Events

Private, individual and group bookings available throughout the year. Contact us to discuss your requirements. Scroll down to see what we have planned.

Full joining instructions are provided before each event.

Unless classified as a 'social' ride, under British Cycling guidance you'll be asked to complete a pre-ride form with emergency contacts, medical declaration etc. Please see our Terms and Conditions page for further detail.

A suitable cycling helmet must be worn.

Ebike riders may have to be patient at the top of climbs to allow those of us on standard bikes to regroup! If you’re using electronic componentry don’t forget to charge your batteries AND bring them with you!

Routes may be subject to change depending on weather /ground conditions or forestry operations.

If you need advice about what to bring or have a burning question that isn't answered in the bumf just give us a ring or drop us a message.

Yorkshire Dales Gravel Explorer

30th September - 1st October 2023

£120 pp. Accommodation based on B&B en-suite - twin sharing basis; (single room supplement dependent on availability)

Tell me more...

Reeth, in the heart of Swaledale is set in a natural amphitheatre surrounded by glorious moorland with miles of off-road cycling - making it an ideal destination for a gravel biking mini-break.

Meeting at 10:00 on Saturday, 30th of September 2023, we’ll explore a flowing route using ancient moorland drove roads, bridleways and small lanes. Expect to cover around 65 km / 40 miles with big views before returning to our starting point to refuel and relax.

An evening meal (not included) can be taken at the hotel with the group or feel free to visit one of /all of the 3 other local pubs.

On Sunday, after a hearty breakfast, we'll cover a slightly shorter route of around 50 km / 30 miles – finishing mid afternoon to allow ample time for celebratory refreshments or onward travel.

You will be part of a small group with a maximum of 6 participating riders. Your guide is an experienced British Cycling Mountain Bike Leader; Outdoor First Aid qualified; enhanced DBS.

Who is this for?

Anyone who enjoys riding socially and / or is looking to dip their toe into exploring off-road.

Riders should be comfortable in covering the distances given in the description over a wide variety of surfaces at a steady pace (with rest stops) including longer, sustained climbs and descents.

Riding off-road requires significantly more energy and is naturally slower than riding on tarmac.

This is not a technical MTB weekend or road time trial. Expect to cover each day's route at a decent but sociable pace allowing time for refuelling, photo's etc... no one gets left behind!

If your partner doesn't ride but would like to come along to enjoy Swaledale's independent shops, cafes and countryside please contact us for a 'non-riding partner rate'.

What is included?

Guided riding with an experienced British Cycling Mountain Bike Level 2 leader; Outdoor First Aid Qualified, Enhanced DBS.
Saturday night accommodation in a centrally located, small hotel with restaurant. Parking. Twin sharing basis; single occupancy dependent on room availability.
A hearty English breakfast on Sunday morning.
Secure overnight cycle storage - although we always encourage participants to bring their own lock.
GPX files of routes (on request).

Which bike?

The clue is in the title! A well-maintained gravel bike with 38-50mm tyres is ideal; a hardtail 29er, cyclocross or a rugged hybrid bike with suitable tyres would also work.

Sorry, but the routes aren’t suitable for traditional road bikes.

What else should I bring?

A suggested 'kit-list' will be shared prior to the event.

If required, your guide will assist with minor mechanicals that occur whilst riding but your are advised check your bike over in plenty of time and if you’re in any doubt, book it in for a once-over or service with a local bike shop. Don't worry, we're not going to leave you stranded should a 'mechanical' occur!

For emergency spares or repairs,The Dales Bike Centre is open from 09:00-17:00 both days.

In addition to your helmet, normal riding kit, spare tubes / pump, multitool etc. It's good practice to bring spares that are specific to your bike such as a chain link, brake pads and a gear (mech) hanger.

Check the weather forecast in the days coming up to the event and bring suitable kit, food and water for full days in the hills. A good waterproof jacket, extra warm layer, spare pair of waterproof gloves and Buff can make all the difference if the weather decides not to play ball!

Most popular: available throughout the year! Central Lakes Flow 2 dayer.

Limited to six places.

Guide price: from £200 pp with accommodation / £120pp without accommodation. (Contact us for availability and group rates).

Tell me more...

We will share some of our favourite natural trails in the central Lake District. Covering everything from forest double track to rocky, techy singletrack – we'll seeking out the routes with the best flow! The hills of the central fells aren't as gnarly or high as the fells of the northern Lakes so consequently the trails are more rider-friendly with less need for hike-a-bike. You won’t have to worry about navigation or whether trails are rideable, you can just enjoy the ride!

Meeting at 10:00 on Day 1 we’ll travel through some superb scenery with a number of exciting descents, covering up to 25 miles before returning back to our starting point; making sure there’s plenty of time for photos, snacks and recuperation!

Day 2’s ride will start at the same time, same place but will be slightly shorter at around 15 miles – finishing early afternoon to allow plenty of time for celebratory refreshments.

You will be part of a small group (max 6 participating riders plus guide). Your guide is an experienced ride leader, British Cycling qualified and insured Mountain Bike Leader and holds a current Outdoor First Aid qualification and enhanced DBS check.

Who is this for?

Riders comfortable in covering a variety of natural terrain at a steady pace (with rest stops) including longer climbs and descents. You’re likely to have ridden ‘red’ graded trails in a local trail centre, however, if you’re a newer rider don’t let this put you off - features will usually have a rollable line and your guide will give a briefing to the challenges ahead.

Which bike?

Any well-maintained MTB or eMTB.

Where could I stay?

Included in the price is a bed for Saturday night in the brilliant YHA Hawskhead Youth Hostel, less than 1.5km from our start point: https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/yha-hawkshead. We do appreciate that the hostel vibe is not for everyone and /or some riders may wish for to extend their stay (and with such stunning riding who could blame them!) The area offers everything from campsites, B&Bs and larger hotels. Our ride meeting point of Hawkshead village itself has plenty of accommodation options and is only a short drive (or ride!) from the popular small towns of Ambleside, Coniston and Windermere. If you'd prefer to book your own accommodation just let us know.

What else should I bring?

Check your bike over and if you’re in any doubt, book it in for a once-over or service with a local bike shop.

This is the Lake District. The weather on the hills is changeable and can differ significantly from conditions in the valleys. Check the weather forecast in advance and bring suitable kit, food and water for a full day in the hills. A decent waterproof, an extra warm layer, spare pair of waterproof gloves and buff can make all the difference if the weather decides not to play ball!

In addition to your helmet, normal riding kit, spare tubes, brake pads, tools etc. it's always a good idea to bring spares that are specific to your bike such as a chain link and a gear hanger. Knee pads are always worthwhile as a rocks tend to win against skin in ‘unplanned lie down!’ situations.