Lauf Gritfest Gravel
📍 Carmarthenshire, United Kingdom
Newbury, United Kingdom · 22 August 2026
Difficulty: 4/5 — Very hard
This gravel epic in Southern England offers routes from 50km to 110km, featuring rolling off-road terrain with significant climbing and descents along the famous Ridgeway National Trail and surrounding back roads. It provides a challenging yet scenic adventure for gravel cyclists across Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Wiltshire.
Visit official site →This event is designed for regular cyclists seeking a well-supported off-road challenge on varied surfaces, with options suitable for different fitness levels.
Riders new to gravel or those unprepared for sustained climbing, variable off-road conditions, and potentially technical descents, especially in wet weather, may find the longer routes demanding.
Focus on building endurance for long rides, developing off-road bike handling skills, and incorporating sustained climbing efforts to prepare for the rolling and lumpy terrain.
Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.
There are three routes: a 110km option with approximately 1500m of elevation, a 70km route featuring about 900m of climbing, and a 50km course with around 600m of elevation gain.
The routes are characterized by rolling hills with a significant portion (60-65%) off-road, including dirt trails, older gravel sections, and some grassy areas. There are also stretches on back roads, featuring both climbs and sharp descents.
The ride begins and concludes at Newbury Showgrounds, which provides free parking, toilet facilities, and refreshments for participants.
Gravel bikes are highly recommended for the course, though hardtail mountain bikes are also suitable. Wider all-round gravel tires, in the 40-50mm range, are suggested, especially in dry conditions.
Yes, e-bikes are allowed on all routes, provided they comply with current UK legal requirements.
Entry includes a fully signed route, accurate GPX files, checkpoints offering food and drinks, mechanical support at the start and selected stops, rider support vans, and a celebratory beer and food at the finish line.
📍 Carmarthenshire, United Kingdom
📍 Llyn Brenig (Ruthin - Wales), United Kingdom
📍 Yorkshire Dales National Park, United Kingdom