Intro
A new event for 2024, we head up into the Peak District to enjoy the fabulous Tissington and High Peak Trails and a nice loop around the banks of Carsington Water
This event is based on a route I rode back in 2021. One Tuesday morning I woke up. I was on my own with nothing to do, so I decided to put my bike on the car and drive to Ashbourne. It ended up been a great day out on the gravel bike so I thought I’d share.
It’s a completely non-technical course. Just wide flat gravel trails (disused railway lines + roads)
The Date
Saturday 20th April 2024
The Start & Finish
Ashbourne Leisure Centre Car Park, Ashbourne, Derby DE6 1AA
A start around 10am is advisable
The RIDE
The ride is not an official event, it’s a self-supported group ride on the same route on the same day. You are on your own. Just rock up and ride with your mates and enjoy the day out on your bike then some food and drink afterwards.
Share your ride with other Graveltonions and join The Gravelton Strava Club
Ride whatever bike you want. Just have fun.
How to Enter
Entry is free, just turn up but I do advise you subscribe to the event’s newsletter to keep in the loop.
The Route
How to download a Gravelton Route
The route is a 75km gravel fest with over 80% offroad. Riders take the Tissington Trail north and gently climb into the heart of the Peak District traffic-free and among amazing views.
At the far end of the trail, riders take a quick tarmac loop to break things up before re-joining the trail again briefly then diverting onto the High Peak Trail south-east towards Carsington Water.
A loop around the shore line gives way to a quiet tarmac transition cross-country back to the Tissington Trail then downhill back to Ashbourne to finish.
This route is completely untechnical. Just kick back and enjoy the views
You can download the route here (click on menu, then download)
https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2494029
Highlights
- FREE to enter
- Paid Parking Available
- NO Number
- NO Feed stations
- NO Photographer
- NO Medal
- NO T-Shirt
- Great views
- Various surfaces
- 1200m climbing
The Rules
- Take your litter home
- Be self-sufficient. There is no backup on the day
- Shut any gates
- It’s not a race, it’s a day out on the bike.
- 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.
- Complaints. That’s a you problem. I’m not interested.
Parking
The car park can get busy on weekends and is pay and display.
Gallery
