Best Gravel & Bikepacking Routes in the UK

Sigma Sports’ Guide - Where to ride gravel bikes?

Cycling in the UK offers far more than a means of getting from A to B. Whether you’re looking for a multi-day bikepacking adventure, Britain’s cycling network provides routes to suit a wide range of abilities and interests. A well-chosen route can transform a simple ride into a truly memorable experience.

This comprehensive analysis - conducted by the team at Sigma Sports - looks at the best gravel and bikepacking routes that UK cycling has to offer and to rank the routes, we looked at the key factors in supporting longer, more self-sufficient journeys.

The team applied consistent, data-led assessment methods* to work out which routes combine accessibility, surface quality and environmental value, helping cyclists choose rides that best match their needs and aspirations. *Full methodology provided as an appendix.

How We Ranked the Best Gravel Routes UK

Looking for the best gravel routes UK has to offer? Planning multi-day bikepacking routes across Great Britain? Or simply wondering where to ride gravel bikes for your next adventure? Across the country, there are countless gravel bike routes that take in beautiful routes and scenic gravel paths, letting you explore charming villages, forests, and iconic landscapes on two wheels.

To identify the top routes for gravel riding and bikepacking, we analysed routes using a weighted scoring methodology:

Distance (75%) – Longer routes score higher, making them ideal for bikepacking and multi-day adventures.

Ease of Use (13%) – Based on a normalised ease score, favouring accessible, rider-friendly terrain.

Surface Quality / Asphalt Percentage (2%) – Lower asphalt percentages favour gravel suitability.

This prioritises routes that deliver proper adventure potential, extended mileage, and varied surfaces, exactly what gravel riders and bikepackers are looking for.

1. Devon Coast to Coast

Score: 14.86

The Devon Coast to Coast route is celebrated for its stunning scenery, including rolling hills, picturesque villages, dramatic coastlines, and scenic gravel paths. It connects the North and South coasts of Devon, showcasing the region’s diverse landscapes and offering a beautiful route for gravel bike rides. Spanning 157 km, this extensive route provides a good balance of distance and surface quality, making it ideal for bikepacking adventures. This route also features numerous campsites and amenities along the way, allowing for convenient stops and overnight stays.

2. Keswick to Threlkeld

Score: 21.01

The journey from Keswick to Threlkeld takes cyclists through the heart of the Lake District, offering breathtaking views of mountains, lakes and valleys. This long route stretches 424.9 km, providing ample opportunity for scenic exploration. While it features a lower asphalt percentage, its natural beauty and adventure potential make it a popular choice for bikepackers.

The varied terrain challenges keen cyclists while rewarding them with stunning landscapes and many opportunities for wildlife spotting. This route is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and experience the beauty of one of the UK’s most iconic national parks.

3. Bath to Bournemouth

Score: 11.97

Covering 132.2 km, this route features a good asphalt score, making it a comfortable ride for longer bikepacking trips. It takes cyclists through a mix of urban and rural landscapes.

The Bath to Bournemouth route combines the charm of the local historic towns with the beauty of the countryside. Cyclists can enjoy the stunning views of the Somerset hills and the picturesque coastline of Bournemouth. With various points of interest along the way, including heritage sites, natural attractions, and a market town, this route offers a delightful blend of culture and scenery.

4. Aire Valley Towpath

Score: 9.15

This 25.9 km route features a balanced asphalt score and provides a scenic experience along the River Aire, making it appealing for bikepackers looking for a shorter adventure.

The Aire Valley Towpath is ideal for those seeking a leisurely ride amidst beautiful landscapes. Cyclists can enjoy the peaceful waterside views while navigating through charming villages and towns. There are several nearby towns along the route that serve as convenient stops for refreshments, accommodation, and exploring local attractions, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed bikepacking trip.

5. Calder Valley Greenway

Score: 7.65

This 10.3 km route features a high percentage of traffic-free gravel trails, enhancing its appeal for bikepackers and casual cyclists alike.

