Northern Trilogy: Lakes Legend
31st May 2025
Overview
Embark on the Lakes Legend, a premier gravel sportive in the North of England, brought to you by Wild Gravel. This unforgettable ride takes cyclists deep into the heart of the Lake District, offering a thrilling mix of gravel trails, rugged fells, and serene lakeshores.
Explore sweeping slate valleys, tackle challenging climbs, and conquer technical descents as you ride through the stunning landscapes of England’s most iconic national park. Marvel at panoramic views from mountaintops, glide along lush green forest trails, and pass by timeless stone villages steeped in history.
Whether you’re a seasoned gravel cyclist or seeking your next adventure, the Lakes Legend delivers the perfect blend of challenge and beauty, showcasing why the Lake District is a must-ride destination for gravel enthusiasts.
Highlights:
- Explore smooth gravel fire roads as you weave through the enchanting Grizedale Forest.
- Pass by four iconic lakes, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of this legendary region.
- Conquer four Lake District fells, soaking in breathtaking vistas from their peaks.
- Escape to the lesser-known trails south of Coniston, with remote bridleways, singletrack, and hidden gems showcasing a side of the Lakes few get to experience.
What to Expect
Prepare for a demanding day in the saddle with plenty of climbing and varied terrain. The route features everything from smooth gravel fire roads to rockier, more technical sections that will test your skills and stamina. Starting in the heart of the Lake District at Ambleside, riders will tackle iconic climbs which sets the tone early for the rest of the day.
The Epic route is tailored for experienced off-roaders, with 9 challenging climbs packed into 80km and a total elevation of 1,480m. The Adventure and Classic routes offer a more accessible but still rewarding experience, ideal for riders ready to take on a big day amidst stunning scenery.
Ride Difficulty
- Epic Route: ***** – A tough, technical challenge for seasoned gravel riders.
- Adventure Route: **** – A challenging but manageable ride for most.
- Classic Route: *** – A rewarding introduction to Lake District gravel riding.
Bring your climbing legs and be ready for an unforgettable day on some of the UK’s most stunning trails!
Included in entry
Fully Signed Route
We pride ourselves on our excellent signage. Leaving you able to relax and enjoy the ride.
Food Stations
Epic rides need proper fuel! We pride ourselves on feeding you with local sourced delicious grub - check our reviews..... the food is top notch!
GPX Files Ahead of Time
In the lead up to the ride, we’ll send you the GPX files for all the route options, so you can load them onto your GPS and follow along with the signs.
On-Site Mechanics
Got a mechanical? Our mechanics are on hand at the rider village and key feed stations, with spare tubes, CO2, and more to keep you rolling
Support Vans When You Need Them
If you run into trouble, our support vans are just a call away to get you back on track
Beer at the Finish
You’ve earned it! Grab a beer and some food from the barbie at the finish line and swap stories with fellow riders around the firepit
Event Program: The Northern Trilogy – Lakes Legend
29th May:
📧 Pre-Ride Prep: GPX files and a detailed pre-ride briefing will be sent to all riders by email. Make sure your gear is ready!
31st May:
📍 Ride Village Opens – 7:45 AM
- Location: Ambleside.
- Collect your ride number at check-in (approx. 10 minutes).
🚴 Ride Start – 8:00 AM to 8:45 AM
- Riders will start in small groups following a short ride briefing.
🔥 Beers & Firepit Fun – From 3:00 PM
- Relax and share your stories of the day around the firepit. Enjoy a cold beer and great vibes with fellow riders.
🏁 Ride Village Closes – 6:00 PM
- Wrap up your day of adventure before the village closes.
📧 Ride Times & Photos – 7:00 PM
- A link to your official ride times and rider photos will be sent to your email.
We can’t wait to see you on the trails and around the firepit!
The Epic Route
Embark on a beautifully varied 80km route that takes you through the heart of the Lake District, connecting Ambleside, Coniston, and Rydal Water. This ride seamlessly blends dramatic fells, flowing forest trails, and serene lakeside views.
Starting in Ambleside, the route leads you towards Clappersgate and through the charming village of Hawkshead, where you’ll begin a gradual climb into the enchanting Grizedale Forest. Here, enjoy 10km of flowing gravel trails along the ridge before descending into the lesser-known parts of the South Lakes, south of Coniston.
As you head back north through Coniston, the ride takes you past the historic Coppermines Valley and into the striking, rugged landscapes of the Langdale Fells. With just under 20km to go, you’ll cycle along the picturesque shores of Rydal Water, finishing your journey with a mix of gravel and road back to Ambleside, where a well-earned beer awaits!
This route is a perfect mix of challenge and reward, showcasing the best of the Lake District’s natural beauty and hidden gems.
Percentage of Off Road : 75%
Distance : 80km
Elevation 1480m
Difficulty :****
Technical : ****
The Adventure Route
This is a challenging but rewarding route that offers a well-balanced adventure through some of the Lake District’s most stunning landscapes.
Covering approximately 56km, the Adventure route follows the same path as the long route for the first 38km, including the flowing gravel trails of Grizedale Forest and the scenic ride along the south side of Coniston, where the gravel remains beautifully unspoiled.
Unlike the Epic route, the Adventure route skips the tough 20k loop out towards the Langdales, saving you a couple of hours of climbing while still delivering all the best features of this incredible ride.
Perfect for riders looking for a rewarding day out with plenty of stunning views and a mix of terrain, this route combines challenge and enjoyment in equal measure.
The Classic Route
There is no Classic route planned for this event.
Are you up for the challenge of the Adventure Route?
Distance:
Elevation:
Gravel:
FAQS
WHERE DOES THE RIDE START & FINISH
The ride start and finish at Ambleside
Are there any age restrictions for participating in the event ?
Yes, Participants must be at least 18 years old to take part in Ride the Wild.
What is the difficulty level of the different route options ?
The Epic route is the most challenging. Covering significant distances and including demanding climbs. The Adventure route offers a slightly shorter option but still presents a good level of challenge. The Classic route provides a more manageable distance, suitable for riders seeking a less strenuous ride.
Our packing list
Bike Selection and Kit List:
Bike Selection Packing ust for the Wild Gravel :
- Bike Choice: We recommend a gravel bike or mountain bike. E-bikes are also allowed.
Tyre choice – Opt for 35 to 40mm fast-rolling as the gravel on the route is excellent. - Packing List: Bring self-sufficiency equipment : inner tubes, sealant, a multi-tool and a pump.
- Clothing: Be prepared for changing weather with layers, including arm and knee warmers, a lightweight jacket. and a MANDATORY HELMET.
These essentials will ensure you’re well-equipped for the Wild Gravel ready to tackle the stunning Lake District Fells with confidence.