Events - general information

To book, email: info@donorthadaventure.com, let us know which event, how many spaces and we'll get back to you asap. £50 deposit pp secures a place.

Private, individual and group bookings available throughout the year. Contact us to discuss your requirements. Scroll down to see forthcoming events.

Unless classified as a 'social' ride, 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.

You will be part of a small group led by an experienced guide - British Cycling qualified L2 Mountain Bike Leader with a current Outdoor First Aid certification and enhanced DBS check.

Off-road riding uses up to 40% more energy than riding on tarmac. Check the ride description and make sure the event is for you.

If you’re in any doubt about the condition of your bike, book it in for a once-over service with a local bike shop.

A suitable cycling helmet must be worn. For MTB riding, additional pads are at your discretion.

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

Check the weather forecast; bring suitable kit. As an absolute minimum to your normal kit you’ll need a decent waterproof and an extra warm layer. A spare pair of waterproof gloves and buff can make all the difference. Sun-cream and a reliable midge repellent advised.

Suitable refuelling stop(s) are planned but please bring sufficient food and hydration for each day. Remote areas can have a limited / no mobile connection - a little bit of cash could come in handy.

In addition to your 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, spokes and a gear hanger.

Full joining instructions, suggested kit list and GPX files will be shared prior to each event.

Our guided rides are kept to smaller groups so often sell out quickly.

By following our social media you'll get to see up-coming ride details as soon as they're released.

If you're considering something bespoke then please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Please refer to our T&Cs.

Event 1

Glorious Galloway Gravel Weekender

27-28/04/24, New Galloway, Kirkcudbrightshire, DG7

*FULLY BOOKED

£130 pp - based on B&B, en-suite twin sharing basis. (+5% discount for returning riders.) 2 guided gravel rides.

Tell me more...

It’s not a coincidence that classic gravel events such as The Gralloch and Raiders Gravel are held in the region...rolling hills bisected by miles of forest trails through emerald forests and by sparkling lochs make Dumfries and Galloway one of the most attractive areas of the UK for off-road cycling.

We'll cover some of our favourite trails, primarily using gravel forestry tracks with some very minor-road linking sections.

Meeting at 09:30 on Saturday 27th April we’ll enjoy some superb scenery over a circular ~50 miles / 80km route before returning to our starting point and accommodation. We’ll make sure there’s plenty of time for photos, snacks and recuperation!

Sunday’s ride will be shorter - up to ~30 miles / 48km, finishing to allow time for celebratory refreshments or onward travel.

Who is this for?

To get the most from the weekend you should be comfortable in covering undulating terrain at a social, steady pace (with rest stops) including longer climbs and descents on solid / good gravel tracks over the distance. If you’re a newer rider don’t let this put you off, the maximum gradient is around 10% and if you want to have a breather then this isn’t the Tour de France! If your rides are spent focussing on Wattage or Strava times then this probably isn't for you!

Which bike?

Whilst a gravel bike with tyres ~40mm is ideal, a CX, hardtail MTB or even a relaxed hybrid with chunky tyres would work. Patient e-bike rider are very welcome! This event is not suitable for traditional road bikes.

Where will I stay?

Quoted price is based a twin sharing, en-suite B and B basis at a 3* family-run hotel. The hotel has comfortable rooms, an enviable beer garden, secure bike storage and ample free car-parking. Should you wish to extend your stay (and with such stunning riding who could blame you?) the rooms can be reserved on Friday and/or Sunday night at an additional cost. Evening meals (not included) can be taken at the hotel.

Anything else?

Any questions, please ask.

Event 2

Solstice Spin Weekender

22-23/06/24, Elterwater, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22

Only 3 places remaining.

£150 pp - based on B&B, twin sharing basis. (5% discount for returning riders.) 2 guided gravel rides.

Tell me more...

The Lake District - it's a World Heritage Site for a reason; if you've not had the chance to visit you're in for a real treat...

Meet at 09:30 on Saturday 22nd June and we’ll share some of our favourite trails over a flowing and varied route of up to 65km. Yes, there are a few stiff climbs but nothing that will cause problems to the average rider.

Sunday’s ride will be shorter, around 40km to allow time for celebratory refreshments or onward travel.

Who is this for?

Anyone who's looking to ride as part of a supportive group through some of the UK's most stunning scenery.

To get the most from the weekend you should be comfortable in covering varied terrain at a steady but social pace (with rest stops) including steep, longer climbs and descents. Under-tyre you can expect everything from chunky gravel bridleways to sections of minor road. If you’re a newer rider don’t let this put you off; trails are rollable and if you want to stop for a photo / breather or push for a bit then do it. If your rides are spent focussing on Wattage or Strava times then this probably isn't for you!

Which bike?

A gravel bike is ideal, a CX, hardtail MTB or a quality hybrid with chunky tyres would work well. Patient e-bike riders are very welcome. This event is not suitable for road bikes.

Where will I stay?

Price is based on sharing a 2-bed bunk room at an award-wining, independent hostel. The hostel has ample shared wash facilities, secure bike storage, self-catering kitchen area and alcohol license. Full Sunday breakfast is included. With a reservation, packed lunches (£7.50) and evening meal (£12.50) are available from the hostel. Alternatively, there are 2 excellent pubs -100m / 1km; Ambleside, with its range of pubs and restaurants is around 5km away.

Anything else?

If you forget a towel, hire is available @£3.

The hostel has an electric vehicle recharging point (must be reserved directly with the hostel) but there's no parking directly on site. On-street parking is free or there's a large, National Trust carpark (free for members / £8.50 per day) @100m.

Don't have a bike? Hire is available from Alpkit or Ghyllside Cycles (both Ambleside).

Want to come with a non-riding partner? Contact us for a 'non-rider rate'.

Available throughout the year: Central Lakes MTB Flow 2 dayer.

(Gravel route also available - flowing trails, epic views but with the gnar turned down a notch or three!)

Limited to six places.

(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 flowy, rocky singletrack – we'll be 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 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.

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 routes in trail centres, 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?

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. Knee pads are always worthwhile as a rocks tend to win against skin in ‘unplanned lie down!’ situations.