The Calder Valley Greenway offers cyclists a scenic ride through the heart of West Yorkshire, with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The gravel trails provide a safe and enjoyable cycling experience, making it ideal for families and less experienced cyclists. With access to various parks and green spaces along the way, this route is perfect for those looking to combine cycling with outdoor activities.

Where To Ride Gravel Bikes in the UK

Gravel cycling has become an evermore popular activity in the UK, offering riders the chance to explore a wide variety of landscapes. From traffic-free greenways to bridleways, canal towpaths, and extensive off road sections, gravel riding opens up thousands of kilometres beyond traditional road cycling. Riders can enjoy gravel roads winding through forests, wild and remote countryside, and even routes that pass through stunning national park areas, making the most of the UK's diverse and scenic terrain.

1. National Cycle Network (NCN)

The UK’s National Cycle Network offers extensive traffic-free routes, many ideal for gravel bike rides and easily accessible from a city. Many NCN routes start or pass near a city, making them convenient for urban cyclists looking to quickly reach scenic and varied terrains. These include:

• Long-distance routes like Route 4 (697.8 km) and Route 26 (590.1 km) — both outstanding options for bikepacking.
• Route 1 (304.6 km) and Route 17 (148.9 km) — excellent for multi-day adventures.
• Route 23 (138.6 km) and Route 52 (157 km) — strong regional gravel touring options.

These routes frequently combine rail trails, canal paths and quiet lanes, perfect for endurance-focused gravel riders.

2. Disused Railway Lines – The UK’s Gravel Gold

The closure of railway lines created some of the best gravel routes UK riders now enjoy:

• Tarka Trail (Devon) – Ideal for long, flowing gravel bike rides.
• Bristol & Bath Railway Path (30.3 km) – Smooth, scenic and well-maintained.
• High Peak Trail (25.6 km) – Classic Peak District gravel.
• Calder Valley Greenway (12.4 km) – Traffic-free Yorkshire riding.
• South Tyne Trail (Northumberland) – Remote and atmospheric, a hidden gem for gravel riders seeking lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Rail trails are excellent for beginners building confidence and experienced riders seeking efficient mileage.

3. Canal Towpaths – Perfect for Multi-Day Gravel Adventures

The UK’s canal network offers thousands of miles of continuous gravel-friendly riding:

• Kennet & Avon Canal (Bath to London) – Ideal for bikepacking routes UK riders love.
• Leeds & Liverpool Canal (127 miles) – A classic long-distance gravel ride.
• Lagan Towpath (Belfast to Lisburn, 23.3 km) – High scoring and beautifully surfaced.
• Aire Valley Towpath – A scenic waterside route in Yorkshire.

Canal paths are excellent for steady-paced, fully loaded bikepacking, and often pass by places to eat, making them convenient for longer gravel bike rides.

4. Wales – A Gravel & Bikepacking Powerhouse

Wales stands out in the dataset for both quantity and quality of gravel bike rides.

Wales is renowned for its wild, rugged landscapes and extensive gravel bike routes, making it a top destination for gravel cycling enthusiasts. The region's scenic diversity, from remote mountain tracks to lush valleys, attracts riders seeking adventure and natural beauty. Gravel cycling has surged in popularity here, with a growing number of events, races, and long-distance routes drawing both competitive and recreational riders.

Top-performing Welsh routes include:

• Route 4 (697.8 km) – One of the UK’s highest scoring long-distance routes.
• The Caledonia Way (374.3 km) – Huge mileage and spectacular terrain.
• Route 26 (590.1 km) – Exceptional long-distance score.
• Taff Trail – Cardiff to Brecon (88.5 km) – A classic Welsh gravel ride. Swansea Valley (62.1 km) and Port Talbot to Kidwelly (55.4 km) – Excellent regional options.

If you’re searching for the best gravel routes UK for bikepacking, Wales consistently delivers distance, scenery and surface variety.

Terrain & Seasonal Considerations

Gravel riding in the UK varies hugely by season and weather conditions, which can significantly impact terrain, grip, and safety.

Summer: Most bridleways are firm and fast, but dry weather can make loose gravel more challenging to navigate.

Autumn/Winter: Expect mud — consider wider tyres and deeper tread. Wet weather can make surfaces slippery and unpredictable.

