There’s a growing side of gravel cycling in the UK that has little to do with podiums, race licences, or finishing times.
It’s about discovery. Linking together forgotten bridleways, chalk climbs, forestry trails and old byways into something that feels less like a training ride and more like a genuine adventure.
That philosophy sits at the heart of Hidden Tracks Cycling, founded by Charlie Codrington.
Built around the overlooked off-road terrain of Southern England, Hidden Tracks has quietly earned a reputation for creating self-supported gravel events and bikepacking routes that prioritise exploration, resilience and route quality over racing.
From Southern Grit, which introduces riders to bigger off-road challenges, to the endurance tests of The 360 and The Wrecker, Hidden Tracks is helping riders discover what is possible closer to home.
We caught up with Charlie to talk about route design, riding around London, self-supported events and why some of the best adventures begin just beyond the edge of the city.
Adventure Without the Airport
Q: What was the original idea behind Hidden Tracks Cycling?
Charlie Codrington:
“Hidden Tracks started from a simple idea. You shouldn’t need a flight, a van, or a complicated plan to have a proper off-road adventure on a bike.
There’s an incredible network of off-road riding in and around London if you’re prepared to go looking for it. Most of it is hiding in plain sight.
I’ve always liked maps, getting lost on purpose, and riding off-road as part of my cyclocross training. Over time that turned into routes, and then into events.
It’s about keeping it local, but making it feel like a genuine adventure rather than just another ride out.”
What began as personal exploration evolved into a growing collection of routes and events built around a simple idea: adventure doesn’t have to be far away to feel significant.
London’s Hidden Gravel Network
One of the most interesting aspects of Hidden Tracks is its focus on London and the surrounding counties — areas many riders wouldn’t immediately associate with gravel cycling.
Q: The 360 loops around London, which isn’t an obvious gravel destination. What makes that route special?
Charlie Codrington:
“London is not an obvious gravel destination, which is exactly why it works.
There is a complete off-road loop hidden within the Green Belt and surrounding areas. You are never that far from the centre of a major city, but it does not feel like it.
There are sections where resupply takes thought and where you need to plan ahead. That adds a level of engagement that makes the route more than just a physical challenge.”
The idea that world-class adventure can exist on the doorstep of one of Europe’s largest cities sits at the centre of the Hidden Tracks philosophy.
Three Routes, Three Different Challenges
Each Hidden Tracks route has its own identity, challenge level and purpose, but all share the same emphasis on self-reliance and exploration.
Southern Grit: The Entry Point
Southern Grit acts as the gateway into the Hidden Tracks world.
Designed as a challenging but achievable day out, it introduces riders to mixed-terrain adventure without requiring the commitment of an ultra-distance event.
Q: How important is it to offer that stepping stone into longer riding?
Charlie Codrington:
“It is the entry point into this style of riding.
For many riders, it is where they first realise what is available on their doorstep. New terrain, different surfaces, and a slightly bigger day than they are used to without it turning into something overwhelming.
From there, riders often progress naturally onto longer or more demanding routes.”
Looking Ahead to Southern Grit 2027
The 2026 edition of Southern Grit took place in May and has now concluded. As Hidden Tracks Cycling’s gateway into gravel adventure riding, it remains an important stepping stone for riders looking to progress towards longer challenges such as The 360 and The Wrecker.
Keep an eye on Gravel Endurance and Hidden Tracks Cycling for future event announcements and 2027 entry details.
The 360: One Loop, Twenty-Four Hours
The 360 has become one of Hidden Tracks’ most distinctive challenges.
An uninterrupted off-road loop around London completed within a 24-hour window, it combines navigation, pacing and fatigue management into a uniquely demanding experience.
Q: Across the 360, Southern Grit and The Wrecker, how do you design for different riders?
Charlie Codrington:
“Everything starts with a concept.
The 360 began as a question. Is there a continuous off-road loop around London? Turns out there is, and it’s more mentally demanding and technically awkward than many better-known rides people travel a long way for.
Riders then make it their own. Some go all in, others set personal targets. The route doesn’t change, but the experience does depending on how far you want to push it.”
The Wrecker: A Test of Resilience
Stretching from Land’s End to London, The Wrecker represents Hidden Tracks at its most ambitious.
At approximately 740 kilometres, it is less about outright speed and more about managing yourself as fatigue accumulates over multiple days.
Q: The Wrecker is a serious undertaking. Who is it really aimed at?
Charlie Codrington:
“It is for riders who are comfortable being uncomfortable.
You need to be self-reliant, able to make decisions when you are tired, and willing to accept that things will not always go to plan. That is part of the challenge.”
Designing Routes That Flow
Behind every Hidden Tracks route is a significant amount of exploration, testing and refinement.
Q: How would you describe the Hidden Tracks approach to route design?
Charlie Codrington:
“Explore, then go back and ride it again, then fix the bits that looked like a good idea on a map but clearly weren’t.
A big part of it is understanding the local geography and geology. They’re the governing factors. Chalk, clay, sand, flint, ridge lines, river valleys.
They dictate how a route rides, how it drains, how it changes through the seasons, and ultimately whether it flows or turns into a grind.
