If you’ve mastered shorter gravel rides and long day loops, it’s time to level up. The UK has some genuinely epic long-distance gravel and bikepacking routes — perfect for riders chasing big days on two wheels with rich scenery, quiet trails, and true adventure.
These five routes are all available to save and ride on Komoot. They span rugged moorlands, ancient trails, coastal wilderness, and highland plateaus — each offering a challenge that rewards planning, endurance, and grit.
Whether you’re targeting 150+ km days or full multi-day bikepacking expeditions, this guide has your next big gravel chapter.
Tip: Start with our previous article on shorter day rides if you haven’t already: 5 Incredible UK Gravel Cycling Routes (30–40km Loops You Can Ride Today) and 5 Epic UK Gravel Routes (50–100km Adventures). These build nicely into the routes below as your gravel endurance grows.
1. King Alfred’s Way – Wessex Bikepacking Loop
Komoot: King Alfreds Way
Region: Southern England (Hampshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Surrey)
Distance: ~350 km (multi-day loop)
Terrain: Bridleways, byways, tracks, parish roads
Best for: Full bikepacking experience, history, scenic variety
King Alfred’s Way is one of the UK’s most revered gravel adventures — a large loop around historic Wessex that links several national trails including the South Downs Way and The Ridgeway. Designed for gravel and bikepacking riders, this route absorbs quiet byways, sweeping chalk downs, patchwork farmland and ancient landscapes.
Riding the entire loop is a rite of passage for serious gravel enthusiasts. Some riders split it into 3–5 days, while others pick center segments of 150–200 km for big single-day missions.
What to expect:
- Rolling chalk grasslands and tracks
- Historic sites like Avebury, Old Sarum & Silchester
- Woodland tracks and quiet rural lanes
- Big scenic variety without heavy traffic
Why ride it: This is the ultimate Southern England gravel experience — vast, historic, and beautifully varied.
2. West Kernow Way – Wild Cornwall Bikepacking
Komoot: West Kernow Way
Region: Cornwall (South West England)
Distance: ~270 km (multi-day)
Terrain: Coastal bridleways, rugged tracks & moorland lanes
Best for: Coastal scenery, remote trails, wild terrain
If you want wild west coast vibes with major gravel content, the West Kernow Way lives up to the hype. Snaking through rugged West Cornwall from Penzance up toward St Just and back, this route is a classic blend of coastal grit, moorland expanse, and quiet interior tracks.
Although typically ridden as a multi-day bikepack, you can absolutely tackle meaningful 150 km+ segments that feel like major adventures in their own right — especially if you time sunrise and sunset legs near the coast.
Route highlights:
- Dramatic sea vistas and hidden coves
- Sandy bridleways and rough farm tracks
- Remote inland climbs and ridge lines
- West Cornwall’s unique character and culture
Why ride it: Epic coastal exposure meets interior grit — perfect for riders who love raw terrain.
3. South Downs Way – Classic Long Gravel Ride
Komoot: South Downs Way
Region: South East England
Distance: ~162 km (100 miles one-way)
Terrain: National Trail bridleways, chalk ridge tracks
Best for: Classic long gravel day, panoramic riding
The South Downs Way is a bucket-list ride for many UK gravel cyclists. Stretching from Winchester to Eastbourne along the chalk ridge of the South Downs National Park, this route is a near-perfect long-distance gravel classic.
At approximately 162 km, it sits squarely in your epic ride category. Steady climbs reward you with sweeping views over the South Downs and the English Channel, and much of the ride stays off tarmac — ideal for gravel bikes with confident tyres.
Route highlights:
- Open ridge lines and sweeping panoramas
- Long gravel stretches with minimal interruption
- Peaceful countryside and hidden valleys
- Seamless Komoot routing with clear surfaces
Why ride it: It’s an established long-distance classic with brilliant gravel flow and scenery.
