gravel

Lancashire Gravel Epic

Gisburn, United Kingdom · 04 July 2026

Difficulty: 5/5 — Brutal

The 103km Lancashire Gravel Epic is a highly challenging off-road event in the UK, featuring 2200m of climbing across mixed gravel and tarmac surfaces. It demands significant fitness and technical skill due to long climbs and varied terrain.

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Distances
103km · 68km
Elevation
2,200 m
Surface
gravel, tarmac, dirt
Typical W/kg
3–3.8

Rider fit

Who it's for

This event is designed for experienced off-road cyclists and regular riders who are in decent shape, comfortable with long distances, and prepared for substantial elevation gain.

Who will struggle

Beginner gravel riders, those unprepared for sustained climbs, or individuals lacking experience on technical and chunky off-road sections will likely find this event very difficult.

Training focus

Training should concentrate on building endurance for prolonged hours in the saddle, tackling long climbs on both paved and unpaved roads, and honing bike handling skills for diverse gravel conditions.

Are you ready for this race?

Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.

FAQs

What route options are available and their elevations?+

Riders can choose between a 103km long route with 2,200m of climbing or a 68km medium route featuring 1,500m of elevation gain.

What type of terrain can participants expect on the course?+

The route offers a diverse mix of surfaces, with approximately 55% off-road sections including smooth fire roads, challenging chunky gravel on Salter Fell, and parts of the Pennine Way. The remaining percentage is on tarmac back roads.

What are the bike and tire recommendations for this event?+

A gravel bike is recommended, but a hardtail mountain bike would also be suitable. It is advised to use wide, all-round gravel tires, ideally between 42-50mm, with specific recommendations provided closer to the event date.

What support and amenities are provided during the ride?+

The event includes a fully signed route, GPX files, checkpoints with proper food and drinks (tea, coffee, cake, sandwiches), mobile mechanics at the village and select feed stops, support vans, and a celebratory beer at the finish line.

What is the overall difficulty and technical challenge of the event?+

The long route is rated as very tough for both rider fitness and technical skill. It features long and steep climbs, sustained off-road sections with varied gravel, including some rocky parts that may require walking.

What are the key timings and logistics for event day?+

The rider village at Gisburn Forest opens at 7:30 am, with staggered starts for participants between 8:00 am and 8:45 am. The village closes at 7:00 pm, and ride times and photos are sent by email at 8:00 pm.

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