The summer time and early autumn months supply the best climate circumstances for gravel biking — an exciting, off-road expertise for the adventurous bike owner. Initially gaining recognition within the US, because of undisturbed patches of tough terrain that stretch for miles, gravel biking is a comparatively new phenomenon right here within the UK.
With the game being such a current addition on our aspect of the pond, you could be questioning the place you may give gravel biking a attempt. Fortunately, we’ve come ready — bringing you probably the most stunning gravel biking trails throughout the nation.
Utilizing a seed checklist of gravel trails from across the UK, we analysed Instagram hashtags to find out which trails are probably the most closely photographed, being shared on-line for his or her picturesque surroundings and thrilling programs. So, with out additional ado, let’s have a look at a number of the most scenic gravel bike trails!
The UK’s High 10 Instagrammable Gravel Trails
- South Downs Hyperlink, Winchester, South East England – 413,825 hashtags
In first place is the South Downs Hyperlink path, situated in South East England. This gravel path includes 37 miles of off-road observe via the attractive Sussex countryside, following an deserted railway line. As a comparatively quick path, the Downs Hyperlink is good for a day within the Nice Outdoor.
Beginning in St Martha’s Hill, close to Guildford, and ending in Shoreham-by-Sea on the West Sussex coast, this path takes you thru open terrain that covers principally flat floor — making it appropriate for cyclists of all expertise ranges. In whole, there have been over 413,825 hashtags selling this gravel path on Instagram.
- North Yorkshire Moors Ramble, Yorkshire, North England – 200,875 hashtags
Subsequent in our breakdown of the UK’s most Instagrammable gravel trails is the North Yorkshire Moors Ramble, situated within the North of England. This looping observe is ideal for lengthy weekends, spanning 199 miles of blended terrains — together with inclines, open stretches, and mediaeval flagstone paths. This path is designed with skilled cyclists in thoughts and is predicted to take round 4 days to finish.
The ramble begins and ends within the historic fishing port city of Whitby, offering pleasant hospitality to get you in your approach. We discovered 200,875 Instagram hashtags for this gravel path — and it’s not troublesome to see why. Alongside the route, you’ll expertise breathtaking views of the encompassing Jurassic cliffs and the North Sea shoreline, making this a trip to recollect.
- Cannock Chase, Rugeley, West Midlands – 162,159 hashtags
This subsequent gravel path is ideal if high-speed endurance biking is extra of your forte. Cannock Chase is a brief 74 km gravel observe situated within the Midlands. Mixing scenic forest paths and quiet nation again roads, this path fits all expertise ranges. It provides a superb alternative for these trying to put together for larger, tougher tracks later within the season. Right here, you’ll discover a wholesome mixture of open flat stretches and thrilling inclines, making for an exhilarating trip suited to these with busier existence.
In case you’re in search of a weekend away, the close by Tackeroo Campsite provides free tenting on Friday nights, making the Cannock Chase path supreme for brief biking breaks with family and friends. We discovered that, in whole, 162,159 Instagram hashtags have been used for this path, proving its recognition amongst cyclists and budding photographers alike.
- The West Highland Approach, Milngavie, Scotland – 152,524 hashtags
In fourth place is certainly one of Scotland’s most beloved gravel biking routes — the West Highland Approach. This 96-mile observe stretches between Milngavie and Fort William and takes you thru the Scottish highlands, providing loads of difficult terrain and scenic views.
Designed for the extra skilled cyclists, this path will take you throughout many landscapes — together with loch shorelines, open moorlands, steep mountains, and open countryside. We discovered 152,524 Instagram hashtags for this location, proving its continued recognition with cyclists yr after yr.
- The Ridgeway, The Chilterns, South East England – 98,123 hashtags
The fifth most Instagrammed gravel biking path is The Ridgeway, present in Chiltern within the South East of England. Spanning throughout Britain’s oldest street, The Ridgeway covers over 87 miles of scenic open countryside that takes you previous historical hill forts and provides unrivalled panoramic views.
For knowledgeable riders, this path might be lined in simply sooner or later. Nonetheless, for many cyclists, it will have to be conquered over a two-to-three-day journey at a extra leisurely tempo. In whole, The Ridgeway has 98,123 Instagram hashtags — with many selecting to share this path’s magnificence on-line.
