Landrace Series | London Gravel Rides

A full South Downs spine crossing from Winchester to Eastbourne, this is a tough gig, relentless chalk ridges and stacked climbs that few riders complete in a single day.

We start in Winchester and head straight onto the spine of southern England. There is no gentle introduction. The South Downs rise immediately, chalk under tyre, gradient rarely dramatic but never entirely absent. It is a ride of rhythm and resilience rather than bursts.

The ridge rolls on in long waves. Open grassland, exposed flint, wind from any direction it chooses. The views stretch north across the Weald and south toward the Channel, but the terrain keeps you honest. Climbs stack quietly. Descents are fast, loose and unforgiving if you switch off.

Eastbourne arrives only after the final sequence of rollers, legs heavy, horizon wide. It is a pure crossing from cathedral city to coast, ridden properly along one of the most iconic gravel corridors in England.

Self-supported, guided ride for experienced gravel cyclists capable of maintaining pace over long mixed terrain. Riders unable to sustain group speed may be dropped.

From Oxford to London, this is fast Thames Valley gravel, immaculate riverside paths, historic villages and steady miles along canal and river before the city slowly closes in.

We leave the dreaming spires via the smokestacks of Cowley, then gear up for fast flowing riding across broad fields and open land. The Thames Valley gravel is smooth and direct, ideal for settling into a strong, honest pace.

We skirt the Chilterns on a mix of bridleways and forest track before crossing the Thames by the mill at Sonning. From there it’s well-made gravel toward Windsor and along the playing fields of Eton, steady and purposeful.

We roll past the pubs at Colnbrook, pick up the canal and hold the line into London. Firm towpath, straight running, no easing off. We finish properly at Cyclefit on Store Street.

Self-supported, guided ride for experienced gravel cyclists capable of maintaining pace over long mixed terrain. Riders unable to sustain group speed may be dropped.

A steady ride out of London via canal, forest and river, opening into big-sky countryside before a clean run into Cambridge along quiet gravel and the Roman Worsted Way.

We leave London along the Regent’s Canal, weaving east to Victoria Park before crossing the Olympic Park and pushing out toward Epping Forest. It’s a quick shift from city edges to proper off-road, where the pace settles and the noise drops away.

From there we pick up the River Stort and follow its easy line north, quiet miles through woodland and farmland. Hatfield Park slides past, then we skirt Stansted Airport out toward Ugley, a lot prettier than it sounds, the landscape opening wider with every kilometre.

The final run is all big sky and broad countryside, steady gravel and open lines before the drop into Cambridge along the Roman Worsted Way. A clean finish, a different city, and the train home.

Self-supported, guided ride for experienced gravel cyclists capable of maintaining pace over long mixed terrain. Riders unable to sustain group speed may be dropped.

A fast, enjoyable ride south-west from London to Winchester on decent gravel, chalk upland tracks and long stretches of unbroken bridleway.

We leave London through the southwest suburbs and pick up the paths around Horton Country Park before settling into the day properly. Coffee in Leatherhead comes early enough to be useful, then the route starts to bite.

From there we climb onto the North Downs AONB and get the reward, a fast run down toward the River Wey at St Catherine’s Hill via Newlands Corner. It is classic Surrey and Hampshire terrain, a mix of heathland and chalk upland, with long stretches of decent gravel that let the group move well.

We follow the line of the Hogs Back above the Wey Valley before joining old drovers roads into King Alfred’s capital. There is a lot of uninterrupted bridleway and byway on this one, which makes it both quick and deeply satisfying. Winchester arrives properly earned.

Self-supported, guided ride for experienced gravel cyclists capable of maintaining pace over long mixed terrain. Riders unable to sustain group speed may be dropped.