The Gravelton Rewind


After the success of The Gravelton, it was inevitable we would have to do it again but the other way round. A different way of managing your energy. Rather saving it up for the end, this time the nasty stuff was at the start, so riders have to manage how many matches they burn up the steep pitches of the Lickeys, Waseley and Clent Hills. Get it wrong and you’ll be hanging at the end.

There is now doubt this, in addition to The Gravelton, is one of THE biggest gravel challenges in the West Midlands. If you complete this route, you are a GOAT.

I’ve ridden this route once in 2023

Start & Finish

The published route starts in Alvechurch but you can start and finish anywhere en-route as long as you complete it.

The Route

Distance: 165km (102 miles)
Elevation: 1500m (4900ft)

The route starts in Alvechurch and works riders hard early doors as they deal with the seemingly endless steep pitches of the Lickeys, Waseley and Clent Hills. The flat of the canal and South Staffs Railway path will be welcome as the route meanders up through The Black Country and switches to some transitional tarmac before the fun of a lengthy loop of Cannock Chase. No rest for the wicked though, this is one of the high points of the route. More climbing guaranteed so refreshment is recommended. The chase done, riders traverse Gentleshaw Common for great views of the city in the distance. It’s a gravel scoot around Chasewater before some of the quietest and smoothest towpath around. Sadly it has to end at Aldridge for some more tarmac relief then it’s into Sutton Park with New Hall and Pype Hayes Parks following in quick succession. From here riders dip into and out of Birmingham City Centre on it’s world famous canal network. It’s almost canal all the way home except for a couple of kickers navigating over Wast Hills tunnel before picking the canal up again to finish. A well earned pint at The Crown Inn beckons.

The Rules

  1. Don’t drive to the route. If you need to drive, find somewhere suitable to park and park sensibly.
  2. Take your litter home.
  3. It’s not a race.
  4. 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.
  5. To claim your space on the GOAT wall of fame, submit it below
Submit my ride

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