I’m looking for long stretches of uninterrupted riding where you can actually find a rhythm. Ideally there’s something interesting woven in, whether that’s history, landscape, or simply a path you didn’t know existed.
It should feel like a discovery, not a punishment. Occasionally it’s both.”
That emphasis on flow helps explain why Hidden Tracks routes have developed such a loyal following. The challenge is present, but the objective is always to keep riders moving through interesting terrain rather than forcing hardship for its own sake.
Self-Supported By Design
Unlike heavily-supported events, Hidden Tracks places a strong emphasis on rider responsibility.
Q: How important is the self-supported ethos across your events?
Charlie Codrington:
“Riders are adults and should be treated as such.
Most of the riding is in Southern England, often near train stations and on paths shared with other users. There is help if needed, and trains offer a clear way out, so you are rarely more than 30 minutes from an exit.
But that is not really the point.
The value comes from managing the ride yourself. Navigation, pacing, problem solving, and simply continuing when things become difficult.
That is where the sense of achievement comes from. It is not handed to you, you complete it on your own terms.”
For many riders, that sense of ownership is exactly what makes these routes memorable.
Built By Riders, For Riders
Q: What makes a Hidden Tracks event feel different from more traditional gravel events?
Charlie Codrington:
“These rides are built by a rider, for riders.
I design them, run them, and if I can, I’ll often ride the actual event myself, so there’s no distance between the idea and the reality. If something doesn’t work, I will be the first to know.
They come out of a South London cycling ethos. Easy going on the surface, but with the understanding that you are responsible for your own ride.
No hand holding, no over-curation.
They are not built as a mass participation model. The focus is on creating routes and events that are considered, repeatable, and worth doing.”
That rider-led approach remains one of the defining characteristics of Hidden Tracks and helps explain its growing reputation within the UK gravel community.
What Makes A Successful Event?
Q: How do you measure success?
Charlie Codrington:
“You can measure completion rates and times, but that is only part of it.
A successful event is one where riders finish tired, having had to think their way through the day, and with a sense that they have genuinely done something for themselves.
If they are already thinking about the next one, that usually says enough.”
Looking Ahead
Q: What’s next for Hidden Tracks?
Charlie Codrington:
“More London centric challenges.
There is still a lot left to uncover, and the focus remains the same. Start or finish in London, ride out, and end up somewhere that feels a long way from where you began.
Possibly a sister ride to The Wrecker, and longer routes such as London to Edinburgh or London to Paris.
The aim is to build Hidden Tracks into a hub for London’s growing gravel scene.
Not just events, but routes, ideas, and a clear way for riders to explore what is on their doorstep.”
Why Hidden Tracks Matters
Hidden Tracks Cycling represents a compelling side of the UK gravel scene — one rooted less in racing and more in exploration, self-reliance and discovering overlooked landscapes.
At a time when gravel cycling can sometimes feel increasingly commercial or performance-focused, Hidden Tracks offers something refreshingly straightforward: thoughtful routes, rider responsibility and the belief that meaningful adventure doesn’t require travelling halfway across the world.
For riders looking to move beyond the standard sportive format and explore Southern England in a different way, Hidden Tracks is quietly building some of the most interesting gravel experiences in the country.
Find Out More About Hidden Tracks
To learn more about Hidden Tracks Cycling, explore routes, coaching, bikepacking adventures and future event announcements, visit the official website and social channels:
Website:
https://hiddentrackscycling.co.uk/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/charliecycleguide/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/charliecycleguide/
Ride Hidden Tracks
| Route | Distance | Format | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Grit | 80-110km | Day Ride | First gravel challenge |
| The 360 | 360km | 24-Hour Self-Supported | Endurance riders |
| The Wrecker | 740km | Multi-Day Self-Supported | Experienced bikepackers |
Interested in experiencing Hidden Tracks for yourself? These are the two flagship endurance challenges currently available.
The 360
360km | 24 Hours | Self-Supported
A complete off-road loop around London that challenges riders to cover 360km of gravel, bridleways and hidden trails within a single 24-hour window. More than a test of fitness, The 360 is a challenge of pacing, planning and mental resilience.
Best suited to:
- Experienced gravel riders
- Audax cyclists
- Ultra-distance newcomers
- Riders seeking a unique one-day challenge
Why ride it?
- Complete a full off-road circuit of London
- Discover hidden Green Belt trails
- Test yourself physically and mentally
- Experience one of the UK’s most distinctive gravel challenges
Learn More & Enter →
https://hiddentrackscycling.co.uk/the-360/
The Wrecker
740km | Multi-Day | Self-Supported
The Wrecker is Hidden Tracks Cycling’s flagship ultra-distance event. Traversing mining tracks, drovers’ roads, forgotten byways and remote gravel connectors, it takes riders from Land’s End back to London across constantly changing terrain.
Best suited to:
- Experienced bikepackers
- Ultra-distance cyclists
- Riders comfortable with overnight riding
- Self-sufficient adventure riders
Why ride it?
- Cross Southern England under your own power
- Ride historic routes and forgotten tracks
- Build genuine bikepacking confidence
- Take on Hidden Tracks’ toughest challenge
Learn More & Enter →
https://hiddentrackscycling.co.uk/the-wrecker/
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