4. The Capital Trail – Scottish Borders Bikepacking Circuit
Komoot: The Capital Trail
Region: Scottish Borders / Edinburgh area
Distance: ~240 km circular loop
Terrain: Forest tracks, drovers’ roads, quiet gravel lanes
Best for: Highland charm near the capital, big ride challenge
Starting and ending in Edinburgh, the Capital Trail has become a favourite for riders looking to explore Scotland’s Borders without venturing into the deep Highlands. It’s a beautifully designed circuit that links drovers’ roads, farm tracks and forestry trails into a substantial gravel experience.
The full loop is often ridden over 2–3 days, but strong riders can target 150–200 km sections, especially if riding out and back from Edinburgh with strategic cut-ins and cut-outs.
Route highlights:
- Rustic drovers’ tracks & old drove roads
- Forest and moor transitions
- Quiet upland gravel sections
- Big skies and rolling terrain
Why ride it: Classic Scottish Borders riding with a sense of remoteness but decent access.
5. Trans Cambrian Way – Wales Mountain & Gravel Traverse
Komoot: Trans Cambrian Way
Region: Wales
Distance: 150 km+ segments available
Terrain: Mountain tracks, reservoir paths & open trails
Best for: Big Welsh adventure, rugged mountain gravel
The Trans Cambrian Way is one of the UK’s most fascinating long routes, known for its mix of mountain tracks, forest trails, reservoir shoulders, and open valley travel. It’s a dream for riders who want to feel remote without going too deep into multi-day bikepacking territory.
The route itself can be adapted depending on your preference and planning — Komoot makes it easy to mix and match looped segments that deliver 150 km+ days with plenty of Varied Off-Road Content.
Route highlights:
- High mountain trails and quiet gravel lanes
- Waterfall valleys and reservoir crossings
- Serene campsites and café towns
- Wild Welsh backcountry
Why ride it: Wales delivers character, challenge and big day gratification in equal measure.
Quick Comparison
| Route | Approx Distance | Region | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| King Alfred’s Way | ~350 km (segments) | Southern England | Multi-day adventure |
| West Kernow Way | ~270 km | Cornwall | Wild coastal gravel |
| South Downs Way | ~162 km | South East England | Gravel classic |
| Capital Trail | ~240 km | Scottish Borders | Border wander |
| Trans Cambrian Way | 150 km+ | Wales | Mountain & gravel loops |
Tips for Epic Long Gravel Days
Navigation:
Save each route in Komoot and download offline maps. These rides often have remote segments with patchy mobile coverage.
Fueling:
For 150 km+ days, plan fuel stops and pack extra food. Remote Wales and Cornwall segments may lack cafés in between.
Tyres:
Aim for 40–50 mm gravel tyres with decent puncture protection — especially for rough Wales and Scottish terrain.
Kit:
Pack layers, waterproofs, a power bank, multi-tools, spare tube/plug kit, and hydration above 2 L depending on conditions.
Pacing:
Break these into logical segments (50 km chunks) on long days to maintain energy and morale.
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Epic Gravel Routes
Do I need a gravel bike or MTB?
Gravel bikes with 40–50 mm tyres work great. A hardtail MTB is fine too — these routes aren’t heavily technical.
How do I tackle these rides?
Many riders split them into multi-day bikepacking trips; others choose 150 km+ segments and return home afterwards.
Are these rideable year-round?
Winter is possible but expect mud and slower progress on Wales and Scottish sections. Spring through autumn is prime.
Is Komoot good for navigation?
Yes — it’s one of the best platforms for surface detail and offline routing on long gravel rides.
Final Thoughts
These five epic UK gravel routes represent the next level of adventure riding: real distance, rich terrain, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re after remote coastal tracks, classic ridgeway rides, mountain traverses or historic circuits, there’s an epic gravel challenge here for you.
Start planning, save your routes on Komoot, and prepare for the kind of rides you’ll remember for years.
Ride hard. Ride long. Ride gravel.
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