Discover the wild landscapes of Scotland and Northumberland on one of our UK gravel-riding holidays. Unlike mountain biking (MTB), gravel cycling focuses on longer, flowing routes over a mix of unpaved roads, forest tracks, old drover roads, and grassy descents, offering adventure without the technical obstacles of MTB trails. We love the variety of riding here—smooth gravel paths, a splash of mud, and just enough challenge to keep every ride interesting. Our gravel bike tours in the UK are all about freedom, exploration, and discovering remote landscapes at your own pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop and soak up the scenery. You’ll enjoy the camaraderie of a guided group, or plan your own adventure with a self-guided option, with all logistics—including accommodation, luggage transfers, and route planning—taken care of by Skedaddle, all you need to focus on is what exciting gravel trails lie over the next hill.
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Types of Cycling in the UK
Leisure Cycling in the UK
Enjoy gentle rides through charming villages, parks, and scenic countryside, perfect for relaxed exploration and taking in local sights.
Road Cycling in the UK
Cover longer distances on quiet lanes and picturesque highways, experiencing iconic climbs, coastal views, and smooth tarmac.
Mountain Biking in the UK
Tackle forest tracks, technical trails, and rugged terrain for thrilling off-road adventure and skill-building.
Family Cycling in the UK
Create lasting memories on safe, accessible routes with children, combining fun attractions, scenic stops, and manageable daily distances.
Best Destinations for Gravel Biking in the UK
The UK offers incredible landscapes for gravel biking, and our local teams are excited to help you explore some of the country’s most rugged and remote routes. Gravel rides are all about adventure, variety, and discovering paths less travelled, from quiet forest tracks to historic drover roads.
Scotland – A true wilderness for gravel cyclists. Scotland’s remote glens, rolling hills, and forest trails offer endless opportunities to explore epic landscapes far from traffic. Riders can enjoy a mix of rugged terrain, smooth gravel roads, and scenic singletrack, making it a top choice for those seeking adventure and stunning vistas.
Northumberland – England’s northern gem is perfect for gravel biking, with a mix of coastal paths, quiet country lanes, the famous forest tracks of Kielder, and old drovers’ roads that wind through historic villages and wild landscapes. Its open spaces and varied terrain make it ideal for riders who enjoy exploring at a steady pace while embracing the freedom of remote tracks.
Scotland
NEW! Trossachs and Tayside Trails
Self-Guided Gravel Riding Holiday
Duration
7 daysPrices from
£995 P.P.NEW! Trossachs and Tayside Trails
Self-Guided Gravel Riding Holiday
Daily departures available from April to mid October.
Choose your own dates from £995 per person.
You can either make a booking online or over the phone. Once we have your details, we’ll be able to check availability.
- Riding Scotland’s top gravel destinations of Aberfoyle, Aberfeldy and Dunkeld
- Pedalling along the scenic shorelines of Loch Katrine, Loch Tay and Loch Venachar
- Seeing some incredible forest wildlife including Ospreys, Red Kites, deer, and red squirrels.
- Riding mile upon mile of fun gravel tracks through forests on a variety of trails with off-road climbs and exciting descents
- Experiencing views of Ben Lomond and Tayside
- Staying in the quaint riverside town of Dunkeld for 2 nights
Scotland - Wild About Argyll
Guided Gravel Riding Holiday
| Start Date | End Date | Price p.p. |
|---|---|---|
| 07/06/2026 Fully Booked | 13/06/2026 | £1,695.00 |
| 12/07/2026 | 18/07/2026 | £1,695.00 |
| 09/08/2026 | 15/08/2026 | £1,695.00 |
| 30/08/2026 | 05/09/2026 | £1,695.00 |
- Scenic shorelines on Loch Goil, Loch Long and Loch Eck
- Lush forest with a variety of trails and textbook gravel riding
- Pairing Scotland’s finest seafood with local whisky and craft beer
- Deep glens beneath towering mountains in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park
- Sunsets across Loch Fyne at Portavadie
- Chance to spot otters, red squirrels and white-tailed eagles
Northumberland - Reivers Trails
Guided Gravel Riding Holiday
| Start Date | End Date | Price p.p. |
|---|---|---|
| 21/06/2026 | 27/06/2026 | £1,595.00 |
| 02/08/2026 Guaranteed | 08/08/2026 | £1,595.00 |
- Miles and miles of traffic-free gravel Reivers trails to explore
- A raid across the Scottish Border and a night in Newcastleton, Liddesdale
- A chance to spot ospreys which have nested in Kielder since 2008
- A visit to the Skyspace installation designed by artist James Turrell
- Fabulous vistas across Europe’s largest man-made lake
- The flowing contours and switchbacks of Kielder’s Lakeside Trail
- A delicious local pint from First and Last’s Bellingham-based brewery
Not sure which trip's right for you? Just ask!
