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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NEW! Saturday 05th July '25
GRAVEL: Kielder Reiver SOCIAL - Bellingham, Northumberland National Park.
​​FREE
Maximum group size: 10
First come, first served.
Email or 'phone to reserve a place!
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Tell me more...
Heard of the Dirty Reiver? There's a reason why the event sells out so quickly! Meet Saturday 05th July 2025 in Bellingham village centre (NE48) for a day exploring some of Northumberland's glorious gravel around the UKs largest man-made lake and forest.
Expect to cover a route of around 75km on well-made forest tracks, bridleways and some very minor linking tarmac. An emphasis on enjoyment but still expect some longer climbs and approx' 1300m of climbing over the day. ​
It doesn't matter whether you've ridden with us before or not, don't be nervous...come and make some new friends.
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Who is this for?
Anyone who'd like some company whilst exploring England's most remote county. You should be comfortable in covering the distance at a social but steady pace. A gravel bike is ideal but the route also suits CX, rugged hybrids and hard-tail XC MTBs. This is not a race or timed event.
Patient ebike riders welcome.
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Could I stay over?
It's a day ride but if you'd like to stay over there's a couple of campsites very close (one actually in the village centre), a bunkhouse, decent hotel and a range of B&Bs, pubs etc.
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Anything else?
Bellingham has a free car park, a small CO-OP and a couple of cafes / pubs to replace lost fluids and calories.
The route covers a very remote area. We'll plan a cafe stop roughly half-way but apart from that you need to be self-sufficient.
As a social ride, you are responsible for your bike and your own health and safety throughout.
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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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General info' - please read!
BOOKING: email: info@donorthadaventure.com, let us know which event, how many spaces and we'll get back to you asap. Unless advertised as 'Social' (Free) a £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 not suitable 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.
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A suitable helmet must be worn. Riding glasses, gloves (+knee pads for MTB) 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 each event.
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