Southern Grit Gravel Sportive
Southern Grit is a self-supported gravel sportive from London into the Surrey Hills, built for riders who like a proper day out rather than a guided procession.
Starting and finishing at Herne Hill Velodrome, the route links chalk climbs, woodland trails, flint-strewn descents, fast gravel and the sort of South London oddness that keeps things honest.
Coffee and croissants at the start. GPX navigation all day. Feed station halfway round. Beer and pizza back at the finish.
Who It’s For
Southern Grit is for confident gravel riders looking for a challenging but achievable day on mixed terrain.
You should be happy riding 90–110 km, navigating by GPX and dealing with chalk, flint, woodland tracks, loose gravel and the occasional sandy wobble.
Typical moving averages sit around 17–20 km/h depending on conditions.
It is not brutal for the sake of it. It is just a proper ride. Enough bite to matter, realistic enough to finish.
Rider Reviews
Best Southern Grit Yet
“Best Southern Grit yet. Perfect gravel to tarmac ratio, just enough technical, and loads of new trails. Last 40 km flowed.”
Stuart Lockyear
Fabulous Day Out
“Genuinely brilliant day out. The route just kept delivering and never felt out of reach.”
James Keen
A Proper 100 km Ride
“Just over 100 km, mostly off-road from Herne Hill and back. Great route, dry trails, would still be fun in the wet.”
Pete Owen
What’s Included
- Coffee and croissants at the start
- GPX route files for 90 km and 110 km options
- Carefully planned gravel routes from London into the Surrey Hills
- Well-stocked mid-route feed station
- Pizza and beer at the finish
- Accompanied Under 18 Rider tickets available at £20
Self-supported event: riders are responsible for navigation, pacing, mechanical issues and carrying appropriate tools, spares and nutrition.
The Event
Southern Grit is not a guided group ride and not a fully marshalled convoy. It is a self-supported gravel sportive.
You roll out with the field, spread naturally across the course and navigate using the GPX provided. There is no broom wagon and no on-course mechanical team following behind. Preparation is part of the day.
There are two route options: 90 km and 110 km. You can choose depending on legs, weather and how much grit you ordered with breakfast.
Both routes deliver sustained climbing, mixed surfaces and classic South London gravel conditions. It is a gravel ride in London that starts in the city and soon feels a long way from it.
Route Highlights
- Ride through Kenley Aerodrome, the most complete remaining Battle of Britain airfield.
- Rolling North Downs trails through Happy Valley.
- Fast, loose gravel descending off Box Hill.
- The Col de Denbies Challenge. Where will you land on the Strava leaderboard?
- The Lovelace Bridges through Hangers Wood.
- A long, flowing run on wooded trails towards Bookham Common.
- The loose, draining sands of Esher Common.
- Long stretches of uninterrupted gravel where you can just get into it.
- A feed station packed to the gunnels with go-faster “athlete” food.
- Coffee and croissants at the start, beer and pizza at the finish.
Route Map
FAQs
Is Southern Grit a race?
Can I choose my distance on the day?
Do I need to navigate?
Is there mechanical support?
What bike should I use?
Can I enter on my own?
Where does it start and finish?
Is there an under 18 entry?
Under 18 riders must be accompanied by an adult rider entered in the event, who is fully responsible for them throughout the day. This includes pacing, navigation, welfare and any decision to continue or stop.
Each adult may accompany up to 4 under 18 riders, and under 18 riders must remain with their accompanying adult for the duration of the event.
Ready for a proper London gravel day out?
Read More
Southern Grit | How the Route Actually Rides
Out of Herne Hill and into it. Chalk early, rhythm later, and enough variation to keep you honest all day.
If you’re wondering what you’ve signed up for, this is it.
Read the route guide →