The Gravelton is where it all started. An idea I had in Nov ’22 while bored looking for gravel events to ride the following year. There aren’t many in the Midlands without driving somewhere so I thought I’d make my own challenge up and invite others to take part.
One of my favourite rides ever was a 120 mile scoot around Brum back in 2018 with some mates. So in a similar vein I took that idea and mapped a 100 mile counter-clockwise offroad route around the city. A ton of gravel or The Gravelton as I called it was born.
There is now doubt this one of THE biggest gravel challenges in the West Midlands. If you complete this route, you are a GOAT.
I’ve ridden this route twice now in 2023 and 2024
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 winds it’s way up into and out of Brum City Centre, via it’s extensive canal network, before navigating Pipe Hayes Park, Sutton Park, Chasewater and a decent chunk of Cannock Chase. Then you’ll head home south via The Black Country for a real sting in the tail at the end as you traverse the Clent Hills, Romsley, Waseley Hills and the Lickey Hills one after the other. You are looking at 100+ miles and around 1700m of climbing in total. It’s an epic day out.
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
