We don't care whether your helmet has a peak, you wear lycra or baggies or whether your bike is this season's colour. We do want you to have a truely memorable time on a flowing ride but with time to admire the view or take some pics to share on your socials.
Check the level of challenge and if in doubt give us a call.
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To avoid disappointment, please check the 'last booking date'.
Private individual and group bookings available throughout the year.
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LIVE: 2025 EVENTS
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Event 1. April '25​
Gatehouse of Fleet Gravel, Dumfries and Galloway.
Bookings CLOSED
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Due to the effects of storms on the region's forests we've made the incredibly difficult decision to cancel this event.
Some of the trails may be cleared in time but this is without our control and I'm not willing to risk rider safety and enjoyment.
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Event 2. 05-06 April 2025
MTB Lakes SOCIAL Weekend, Hawkshead. - FREE
FULL
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Tell me more...
Meet Saturday 05th April 09:45 in Hawkshead village centre for a day exploring some of our favourite incredible singletrack and trails. Expect to cover a flowing route of up to 40km. With an emphasis on enjoyment, expect some longer climbs and grin-inducing descents. ​
We'll offer a shorter but equally great ride on Sunday.
It doesn't matter whether you've ridden with us before or not, don't be nervous...come along and make some new friends.
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Who is this for?
MTBers who want to break away from the trail centre and ride some of England's finest natural trails.
You should be comfortable in covering natural terrain at a social but steady pace. Routes could generally be considered 'red'. It's not Red Bull Rampage but there's plenty of gnar to keep it interesting. If there's bit that challenges you and you want to walk then do it; no-one's judging.
Patient eMTB riders very welcome (especially if you're prepared to tow!)
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Where could I stay?
The Lakes is more popular than ever and accommodation costs year on year. If you want to stay over then we suggest booking early. There's a couple of campsites nearby, a great YHA and a range of B&Bs, pubs etc. Ambleside (5 miles) has a range of possibilities, a bit further and you'll find more options in Coniston, Bowness and Kendal.
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Anything else?
Hawkshead has a large (paid) car park, a CO-OP for essentials, a couple of cafes and four pubs to replace those lost fluids.
Provisor: not all riders may be as confident, skilled or as fit as you. This is a social event. Be supportive.
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Don't have a bike or need spares? Try Alpkit or Ghyllside Cycles (both Ambleside).
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Event 3. 02-04 May '25
GRAVEL Weekend
Elterwater, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22.
FULL
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£250 pp - based on 2 nights' accommodation; two sharing basis.
2 guided gravel rides.
Minimum group size 4, max 6
Tell me more...
The Lake District - not just a National Park, 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...
Arrive Friday and explore, stroll down to nearby Elterwater for a dip, or just chill. Meet at 09:45 on Saturday 3rd May and after a quick briefing we’ll cover a flowing and varied route of up to 65km. There are some stiff climbs but nothing that should cause too much of a challenge for the average rider. ​
Sunday’s ride will be shorter, around 40km to allow time for celebratory refreshments or travel.​
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Who is this for?
Anyone who's looking to ride as part of a supportive group through one of the UK's most popular national parks.
To get the most from the weekend you should be comfortable in covering natural terrain at a social but steady pace (with rest stops) including steep, longer climbs. Expect anything from rougher, chunky gravel to smooth forest doubletrack. If you’re a less-experienced rider don’t be put off; routes are rollable and if you want to stop for a photo or push for a bit then do it.
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Where will I stay?
Even though it's a bank holiday, we're excited to be able to return to the award-wining, Elterwater Hostel (https://www.elterwaterhostel.co.uk/). With an envious location, the hostel has ample shared wash facilities, bike storage, self-catering kitchen area and alcohol license. Price is based on sharing a comfortable, private 2 bed bunk room.
With a reservation, full cooked breakfast, packed lunches and (very reasonable) evening meals* are available from the hostel. If you prefer, use the facilities to cook for yourself or there are 2 excellent pubs and an independent hotel restaurant just minutes away. Ambleside, with its range of hostelries is around 5km away.
*See hostel website for price confirmation.
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Anything else?
Towel hire: £3.
Have an e-vehicle? There's an electric recharging point - reserve directly with the hostel.
Due to limited space there's no guest parking onsite. Nearby, on-street parking is free or there's a National Trust car park (free for NT members, non-members £8.50 per day) within 100m.
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Don't have a bike? Hire is available from Alpkit or Ghyllside Cycles (both Ambleside).
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Event 4. 04-06 July '25
GRAVEL Weekend.
Trossachs National Park.
Last booking date: 01/06/25
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£270 pp. 2 guided gravel rides.
2 nights' B&B, evening meal.
En-suite, twin sharing basis.
Minimum group size 4, 6 max'
Tell me more...
We've hit it out of the park with this one! Aberfoyle, aka: Gravelfoyle. Easily accessible from the Central belt and nestled within the stunning Trossachs National Park. With over 200km of gravel bike-able tracks within 12km of the village, it should be on the bucket list of every gravel rider.
Arrive Friday and get out for an explore, wander to the village for a spot of shopping or choose to relax and re-charge your batteries.
Meet at 09:45 on Saturday 05th June 2025 we’ll share a flowing and scenic route of up to 70km. ​
Sunday’s ride will be shorter, to allow time for celebratory refreshments or travel.​
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Who is this for?
Anyone who's looking to ride as part of a supportive group through some of the Trossach's prime gravel.
You should be comfortable in covering varied terrain at a social but steady pace (with rest stops) including steeper, longer climbs.
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Where will I stay?
Price based on BB and evening meal; sharing an en-suite, twin room at a popular 3*. An easy stroll along the traffic-free shared path brings you to the village centre with its range of shops and hostelries. The hotel offers secure bike storage, ample free parking and fully licensed restaurant.
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Anything else?
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Don't have a bike? Hire is available from Aberfoyle Bike Hire and Cafe https://aberfoylebikehire.co.uk/
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Want to come with a non-riding partner? Contact us for a 'non-rider rate'.
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Events - General Info'
BOOKING: 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. (Please see T&Cs)
​Unless classified as a 'SOCIAL' ride, you'll be asked to complete a short pre-ride form. See our Terms and Conditions page for further detail.
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For events advertised as gravel, (no surprise) a gravel bike is ideal, a CX, hardtail MTB or a quality hybrid with chunky tyres could work too. MTB rides need a MTB!
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Patient e-bike riders are most welcome. The routes are unsuitable for road bikes. Guided rides are planned to be ridden a steady social pace; if your rides are spent fretting about power ouput or Strava times then this may not be for you!
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If you’re in any doubt about the condition of your bike, book it in for a service with a LBS.
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A suitable helmet must be worn; riding glasses and gloves recommended.
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Routes may be subject to change depending on weather /ground conditions / forestry operations.
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Check the Mountain Weather Information Service here --> Home Page for a local forecast and bring suitable kit. As an absolute minimum to your normal riding kit bring a decent waterproof and an extra warm layer. Spare waterproof gloves and a buff may come in useful.
Sun-cream and a reliable midge repellent advised.
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Refuelling stop(s) are planned but please bring sufficient food and hydration for each day. Remote areas often have poor mobile connectivity - a little bit of cash might come in handy.
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In addition to spare tubes, brake pads, multitool 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.
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Full joining instructions and a suggested kit list will be shared prior to teach event.
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