Kielder Triple Crown
📍 North England, United Kingdom
gravel
Date
29 August 2026
Distance
186km · 114km · 57km
Elevation
3,650 m
Difficulty
gravel
The Downs Divide
Cranleigh, United Kingdom · 15 August 2026
Difficulty: 5/5 — Brutal
The 162km Epic route of The Downs Divide is a challenging point-to-point gravel adventure with 2700m of elevation, traversing the hilly Surrey Hills, the flat Downs Link, and the demanding South Downs Way. It is considered one of the hardest routes offered by Glorious Gravel.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 162km · 102km
- Elevation
- 2,700 m
- Surface
- gravel, dirt, tarmac
- Typical W/kg
- 2.8–3.8
Rider fit
Who it's for
This event is best suited for experienced gravel riders who are accustomed to long distances, significant climbing, and varied off-road conditions, particularly those familiar with challenging British terrain.
Who will struggle
Inexperienced riders or those unprepared for sustained climbs, technical off-road sections, and long hours in the saddle will find the Epic route particularly arduous, especially the final 60km on the South Downs Way.
Training focus
Training should emphasize long-distance endurance, sustained climbing power, and technical bike handling skills on varied off-road surfaces, including loose gravel, rutted tracks, and chalky paths.
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 are the available route options and their characteristics?+
There are two main routes: the Epic (162km with 2700m elevation, 75% off-road) and the Long (102km with 1700m elevation, 85% off-road). The Epic route includes a challenging first 60km in the Surrey Hills, followed by a flatter 40km section, and finishes with a tough 60km on the South Downs Way. The Long route skips the initial 60km of the Epic.
What is the overall difficulty and technical challenge of the event?+
The Epic route is rated as extremely difficult (5 stars), requiring experience with long distances and significant off-road climbing. The terrain is varied, including well-kept gravel, bumpy farm tracks that can be rooty or rutted, and chalk and grassy trails on the South Downs.
What type of bike and tyres are recommended?+
A gravel bike is ideal for this route, though a hardtail mountain bike would also be suitable. It is recommended to use a slightly wider gravel all-rounder tyre, between 40-50mm, with specific recommendations sent out closer to the event date.
What support and amenities are provided during the ride?+
The entry includes a fully signed route, accurate GPX files, checkpoints offering proper food like tea, coffee, cake, sandwiches, and crisps (approximately every 30-40km), mechanics available at the start village and selected feed stops, and rider support vans for major mechanicals or collection. A beer and food truck are available at the finish line.
What are the key logistical details for the event day?+
The ride village opens at 7:45 am in Cranleigh on August 15th. The Epic route starts at 8:00 am, and the Long route starts between 8:00 am and 9:00 am. Transfers are available from the Beachy Head finish line back to Cranleigh, departing at 6:00 pm.
Where does the race start and finish?+
Both routes start in Cranleigh, in the Surrey Hills. The event is a point-to-point ride, concluding on the coast at Beachy Head.
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