Gravel Endurance

If you’re looking for UK gravel cycling routes that are long enough to feel like a proper adventure but short enough to fit into a half-day ride, these five loops are absolute gold. Sitting in the 30–40km sweet spot, they’re ideal for beginner and intermediate gravel riders, winter training rides, or fast weekend escapes from the city.

All of these routes are available on Komoot, making them easy to save, navigate, and ride. They showcase just how diverse gravel cycling in the UK can be: from London woodland escapes to remote forest wilderness, from wild New Forest ponies to postcard-perfect Cotswolds villages.

Let’s dive in.

1. Epping Forest Gravel Loop from Walthamstow (35.6km)

Location: North-East London
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Woodland tracks, compact gravel, parkland paths
Best for: London riders, spring gravel, fast after-work adventures

The Epping Forest gravel loop from Walthamstow is one of the best urban-escape gravel routes in the UK. Starting right on the edge of East London, it quickly pulls you away from traffic and into woodland gravel, rolling parkland, and classic forest tracks.

This ride is perfect for:

• Early-season gravel fitness
• Riders new to gravel
• Anyone wanting big off-road vibes without leaving London

The surfaces are generally fast and well-draining, making it rideable almost year-round. In spring and autumn especially, it’s hard to beat for convenience and flow. At 35.6km, it’s long enough to feel rewarding but short enough for a morning spin or post-work adventure.

Komoot:
https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e321607865/epping-forest-gravel-loop-from-walthamstow

2. Kielder Water Loop from Kielder Castle (38.2km)

Location: Kielder Forest, Northumberland
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Forest roads, lakeside gravel, long steady climbs
Best for: Big scenery, remote gravel, wilderness riding

If you want a gravel ride that feels truly epic without being overly technical, the Kielder Water loop is unbeatable. This is gravel cycling at its most expansive: long forest roads, huge skies, and uninterrupted riding around England’s largest man-made lake.

This route is perfect for:

• Riders who love solitude
• Long, steady gravel efforts
• Big scenery without technical singletrack

The forest roads are ideal for gravel bikes and allow for consistent pacing. It’s a fantastic confidence-building ride if you’re newer to gravel, while still being rewarding for experienced riders who want speed and scale.

At just over 38km, it packs in a massive sense of adventure without demanding an entire day.

Komoot:
https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e889782230/kielder-water-loop

3. Three Village Circular – New Forest Trails (39.8km)

Location: New Forest, Hampshire
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Forestry tracks, heathland, quiet village lanes
Best for: Wildlife, variety, classic British gravel

The Three Village Circular is one of the most scenic gravel cycling routes in southern England. It links classic New Forest villages using a mix of forestry tracks, bridleways, and quiet roads, creating a perfect balance between gravel adventure and countryside charm.

Expect:

• Wild ponies wandering across the trail
• Open heathland riding
• Smooth forestry gravel and gentle climbs

This is a “big variety” route: it never feels repetitive and constantly shifts between forest, open land, and village scenery. At nearly 40km, it’s ideal for riders who want a full half-day gravel experience without extreme difficulty.

Komoot:
https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e1008918700/three-village-circular-new-forest-trails

4. East Bristol Bridleway Loop from Temple Meads (~41km)

Location: Bristol & surrounding countryside
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Bridleways, green lanes, mixed gravel
Best for: Urban riders, bridleway exploration, mixed terrain

This route proves just how much quality gravel riding exists on the edges of UK cities. Starting directly from Temple Meads station, the East Bristol bridleway loop weaves together bridleways, green lanes, and countryside tracks into a brilliant adventure ride.

What makes it great:

• Starts and finishes in the city
• Huge variety of surfaces
• Easy to shorten for beginners

It’s ideal if you want:

• A gravel ride without driving
• Mixed terrain riding
• A strong training loop

Although slightly over 40km, it’s easy to trim down if you want to keep things shorter.

Komoot:
https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e1653915016/east-bristol-bridleway-loop-from-temple-meads

5. Bourton-on-the-Water – Lower Slaughter Mill Loop (30.6km)

Location: Cotswolds
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Terrain: Farm tracks, rolling countryside gravel
Best for: Beginners, café rides, scenic days out

If you’re new to gravel cycling or just want a relaxed, beautiful ride, this is the perfect starting point. The Bourton-on-the-Water loop combines gentle climbs, quiet farm tracks, and iconic Cotswolds scenery into one of the most charming gravel rides in England.

Why it’s special:

• Short and beginner-friendly
• Incredible scenery
• Amazing café stops at the finish

It’s the kind of route that reminds you why gravel cycling is so addictive: freedom, flow, and countryside all in one.

Komoot:
https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/34811275

Quick Comparison

Route	Distance	Region	Best For
Epping Forest Loop	35.6km	London	Fast woodland gravel
Kielder Water Loop	38.2km	Northumberland	Remote adventure
New Forest Three Village	39.8km	Hampshire	Scenic variety
East Bristol Loop	~41km	Bristol	Urban gravel
Bourton Cotswolds Loop	30.6km	Cotswolds	Beginners & cafés

Final Thoughts

These five routes show just how rich gravel cycling in the UK really is. You don’t need massive distances or extreme terrain to have a proper adventure. With 30–40km loops like these, you get:

• Big scenery
• Manageable distances
• Beginner-friendly riding
• Easy half-day adventures

Save them on Komoot, pack some snacks, and build your own UK gravel route collection one ride at a time.

If you’re new to gravel cycling, start with Bourton or Epping.
If you want scale and solitude, head to Kielder.
If you want variety and wildlife, the New Forest is unbeatable.
If you want city-to-country riding, Bristol has you covered.

This is UK gravel riding at its best.

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