edge of Cleeve Common sitting high above Cheltenham for some breathtaking views. From here its a descent back to base in Winchcombe.

You can download a GPS file from the Gravelton GPS Folder in any format you want or use the Komoot link below

Short coursers follow the same path as the main route but just before Guiting Power take a short cut missing the loop out to Upper Slaughter.

Need to Know

1. Invite your mates. Tell everyone about the ride.
2. Remind yourself of my code of conduct
3. Park considerately on the day.
4. Always take your litter home.
5. Be self-sufficient. Make sure you have the route, your phone, spares, food, drink, money.
6. Shut any gates.
7. Ride within your capabilities and the rules of the road.
8. Be courteous to other trail users and share your space nicely. A bell is highly recommended.
9. Remember it’s a ride not a race.
10. Share your ride afterwards.

Refreshments

Pre and post-ride refreshments are available in Winchcombe town centre. But fill your boots, en-route, due to the remoteness of the course, cafe’s etc are sparse apart from The Old Post Office @ Guiting Power and The Old Mill @ Lower Slaughter. There may possibly be a coffee van @ Lower Slaughter too.

Parking

Parking is available at the Back Lane Car Park in Winchcombe which is Pay and Display. A smaller car park is available nearby in Bull Lane and further afield at Toddington there is free car park at Toddington Station. There is limited parking in nearby streets too but park sensibly with a thought for others