6 Best Komoot Gravel Routes — Regional UK Series
Following our Scotland, North West England, and North East England guides, this fourth instalment in the series explores gravel riding across East Anglia and the Midlands. Covering Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire and the wider Midlands region, this area offers a very different style of riding — scenic waterways, open farmland, historic villages and gentle rolling hills.
Using Komoot, we’ve selected six representative routes that highlight the region’s variety, from flat rail trails and riverside paths to quiet country lanes and more demanding Peak District climbs. As with the rest of the series, the routes follow a consistent structure: 2 Easy, 2 Moderate and 2 Hard, making it straightforward for riders to choose a route that matches their fitness, experience and available time.
All routes link directly to Komoot for previewing, saving and GPX download, and are suitable for riders travelling by car or train.
About Komoot.
Komoot is a GPS-based route planning and navigation platform. You can discover, preview, save and download GPX files for offline navigation — ideal when exploring rural Scotland with limited mobile signal. Routes below link to Komoot so riders can save or export them directly.
EASY RIDES — Intro Loops & Scenery
1) Rock Garden Trail Feature – 39 Steps Trail Loop from Brandon
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/27487438
Distance: ~12 km (~7.5 mi) | Elevation: ~45 m | Estimated Time: ~45 min
Difficulty: Easy
A short, beginner-friendly gravel loop near Brandon, perfect for a gentle introduction to off-road riding. Features include smooth trails, minor climbs, and a scenic woodland stretch with the “39 Steps Trail” for some interest.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking: Village car parks in Brandon
- Train: Nearest station: Brandon (short cycle to start)
- Amenities: Cafés, pubs, and shops in Brandon
2) Grafham Water – Grafham Water Loop from Grafham
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/23557222
Distance: ~15.2 km (~9.4 mi) | Elevation: ~76 m | Estimated Time: ~1 h 1 min
Difficulty: Easy
This gentle lakeside loop around Grafham Water combines compacted gravel paths with open water views, woodland edges, and wildlife spotting opportunities. Ideal for riders seeking an easy ride with scenic highlights.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking: Grafham Water Visitor Centre and nearby car parks
- Train: Nearest rail: Huntingdon (cycle or taxi to start)
- Amenities: Visitor centre café and facilities
MODERATE ROUTES — Half-Day Classics
3) Footbridge at Crookford Hill – Clumber Lake Loop from Clumber and Hardwick
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/24788851
Distance: ~55.6 km (~34.6 mi) | Elevation: ~358 m (~1,175 ft) | Estimated Time: ~4 h 23 min
Difficulty: Moderate
This pleasant mixed-surface loop around Clumber Park and the surrounding area in Nottinghamshire combines gravel tracks, forest trails and quiet country roads for a balanced moderate gravel ride. The route showcases scenic features such as Footbridge at Crookford Hill, tranquil sections around Clumber Lake, and leafy pathways through Clumber and Hardwick Country Park, making it a rewarding half-day adventure for riders with good fitness and some off-road experience.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking: Public car parks and visitor parking around Clumber Park
- Train: Nearest rail station is Worksop.
- Amenities: Clumber Park has cafés and picnic areas.
4) Great Oxendon Tunnel – Brampton Valley Way Loop from Market Harborough
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/22335205
Distance: ~32 km (~20 mi) | Elevation: ~150 m (~490 ft) | Estimated Time: ~2 h 30 min
Difficulty: Moderate
A popular East Midlands gravel route following the Brampton Valley Way, a long-distance traffic-free path along a former railway line. Starting in Market Harborough, riders loop via the Great Oxendon Tunnel and back. Highlights include farmland, woodland edges, and the atmospheric tunnel.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking: Car parks in Market Harborough or laybys along the trail
- Train: Market Harborough station, short cycle to start
- Amenities: Pubs, cafés, and shops in Market Harborough
HARD EPICS — Big Days & Remote Terrain
5) Oundle to Peterborough Gravel Loop
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/23558710
Distance: ~71 km (~44 mi) | Elevation: ~430 m (~1,410 ft) | Estimated Time: ~4–5 hrs
Difficulty: Hard
A long, varied gravel loop linking Oundle, Elton and Peterborough, blending open countryside lanes, bridleways, and mixed-surface tracks. Designed for experienced riders, this route tests endurance across farmland, river valleys, and woodland edges.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking: Car parks in Oundle or near Peterborough
- Train: Rail access via Peterborough station, short cycle to start
- Amenities: Cafés, pubs, shops in Oundle and Peterborough
6) Mam Tor Loop via Hope from Hathersage — Peak District National Park
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e1646689334/mam-tor-loop-via-hope-from-hathersage-peak-district-national-park
Distance: ~40.1 km (~25 mi) | Elevation: ~820 m (~2,690 ft) | Estimated Time: ~3 h 25 min
Difficulty: Hard
A Peak District classic beginning and ending at Hathersage, looping via Hope to the famous Mam Tor ridge. Expect sustained climbs, gravel tracks, and fire roads with panoramic views across Hope Valley and Stanage Edge. Suitable for experienced riders seeking a demanding, scenic adventure.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking: Hathersage village centre and nearby car parks
- Train: Hathersage station on the Hope Valley line
- Amenities: Cafés, pubs, and shops in Hathersage
Conclusion
These six routes showcase the best gravel cycling East Anglia & the Midlands has to offer, from gentle lakeside loops to challenging Peak District climbs. Whether you’re new to gravel riding or seeking full-day challenges, each ride is available on Komoot for saving, planning, and GPX export.
Stay tuned for the next article in this UK Regional Komoot Gravel Series. I’ve just realised that I’ve missed off South East England, so that’s coming next.
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