F2F is inspired by the route taking riders out to the Wyre Forest and then onto the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Ironbridge.
Gravelton GOAT routes are specifically designed to be the hardest you can do. Expect high mileage, lots of climbing, many hours in the saddle. F2F packs in no less than 2000m of elevation over 100 miles with a stinging summit finish atop the Clent Hills. For those paying attention, you’ll see the route is a Wyre We Riding x Ironbridge Gorgeous mash-up. Two routes in a day!
Your reward for completing one of the hardest gravel routes in The Midlands? Eternity on the Gravelton GOATs Wall of Fame and Strava Kudos forever!
Start & Finish
The published route starts at The Village Cafe @ Belbroughton and finishes at the Four Stones, atop the Clent Hills.
The Route
Distance: 162km (101 miles)
Elevation: 2080m(6824ft)
The route leaves The Village Cafe @ Belbroughton and warms riders up with a few miles of tarmac then comes a chain of bridleways in quick succession before the route drops down onto the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal.
On some of the best towpath in the county, riders head south through the heart of Kidderminster to Stourport and then transfer to Burlish Top for the quick traffic-free descent to Bewdley. From here riders take a steady climb out of the town and drop into the Wyre Forest to pick up the disused railway line and then break for a loop up to the Visitors Centre and back on some of the best gravel around these parts.
Exiting the forest is a punchy climb up from Dowles Brook to Button Oak then riders enjoy some tarmac and a steep descent to Arley to cross the River Severn and pickup NCN Route 45 to Severn Valley Country Park From here riders track the famous railway and river northwards to Hampton.. A short climb out of the valley here then takes riders around the back of Chelmarsh Reservoir and off to the outskirts of Bridgnorth via a series of quiet lanes and bridleways.
Crossing the A458 via a bridge, you’ll ride through High Town to pick up the old railway line (NCN Route 45) on the otherside of town and then track northwards to Ironbridge. Just before the town you’ll detour and climb out of the valley and ride through Broseley and Benthall to drop back into the valley before arriving at the famous Ironbridge itself.
After crossing the river, riders climb up and through Rough Park and then descend onto Rough Park Way to pickup the old railway line again south. At Coalport riders cross back over the river and retrace to Bridgnorth and descend to Low Town and ride out to Dudmaston via Quatford. A loop of Dudmaston Woods beckons with a couple of bridleways and byways back to Alveley and a descent back to the Country Park. On to Trimpley now then Wolverley to pick the canal up again north towards Kinver. At Whittington riders turn for home and skirt Stourbridge on the Roman Road and tackle more bridleways before a summit finish at The Four Stones atop Clent Hills. It’s punchy, but the views are awesome and you will have achieved GOAT status!
Need to Know
- Share your ride afterwards.
- Invite your mates. Tell everyone about the ride.
- Park considerately on the day.
- Always take your litter home.
- Be self-sufficient. Make sure you have the route, your phone, spares, food, drink, money.
- Shut any gates.
- Ride within your capabilities and the rules of the road.
- Be courteous to other trail users and share your space nicely. A bell is highly recommended.
- Remember it’s a ride not a race.
Gallery
