The only gravel route I know that has a summit finish and is a tweaked route originally created by local gravel and MTB legend Ben Dale. After 180km in your legs, a climb up to the top of the Worcestershire Beacon trig point, the Malvern Hills’ highest hill is always gonna hurt but the views and the satisfaction of completing one the hardest gravel rides you’ll do around these parts should be enough to keep your pedals turning. There is no sugar-coating this one. Although there is plenty of tarmac to rest and eat up some miles, it’s the real deal. It takes in some iconic locations on the way. Gloucester Quays, Severn Bridge, Tidenham Tunnel, Wye Valley and The Malvern Hills are all ticked off on this one. Have your camera ready. This route creates memories.
I rode this route in 2024
Start & Finish
The route starts at the West of England Quarry car park and finishes atop the Worcestershire Beacon
The Route
Distance: 187km (116 miles)
Elevation: 1970m (6463ft)
From the car park it’s straight offroad following one of The Malvern Hills published MTB trails which are fine for gravel bikes. At the southern end of the hills, riders drop off past British Camp above and jump onto a lengthy tarmac sector which is an opportunity to eat up some miles through the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside. At Maisemore riders pick up the river-side route through the quays and onto the Gloucester canal all the way to Sharpness where the canal meets the Severn Estuary. From here the route to the Severn Bridge is littered with great trails to spice things up and keep things interesting. The Severn Bridge crossing is always a delight to behold. A quick scoot through Chepstow sees riders head into the famous Tidenham tunnel, so dark (lights are banned because of bats), you’ll be almost bouncing off the walls. Then, if you can stay on route, you’ll enjoy a beautiful ride up the Wye Valley following a mix of bridleways, disused railway lines and quiet lanes. From Goodrich, riders will skirt Ross-on-Wye enjoy a nice gravel sector in Queens Wood and then it’s onto Ledbury to prepare for the finish. Frith Wood is the first softener with small kickers upto Colwall sapping your last remnants of energy. The final assault technically begins with gravel climb of Brockhill Road where the gravel runs out and the gradient exponentially rises at the end. Take a breather hereas you’ll enjoy a brief bit of freewheeling before the final assault to the trig point begins proper. There is no let up. It’s steep, often windy, pray it’s not raining. It won’t be long before you are climbing on an open escarpment at the mercy of the elements and the gradient. Only the finish above you keeping you going. When you get there. Soak up the magnificent views. You will have earned them.
The Rules
- Don’t drive to the route. If you need to drive, find somewhere suitable to park and park sensibly.
- Take your litter home.
- It’s not a race.
- Be courteous to other trail users. The route is open to the public and it gets narrow in places so be prepared to share your space nicely if you have to. A bell is highly recommended.
- To claim your space on the GOAT wall of fame, submit it below
Gallery