- Elan Valley Loop, Elan Valley, Wales – 66,259 hashtags
Subsequent is the Elan Valley Loop, situated in its Welsh namesake, the Elan Valley. This 50-mile loop provides gorgeous views of the native landmarks — together with Satan’s Bridge, the Claerwen reservoir and the Victorian dams close to Rhayader. You’ll begin and end the path at Llangurig, close to the pinnacle of the river Wye. You’ll go Cambrian mountains and huge, open terrain alongside the route, offering a singular trip.
As a result of hilly nature of this path, newbies are suggested to proceed with warning and unfold the journey over a number of days if wanted. These with earlier expertise will discover the Elan Valley Loop difficult however not troublesome. We discovered 66,259 Instagram hashtags for this path in whole, which isn’t a shock — contemplating the wealthy panorama surrounding the gravel pathway!
- Kielder Forest, Hexham, North East England – 41,800 hashtags
In seventh place is Kielder Forest, situated within the Northumberland Nationwide Park and simply north of the village of Alwinton. This forest path is the right setting for a weekend of difficult time trials and rugged terrain. The observe runs via England’s largest forest, comprising 90% off-road routes. Select between the 159 km path for skilled riders or the shorter, barely simpler 59 km for these newer to gravel biking.
Flip your path right into a weekend journey simply, because of its prime location, which supplies entry to a number of native lodges and tenting choices. We discovered 41,800 Instagram hashtags for this path, undoubtedly as a result of picturesque woodland setting.
- The Taff Path, Cardiff, Wales – 19,256 hashtags
The eighth most stunning UK gravel biking circuit is The Taff Path, stretching for 55 miles between the gorgeous Welsh city of Brecon and the trendy metropolis of Cardiff. In your route, you’ll traverse throughout a mix of riverside paths, forest roads, and railway aspect tracks. Attributable to its various terrains, sturdier bike fashions are suggested — significantly these with a strengthened suspension system.
There’s a lot to see alongside the best way to Cardiff, from sprawling Welsh countryside to castles which have jumped straight out of a fairytale. We discovered 19,256 Instagram hashtags for this bike path, demonstrating its recognition with cyclists of all expertise ranges.
- The Hebridean Approach, Isle of Vatersay, Scotland – 13,160 hashtags
In ninth place is the second Scottish entry on this checklist, The Hebridean Approach. Situated in Scotland’s rural Outer Hebrides, this path is really in contrast to every other. Spanning 297 km throughout ten Scottish islands, this difficult route is good for a bikepacking journey with pals. You’ll begin your journey on the Isle of Vatersay, ending within the Butt of Lewis. Alongside the best way, you’ll use ferries and causeways to island-hop as you head in direction of your ultimate vacation spot. On common, this path takes between 5-6 days to finish, relying on expertise degree.
Attributable to its prolonged and difficult terrain, The Hebridean Approach is really helpful for skilled gravel cyclists in search of their subsequent journey. General, we found 13,160 Instagram hashtags for this distinctive cycle path, which isn’t stunning, with such breathtaking surroundings to be loved at each stage of your journey.
- Pennine Bridleway, Derbyshire, North England – 4,433 Instagram hashtags
Final however under no circumstances least is the ultimate gravel path on our checklist, Pennine Bridleway. This 186-mile behemoth will convey you thru the long-lasting Pennine Hills, located within the North of England. You’ll be handled to historic ruins and quaint, picturesque cities alongside the best way. The route takes a median of 5 days to finish, making it the right problem for an extra-long weekend with family and friends.
Whereas this route is much from beginner-friendly, these with some prior expertise in gravel biking will benefit from the twists and turns of this path because it guides you thru a number of the most stunning surroundings within the nation. We discovered 4,433 Instagram hashtags for this route, with many cyclists desperate to share the sights with others on-line.
5 Knowledgeable Ideas for Biking on Gravel
In case you’re new to biking on gravel and not sure the place to begin, there’s no must panic. We’ve gathered our high ideas from our resident gravel biking professional — Joe Holden, Showroom Supervisor at Merlin Cycles — that can assist you get pleasure from this thrilling sport whereas prioritising your security.
