The best gravel rides around Keele

There are over 15 gravel bike trails around Keele, offering a variety of routes for different skill levels. These trails are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars.

Yes, while many routes are moderate to difficult, there is at least one easy gravel bike route available. For a moderate option that's still accessible, consider the Apedale Pit Wheel Memorial – Bateswood Pool loop from Audley, which is 14.4 km long and offers a pleasant ride through varied scenery.

Gravel bike routes around Keele vary significantly in length and duration. You can find shorter rides like the 14.4 km Apedale Pit Wheel Memorial – Bateswood Pool loop from Audley, which takes around 1 hour 8 minutes. Longer, more challenging routes, such as the 57.8 km Leek and Rudyard Railway – Biddulph Valley Way loop from Longport, can take over 3 hours to complete.

Yes, the Keele region is known for its converted railway lines, which make excellent gravel bike paths. The Biddulph Valley Way – Biddulph Valley Way loop from Stoke-on-Trent is a prime example, primarily following the Biddulph Valley Way and offering a consistent surface through varied scenery.

The terrain around Keele is diverse, characterized by rolling landscapes, former railway lines converted into multi-use paths, and sections of woodland. You'll encounter a mix of surfaces suitable for gravel bikes, from compacted gravel to some natural woodland paths.

Many of the gravel bike routes around Keele are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Biddulph Valley Way – Biddulph Valley Way loop from Kidsgrove and the Biddulph Valley Way – Biddulph Valley Way loop from Longport.

While exploring the gravel trails, you can discover several interesting sights. The Apedale Pit Wheel Memorial – Bateswood Pool loop from Audley passes by the Apedale Pit Wheel Memorial. Other nearby attractions include the Chatterley Whitfield Colliery and Ruins, Parrot's Drumble Nature Reserve, and The Void Lake.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Keele, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 15 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the well-maintained former railway paths like the Biddulph Valley Way, and the opportunity to explore the local countryside and woodlands.

Yes, for experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, there are difficult routes available. The Leek and Rudyard Railway – Biddulph Valley Way loop from Longport is a challenging 57.8 km route that combines former railway paths with more demanding sections through the Biddulph Valley.

The rolling landscapes and woodland sections around Keele offer enjoyable gravel biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer is ideal for longer rides. Even in winter, many of the former railway paths remain rideable, though conditions can be muddier in woodland sections.

While specific stops are not detailed for every route, the presence of routes originating from towns like Stoke-on-Trent, Kidsgrove, and Longport suggests opportunities for refreshments. Planning your route with komoot allows you to identify towns and villages along the way where you can find cafes or pubs for a break.

Many routes around Keele start from towns and villages such as Longport, Stoke-on-Trent, Kidsgrove, and Audley. These locations typically offer public parking options, making it convenient to access the trailheads. Always check local parking regulations before you go.