Sonder Gravel Series


The simple joy of riding bikes. Come ride Sonder Winter Gravel Series with us. It' a highlight of our year with Britains best gravel routes direct from each of our stores over the winter months.

The company, the routes, the whole day - just brilliant. And the best thing is, you can ride these routes whenever you like.

From all corners of Britain, here are our Epic Rides highlighting the best of British gravel. And there's even a special prize if you ride them all!

Use the links below to jump to your desired ride:


2024 Winter Gravel Series

Join us this winter

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Best of British Gravel

Outstanding gravel rides from direct from the Sonder and Alpkit stores












Ambleside

Expert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.

Betws

Head North from Betws-y-Coed into the Gwydir Forest through lost lanes and forest gravel. Get wonderful views of Moel Siobod and hidden lakes on the way.

Bristol

Expect a huge variety of surface types and conditions, though one thing is for sure: it will be mucky! This is definitely a ride for the winter tyres.

View on Komoot

Bristol Recommended stops

Our recommended stops:

  • Considerit Doughnuts – Plant based doughnut café
  • The Lodge Coffee House – Great coffee stop in the Hermitage



  • Colinton Tunnel – A must-see ride highlight

    • Edinburgh

    Planned by our pals at Farr Out, the Edinburgh round of our Sonder Winter Gravel Series heads southwest out of the city to the Pentland Hills in search of glorious gravel.

    View on Komoot

    Hathersage

    A tour of Derwent and Ladybower Reservoirs, although there's some riding to the south to begin with, over Offerton Moor and along the challenging Brough Lane.

    View on Komoot

    Hathersage - Eating out

    Put back what the day takes out:

  • Hathersage bakery – Great for sandwiches
  • Grasshopper café – A great lunch stop in Hope



  • Colemans Deli – right outside the store and one of the best around
  • Intrepid brewing company – for post-ride refreshements

    • Hathersage - Getting here

    Getting to the ride:

    Train services between Sheffield and Manchester stop at Hathersage, Bamford and Hope. The ride is easy to access from all three stations.




    By car from Manchester Snake pass is now open with 3 sets of traffic lights where a land slip has taken some of the road away. You can also go through Chapel-en-le-frith over Mam-tor.

    Ilkley

    This ride out takes in the gorgeous expanse of Denton Moor, heading northeast out of Ilkley up Hunger Hill and up to the summit of Round Hill.

    View on Komoot

    Inverness

    Expert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skills levels. You may need to carry your bike at times

    Keswick

    Heading east on Keswick-Threlkeld Railway trail to Threlkeld village, then climbing up onto the bridleway around Blease Fell and up to Skiddaw House.

    View on Komoot

    Keswick Transport links

    Transport links:

  • X4/X5 bus service
  • 555 bus, Lancaster - Keswick
  • 554 bus, Keswick - Carlisle




  • Local parking info
  • More local travel info

    • Keswick Top Picks

    Our top picks to stay fueled for your ride:

  • Bassenthwaite Lake Station - a converted steam train café
  • Java - Coffee and cake
  • Merienda café - a lovely lunch-stop


  • Jan's Lakeland sandwich shop - choose your own fillings
  • Pheasant Inn - for post-ride pub grub
  • The Crafty Baa - for some well-earned refreshments

    • Metrocentre

    Expect quiet cycleways, field edge tracks, woodland trails strewn with fallen leaves and riverside views on this route, which is just short of 37 miles.

    View on Komoot

    Metrocentre - Top picks for food

    Top picks for food and drink:

  • Pedalling Squares – great café with cycle-themed décor


  • Tyne Riverside Cafe – perfect for a lunch stop

    • Metrocentre - Travel info

    Travel info:

  • Trains from Newcastle Central to Metrocentre ~10mins
  • More local travel info



  • Our store is around 5min ride west of the train station
       (Metro Centre retail park, follow signs to the Marriott Hotel)

    • Kingston

    Expert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Big ride out of the grey to stunning hills in the distance. Remember there's gold in them thar (Surrey) hills..