The best gravel rides in Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire offers a wide selection of over 140 gravel bike trails, catering to various skill levels. You'll find routes ranging from easy, flat loops to challenging rides with significant elevation gain across the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds.

Yes, Gloucestershire has nearly 20 easy gravel bike trails perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. A great option is The Lodge at Lake 12 – Whitestar's Cycling Path loop from South Cerney, which features flat terrain around Lake 12 within the Cotswold Water Park.

The terrain varies significantly between the two main regions. In the Forest of Dean, you'll encounter extensive networks of wide, traffic-free forest roads and paths, offering both fast-flowing sections and some punchy climbs. The Cotswolds feature rolling hills, rural bridleways, and gravel tracks connecting picturesque villages, with routes ranging from gentle ascents to exhilarating descents.

Absolutely. The Forest of Dean is particularly well-suited for families, with routes like the Family Cycle Trail and sections of the Colliers Trail being popular. These waymarked routes are generally traffic-free and connect popular spots like Beechenhurst and Mallards Pike, offering a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages.

Gloucestershire's trails offer diverse scenery. In the Forest of Dean, you can enjoy tranquil lakes like those at Mallards Pike and sections near the beautiful River Wye. The Cotswolds boast areas of natural beauty like Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons. You might also encounter highlights such as Hidden Valley, Cotswolds, or the View over the Wye Valley from Caldwell Rocks.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, Gloucestershire offers numerous difficult routes. For instance, the Guiting Power Village – Campden Lane loop from Cheltenham Spa is a demanding 114 km route with over 1600 meters of elevation gain. Many longer, un-waymarked routes in the Forest of Dean also provide significant challenges.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 130 reviews. Reviewers often praise the extensive network of off-road paths, the stunning natural beauty of both the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds, and the ability to explore historic woodlands and picturesque villages away from traffic.

Many of Gloucestershire's gravel bike trails are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the Rodmarton Lane – Fosse Way Ford Crossing loop from Kemble, a 51 km trail through the Cotswolds.

Yes, the Forest of Dean region offers routes that incorporate views of the River Wye. The River Wye – Peregrine Path to Symonds Yat loop from Berry Hill is a moderate 16.5 km route that takes you along the river and towards the scenic Symonds Yat.

Gloucestershire is enjoyable for gravel biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter can be challenging due to potentially muddy conditions, especially on unpaved tracks, though many forest roads remain rideable.

While this guide focuses on gravel biking, Gloucestershire is also known for its mountain biking facilities. The Forest of Dean features dedicated bike parks and trails like the Verderers' Trail (Blue) and the Launch Pad Downhill Trail, offering different experiences for mountain bike enthusiasts.