Badlands Gravel Training Camp
Six days of Gravel training in Southern Spain
22nd to 27th March
Ride from Málaga to Almería on a fully supported 6-day gravel journey through southern Spain. With baggage transfers between hotels, daily route options, and expert coaching from Charlie, Herne Hill Velodrome’s lead off-road instructor and seasoned gravel rider. You’ll push your skills while soaking up epic landscapes.
Highlights include long days in the saddle, flowing trails, and an unforgettable visit to the famed Badlands of the Gorafe Desert. This is gravel riding at its most adventurous, sun, dust, and big smiles guaranteed.
Day 1: Arrival in Málaga
Arrive in Málaga and check into our central hotel, just a short walk from the station. In the evening, meet your guides and fellow riders over a welcome dinner and get a briefing on the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Crossing the Montes de Granada
We leave the bustle of Málaga and ride into the Montes de Málaga, climbing towards open countryside. Riders can choose between smooth tarmac switchbacks or gravel tracks to the col, before regrouping for lunch. The afternoon blends quiet lanes and rolling gravel through olive groves as we make our way to the historic town of Antequera, known for its fortress and whitewashed streets.
Black & Blue Routes: 70kms | 2400m Climb | 65% off road
Blue Route: 65kms | 2200m Climb | 45% off road
Day 3: Antequera to Alhama de Granada
A glorious day of riding through rural Andalucía. The route combines quiet, beautifully paved country roads with long stretches of easy-going gravel. Stronger riders can test themselves on some steeper climbs, while others enjoy a more relaxed spin. We regroup for lunch in a local café before continuing into Alhama de Granada, a characterful hill town perched above a dramatic gorge.
Red Route: 80kms | 2900m Climb | 70% off road
Blue Route: 70kms | 2300m Climb | 55% off road
Day 4: Easy Miles Through Olive Country
This is a gentler stage, perfect for recovery. We roll through olive and almond groves with the snow-capped Sierra Nevada as our backdrop. Arriving in Granada by afternoon, there’s time to explore the winding alleys and soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere before dinner.
Red Route: 90kms | 940m Climb | 80% off road
Blue Route: 74kms | 560m Climb | 70% off road
Day 5: Granada to Guadix — Gateway to the Desert
We leave Granada through the Albaicín district, with cobbled lanes and panoramic views of the Alhambra Palace. The strongest riders can tackle the gravel climb to Puerto Blancares, while others take the quieter tarmac road. After a picnic lunch, a 16 km descent winds through pine forests before reaching Guadix, at the edge of the desert.
Black & Red Route: 72kms | 2400m Climb | 80% off road
Blue Route: 72kms | 2400m Climb | 50% off road
Day 6: Into the Gorafe Desert
A ride you’ll never forget: into the Badlands of the Gorafe Desert. Starting on an old railway line, we flow into swirling gravel tracks and spectacular canyons. After lunch, stronger riders can add an optional detour through hidden gorges, including the striking Colores Canyon, before regrouping for the final roll into Baza.
Black Route: 110kms | 2100m Climb | 90% off road
Blue Route: 95kms | 1400m Climb | 90% off road
Day 7: Crossing the Sierra de Baza to the Sea
Our final stage crosses the remote Sierra de Baza. Hardcore riders tackle gravel climbs, while others opt for immaculate but deserted tarmac. Once over the top, it’s a long descent to the Mediterranean at Almería, where we meet the support van, load bikes, and catch the express coach back to Málaga.
Black & Red Route: 115kms | 2600m Climb | 80% off road
Blue Route: 117kms | 2000m Climb | 35% off road
Day 8: Departure from Málaga
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell — legs tired, lungs full of mountain air, and minds packed with Badlands memories.
Trip Information
The Rides
Each day offers a choice between two routes: a harder option for riders keen to test themselves on longer or more technical terrain, and an easier option with a steadier pace and smoother climbs. Both routes are fully guided by experienced gravel riders who are there to support you.
The groups come back together at lunch, giving everyone a chance to swap stories, share a picnic, and if you like switch routes for the afternoon. It’s a flexible setup that lets you ride to your own ability on any given day, with the confidence that you’ll always have expert support and good company on the trail.
Rider Level & Grading
Each day’s ride is graded using the Hidden Tracks Grading (Green to Black). Daily routes always come with options, so you can choose the level of challenge that suits you best—from flowing Blue trails to technical Black climbs and descents.
These rides are designed for regular off-road riders with solid skills, endurance, and fitness. You should be confident on mixed terrain and capable of riding for at least 3 hours per day.
Stronger riders are encouraged to take on the tougher climbs and longer detours — this camp is as much about pushing your limits as it is about enjoying the landscapes. And with flexible groups that meet up for lunch each day, you can always adjust your effort and switch to an easier or harder option in the afternoon.
Full details of the grading system can be found on the Hidden Tracks Ride Grades page.
Group size
The camp is limited to 8–10 riders to keep things personal and well-supported. In the saddle, you’ll be riding in a small group of no more than 6 riders including your guide.
This setup means:
- A friendly, sociable atmosphere where you’ll quickly get to know everyone.
- Plenty of support and attention from your professional guide.
- Flexibility to ride at a suitable pace, with small groups reuniting for lunch each day.
It’s the perfect balance between a shared adventure and an individual challenge.
Support
Each riding group is led by a professional guide, so you’ll always have expert leadership on the trail whether you choose the easier or harder route.
Our dedicated support van carries all luggage between hotels and is crewed by two support staff, ensuring smooth logistics and reliable roadside backup. The van is equipped with a basic tool kit for minor repairs, spare parts, and space to scoop up riders if needed.
With experienced leaders out front and a fully staffed support team behind you, you can ride with confidence knowing everything is taken care of, from a quick fix to a timely refill.
Accommodation
Where possible, we stay in locally owned 3- and 4-star hotels that reflect the character of Andalucía. Expect a mix of charming rural retreats, comfortable town hotels, and the occasional special stay, including a night in a converted palace.
The focus is always on authenticity and hospitality: family-run places that welcome cyclists, provide hearty meals, and give you a real sense of the region.
Flights & Transfers
Your base hotel in Málaga is just a two-minute walk from the city’s central railway station, making arrival simple and stress-free. From Málaga Airport, the metro runs directly to the station in under 20 minutes.
Plan to arrive on 21st March in time to check in, build your bike and join the group dinner that evening. On departure day, 28th March, flights can be booked any time after breakfast.
What’s Included
- Expert coaching and tuition.
- Experienced ride guides.
- Daily route options.
- 7 nights in locally owned 3-4 star hotels (including a rural retreat and a Palace stay)
- Breakfast.
- Luggage transfers between hotels.
- Full van support with tool kit and rider rescue if need.
- Bike box storage during the trip.
What’s Excluded
- Lunches and dinners. (except where specified)
- Transfers from
Málaga Airport to the hotel. (easy bike box friendly Metro link available) - Return bus transfer from
Almería to Málaga.
Price & Payment
- Trip Cost: £1,950 per rider on shared room basis or £2550 with a private room
- Deposit: £200 (returnable) confirms your place
- Balance Payment: An invoice for the full trip cost will be issued 6 weeks before departure, with the balance due 4 weeks before departure