Get in touch and we'll help you find your perfect trip.
Gravel Bike Holidays in the UK
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A gravel bike holiday in the UK is about freedom, adventure, and exploring off-the-beaten-track routes without the more challenging technical demands of mountain biking. Each day combines scenic stretches of unpaved roads, forest tracks, old drover roads, and occasional single-track, offering the perfect mix of challenge, flow, and discovery. These tours often cover moderate distances that can be adapted to your fitness and riding goals, allowing you to focus on the journey and the stunning landscapes along the way.
Gravel bike holidays suit a wide range of riders. Beginners comfortable on a road bike can enjoy these trips thanks to the variety of route options and the smooth, rideable surfaces of many tracks. At the same time, seasoned riders will appreciate the variety, the chance to cover longer distances, and the occasional rugged stretch that tests skills without the extreme technicality of mountain biking. Every tour is graded, and our experienced guides provide support, advice, and local knowledge, making the experience rewarding for all abilities.
Terrain is what sets gravel tours apart. Unlike road cycling, you’ll encounter a mix of gravel lanes, grassy paths, and quiet rural roads, often linking beautiful, remote areas inaccessible to traffic. Compared to mountain biking, gravel rides are less technical—fewer rock gardens, steep drops, or highly technical trail sections—but they still offer a sense of adventure and variety, with a focus on flow, endurance, and exploring new landscapes. Riders can experience the solitude of forest tracks, the rugged beauty of coastal lanes, and the thrill of gently rolling hills, all while covering more ground than a typical MTB trail.
A typical day on a UK gravel bike holiday might begin with a morning ride along an ancient track, weaving through moorland or woodland, with stops at remote villages, viewpoints, or historic sites. Distances vary, but the emphasis is always on enjoyment, scenery, and the unique experience of riding where few others have ventured. With accommodation, luggage transfers, and route navigation taken care of, riders can fully immerse themselves in the landscapes, trails, and camaraderie of a group adventure.
Whether you’re seeking an accessible introduction to off-road riding or a multi-day adventure through the UK’s wildest landscapes, gravel bike holidays offer a perfect balance of exploration, scenery, and enjoyable riding, distinct from both road and mountain biking.
Frequently Asked Questions – UK Gravel Bike Holidays
What exactly is gravel riding and who is it for?
Gravel riding is a style of cycling that combines road riding with off-tarmac adventure. It’s perfect for riders who want to explore quiet lanes, forest tracks, old drover roads, and scenic singletrack without the technical challenges of mountain biking. UK gravel bike holidays are suitable for beginners who are comfortable on a bike, as well as more experienced riders seeking longer distances and varied terrain. These tours are ideal for anyone who enjoys adventure, discovery, and riding in remote or rugged landscapes.
What are your most popular gravel routes in the UK?
One of our most-loved options is Wild About Argyll in Scotland in Scotland, which combines forest trails, coastal lanes, and quiet gravel tracks through some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes. Northumberland is also popular, with a mix of coastal paths and rural lanes ideal for gravel bikes. Each tour emphasises scenic variety, flow, and the freedom to explore trails inaccessible to standard road bikes.
How do gravel riding grades compare to road or leisure grades?
Each form of cycling has its own grading system, so gravel-riding grades aren’t directly comparable to those for road or leisure rides. Our grades take into account daily distance, elevation, and the technical challenge of the terrain, such as loose surfaces, narrow tracks, or short climbs. This helps riders choose trips that match their fitness, experience, and appetite for adventure. While some routes suit less-experienced riders, others offer longer rides and more rugged terrain for seasoned cyclists seeking a challenge.
Can I get more information before booking?
Yes! You can sign up for trip notes to receive detailed itineraries, route maps, terrain information, and practical advice for UK gravel bike holidays, or make an enquiry to speak with our UK-based team. Our experts can help you choose the perfect tour, ensuring your ride matches your skill level and adventure goals.
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