Sunday 25 April 2027 · Herne Hill Velodrome · 100km / 110km · £50
Southern Grit Gravel Sportive
Southern Grit heads south from Herne Hill into the Surrey Hills and North Downs — fast woodland riding, chalky climbs and a proper sting in the tail.
Late April is the sweet spot. The brambles and nettles are still low, the trails are open, and with a little help from spring, the woods will be carpeted with bluebells.
Every rider carries a GPS tracker, with live dot watching throughout the day and results appearing as you cross the line back at Herne Hill.
Coffee and croissants at the start. A well-stocked feed station at halfway. Pizza and beer at the finish.
Entries open 30 January 2027.
Who It's For
Southern Grit is for confident gravel riders who want a full day on mixed terrain, not a guided procession.
You should be happy riding 100–110km, navigating by GPX, and comfortable with chalky climbs, loose woodland trails, roots and whatever an English spring throws down. Both routes have a sting in the tail — the short route especially, where the climbing barely lets up even with ten fewer kilometres to do it in.
It is not brutal for the sake of it. It is a carefully built route with enough distance, variety and bite to make the finish feel properly earned.
Live Tracking. Live Results. Proper Dot Watching.
Every Southern Grit rider carries an individual GPS tracker.
From the moment you leave Herne Hill, friends, family and fellow riders can follow every dot around the course on a live online map. Watch the field stretch out — who's flying, who's stopped at the feed station, and who appears to be inspecting the same patch of woodland for rather longer than planned.
Results are shown in real time as riders return to the Velodrome — along with your ride time and plenty of other useful, nerdy numbers.
The tracker records your progress, but Southern Grit remains self-supported — navigation, pacing, mechanicals and getting yourself around the route are on you.
Two Routes Through the Surrey Hills and North Downs
Fast woodland riding, chalky climbs and a proper sting in the tail.
Long route: 110km | 1,400m climbing | 65% off-road
Short route: 100km | 1,355m climbing | 60% off-road
Both routes begin with the climb from Herne Hill to Crystal Palace, followed by a fast descent and a run of park-hopping through Crystal Palace Park and Norwood Country Park.
A sharp climb past Shirley leads into a tight piece of singletrack before the route reaches Addington Hills and the Croydon viewpoint. From there, a fast bridleway through Selsdon Wood gives some of the best early riding on the course, before the steady climb along Baker Boy Lane and a long, quick descent into Whyteleafe.
Kenley Aerodrome follows, then a series of steady, chalky climbs through Coulsdon Common and onto the North Downs ridge. On a clear day, the views stretch across the Weald to Chanctonbury Ring on the distant South Downs.
After the viewpoint, the route drops steeply off the ridge and heads towards Tilburstow Hill, where the character changes completely. This is the heart of the ride: woods, woods and more woods, with long, fast, flowing trails that gently lose height all the way towards the feed station at 54km.
From there, Earlswood Common brings more playful off-road riding before the sandier tracks around Reigate and the solid climb through Gatton Park back onto the North Downs.
This is where the routes divide.
The 110km route stays high and mostly off-road along the ridge towards Headley Heath, with flowing trails and fast gravel around Epsom before the final run home through Beddington Park and Mitcham Common.
The 100km route takes a more direct line back from Gatton Park, but it is no soft option. Punchy climbs, good gravel and very little relief make it one of the most testing sections of the whole ride.
Ten kilometres shorter. More or less the same amount of climbing.
Shorter, yes. Easier? Possibly not.
Route Map
What's Included
- Two route options: 100km and 110km through the Surrey Hills and North Downs
- Individual GPS tracker for every rider (£20 refundable deposit — see FAQ)
- Live public dot-watching map
- Live finish times and results
- GPX route file and full pre-event rider information
- Coffee and croissants before the start
- Well-stocked feed station at halfway
- Pizza and beer at the finish
- Start and finish at Herne Hill Velodrome
- Accompanied entry for riders under 18
Rider Reviews
★★★★★ from riders who've done it
"Had a great day, thank you to all the friendly faces on the route and for such a well put together day."
— John Muir
"Great route and delicious pizza, thank you! I look forward to the next one."
— Connor
"It was a lovely route with just the right amount of challenge but no suffering."
— Alexander B
"Great ride today! Epic route. Thanks for a great day."
— James Keen
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a deposit for the GPS tracker?
Yes. There's a refundable £20 deposit per tracker. You don't pay this when you enter — a payment link goes out with your rider briefing shortly before the event. The deposit is refunded automatically once your tracker is returned. Trackers cost £150 to replace, so please look after it and get it back to us — any tracker not returned will be charged at full replacement cost.
Is Southern Grit a race?
No. Southern Grit is a self-supported gravel sportive. Ride at your own pace, stop when you need to. The live results add interest and give everyone a finish time, but you don't need to race anyone.
Can I choose my distance on the day?
Yes. The 100km and 110km options share the same route until Gatton Park, so you can decide as you go depending on legs and weather.
How does the live tracking work?
Every rider carries a small GPS tracker. A link to the live map is shared before the event, and finish times appear as riders return to Herne Hill.
Is the route signposted?
No. Southern Grit is navigated using a GPX file on a suitable cycling computer or navigation device.
What sort of bike do I need?
A gravel bike, cyclocross bike or suitable mountain bike will work well. With chalk, loose woodland trails and some sandy sections, decent off-road tyres are strongly recommended.
Will there definitely be bluebells?
That's up to spring. The route passes through woods known for excellent bluebells, and late April gives a good chance of catching them. Nature doesn't take bookings.
Is the event suitable for under-18s?
Yes, provided they ride with a responsible adult throughout and are capable of completing the route.
What happens if I have a mechanical problem?
Southern Grit is self-supported. Carry suitable tools, spares and clothing. The tracker lets us see where you are, but it isn't a substitute for being properly prepared.
Two routes. Surrey Hills and North Downs. Live tracking. Proper dot watching. Pizza and beer back at Herne Hill.