- Keep relaxed
Staying relaxed when gravel biking is essential for each security and delight. Once you’re tense, your reactions can grow to be jerky, rising the danger of shedding management on the unpredictable terrain. By staying calm and relaxed, you preserve higher steadiness and are extra attuned to the altering circumstances beneath your tyres. This enables for smoother navigation via gravel and different uneven surfaces. Furthermore, a relaxed mindset will enable you to preserve vitality, enabling you to trip longer and with extra focus. That is particularly vital for gravel trails, as many embody sharp turns, inclines, and different difficult options.
Joe explains, “in the case of gravel biking, staying relaxed isn’t just about consolation; it’s additionally about management. Holding a relaxed manner permits riders to adapt to the ever-changing terrain with finesse and confidence, guaranteeing a safer and extra gratifying trip.”
- Flip along with your weight, not the handlebars
Utilising your physique weight to provoke turns whereas gravel biking provides a number of benefits over relying solely on the bike’s handlebars. You possibly can preserve higher traction and stability by leaning your physique into the flip, particularly on unfastened gravel surfaces the place sudden actions can result in lack of management.
This method permits for smoother transitions and extra environment friendly cornering, because it engages all the bike and makes use of pure momentum physics to your benefit. Moreover, utilizing your weight helps to cut back pressure on the bike’s steering parts, prolonging their lifespan and decreasing the danger of mechanical points mid-ride.“In gravel biking, mastering the artwork of utilizing your physique weight to navigate turns is crucial. By leaning into the corners, riders can preserve management and stream via various terrains with precision,” says Joe. “This ensures that you’ve a extra gratifying and exhilarating expertise on the gravel roads and minimises your possibilities of skidding uncontrolled — which has the potential to lead to damage.”
- Ease off the entrance brake
Once you’re gravel biking, exercising warning with the entrance brake is important to take care of management and stability on unpredictable terrain. Not like on paved roads, the place the entrance brake might be utilized extra aggressively for fast stops, gravel surfaces require a gentler contact. Utilizing an excessive amount of entrance brake on unfastened gravel could cause the wheel to lock up, resulting in skidding and potential lack of management. Moreover, many gravel tracks embody steep inclines and drops. Utilizing an excessive amount of entrance brake on a downhill may end up in the bike tipping ahead, resulting in the potential of hurting your self. By steadily making use of the entrance brake whereas distributing braking drive to the rear wheel, riders can successfully decelerate with out compromising stability.
- Keep seated through the climbs
Remaining seated whereas climbing hills on a gravel bike means that you can be much more environment friendly along with your vitality utilization throughout your trip. By staying seated, riders can higher utilise their physique weight to take care of traction on the rear wheel, stopping it from slipping on unfastened gravel surfaces. This additionally permits for a smoother pedalling movement, which helps preserve vitality throughout extended climbs. “When tackling hills on gravel, staying seated is the secret. By remaining within the saddle, riders can preserve higher management and traction, optimising their climbing effectivity whereas minimising the danger of wheel spin on difficult terrain,” Joe explains.
- Distribute your weight
Successfully distributing your weight is essential in gravel biking for varied causes. Correct weight distribution ensures that tyres preserve constant contact with the bottom, maximising traction and stability on uneven surfaces. It’s important for braking, too; by shifting weight in direction of the rear throughout braking, riders stop the entrance wheel from skidding, enabling extra managed stops.
When descending, shifting weight in direction of the rear helps stop the bike from tipping ahead, sustaining steadiness and management all through your trip. Moreover, leaning backwards assists in lifting the entrance wheel over any obstacles, decreasing the danger of getting caught or shedding momentum on uneven terrain.
Gravel biking made easy with Merlin Cycles
Are you able to put your pedals to the check and get began in your gravel biking journey? At Merlin Cycles, we’ve got a wide range of state-of-the-art gravel bikes particularly designed to trip on uneven terrain with out inflicting injury to the suspension, braking, or different bike parts.
In case you plan on taking up one of many tougher trails on this checklist, we’ve got the right biking equipment to pack your necessities on an prolonged journey, together with pannier baggage and must-have helmets to maintain you secure on any floor.
Methodology
UK gravel biking trails had been gathered from a seed checklist created by Liv Biking. These trails had been then used to seek for hashtags on the social media platform, Instagram. Trails had been ranked based mostly on the variety of Instagram hashtags they acquired. All information was collected in Might 2024 and was right on the time of writing.