Canal paths: Generally rideable year-round, as gravel roads are more durable than muddy trails and less affected by seasonal changes.

Rail trails: Reliable in most conditions, offering consistent surfaces regardless of the weather.

Running lower tyre pressures than on roads improves grip and comfort on gravel. Gravel surfaces demand different techniques and bike setups than traditional road cycling, including the use of gravel tyres. Loose gravel provides significantly less grip than asphalt, so careful obstacle navigation is essential. Gravel biking can be enjoyed year-round in many regions due to the durability of gravel roads. Don’t hesitate to walk technical sections, gravel riding is about exploration, not ego.

Best Gravel Routes UK by Region

South West

Bristol & Bath Railway Path: A popular traffic-free gravel path connecting two vibrant cities, ideal for relaxed gravel bike rides and suitable for all abilities.

China Trail (33.4 km): A compact gravel route with woodland sections and open fields, perfect for riders seeking a shorter adventure.

Drakes Trail (33.7 km): This scenic trail offers a mix of gravel paths and wooded sections, passing through tunnels and over viaducts for a memorable gravel biking experience.

Yorkshire & Humber

• Aire Valley Towpath
• Calder Valley Greenway
• Route 699 (107 km)
• Route 696 (191.2 km)
• York to Beningbrough (20.7 km)

East of England

• Route 52 (157 km)
• Ely to Wicken Fen (150.3 km)
• Hertfordshire Greenways (141.5 km)
• Cycle to the Wash (18.2 km)
• Peddars Way: Follows an old Roman road from Hunstanton in North Norfolk to Thetford Forest, offering a route rich in historical significance and scenic variety.

Norfolk is a hidden gem for gravel bike rides in the East of England, with its diverse terrain, iconic landmarks, and off-the-beaten-path routes perfect for adventurous cyclists.

North West

• Route 685 (76.4 km)
• Low Furness Ride (50.3 km)
• Whitehaven to Sheriffs Gate (36.2 km)

South East

• Thames Path sections (Hampton Court to Putney – 219.4 km)
• Downs Link (34.3 km) Viking Coastal Trail (16.6 km)
• South Downs Way – A premier gravel biking destination, the South Downs Way offers stunning scenery across rolling chalk hills and is renowned as one of the UK's top gravel biking routes.

Planning Your Own Gravel Bike Ride

One of the best answers to “where to ride gravel bikes UK?” is simple: build your own. When planning your own gravel bike ride, it's important to know where your route starts, as this helps with navigation, parking, and overall logistics for your adventure.

Use Bridleways & Byways

The UK’s bridleway system legally allows cycling and often links perfectly into gravel-friendly terrain. Many are ideal for: Day-long gravel bike rides Overnight micro-adventures Linking into longer bikepacking routes UK wide Exploring forest tracks

Route Planning Tools

Komoot Select “gravel bike” as your riding style Automatically generates suitable routes Highlights feature shows user-recommended gravel sections

OS Maps Excellent for visualising terrain Clearly marks bridleways and byways Great for big-picture planning Many riders combine OS Maps for planning and Komoot or GPS computers for navigation.

Gravel Bike Rides vs Bikepacking Routes UK

Many routes in this guide can be ridden either way, simply adjust distance and gear. Gravel bikes offer the versatility to explore a wide range of terrain on two wheels, making them ideal for both short rides and longer bikepacking adventures.

Final Thoughts: The Best Gravel Routes UK Has to Offer

From the rolling Devon coast to the Lake District mountains, from Welsh valleys to Yorkshire towpaths, the UK is one of the most varied gravel riding destinations in Europe.

Whether you’re:

• Searching for where to ride gravel bikes
• Planning epic bikepacking routes
• Or simply looking for the best gravel routes UK for your next adventure

There’s never been a better time to load up your bike and explore beyond the tarmac. For a truly complete adventure, consider tackling the whole route of your chosen gravel bike ride, experiencing every segment from start to finish for the full challenge and a deeper connection with the landscape. Gravel riding isn’t just about the surface, it’s about freedom, discovery and finding the quiet places in between.