Reputation: Regional UK event.
[01]
Course Overview
Reservoir loops and forest climbing through Clocaenog Forest in North Wales.
50 mi
Distance
4,000 ft
Elevation
Ruthin, Wales, UK
Location
April 25, 2026
Date
~100
Field Size
£70-90
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / Glorious Gravel TV
Photo: YouTube / Glorious Gravel TVUK North Wales gravel.
Signature challenge: UK North Wales terrain.
15
MILE
Early Wales
First Wales sections.
25
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through the course.
40
MILE
Late Wales
Final Wales sections before finish.
RIDERS REPORT
Steep climb at the start
Riders mentioned a steep climb to start with that caught them off guard.
Single track section MI 3
About 5k in, riders hit a challenging single track section where Cameron Mason pushed the pace. It starts with a drag then goes into flowy, twisty sections with big puddles. Hard to pass anyone and need to stay focused on the turns.
Pothole sections
Riders warn about keeping an eye out for poles and potholes, especially when riding close behind someone as they're hard to see coming up. Some are pretty big and can cause crashes if caught wrong.
The course was pretty much all off-road, mainly forest fire tracks with some single track thrown in. The climbs weren't too long and you could roll over them with a bit of speed.
Quality of the gravel in the forest is great with flowing sections along the reservoir edge.
[04]
From the Field
The quality of the gravel in this area is absolutely mega - I can't believe that it's been kept kind of secret for so long because the quality of the gravel in North Wales is just fantastic.
Glorious Gravel TV · 9.5K views
Great weather, great stops, great food and the trails were great as well - really really enjoyed it. The feed stops are super consistent and the guys are just absolutely amazing.
Glorious Gravel TV · 9.5K views
It's just typical gravel isn't it - great banter, you know, great riders, the staff are always helpful because they've nailed it, they've done a fantastic job, everyone's so friendly.
Glorious Gravel TV · 9.5K views
Feed stops are super consistent and the guys are just absolutely amazing we do all of them so um yeah this North Wales gravel it's just typical gravel isn't it uh great banter you know great Riders you know the staff are always helpful because they've nailed it they've done a fantastic job everyone's so friendly
Glorious Gravel TV · 9.5K views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced North Wales Gravel X? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
April 25, 2026 NORTH WALES GRAVEL X
[08]
Train for North Wales Gravel X
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
2
Climbing
5
VO2 Power
3
Threshold
6
Technical
6
Heat
0
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
4
FREE
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Manchester (MAN) 90 minutes
Lodging
Ruthin has lodging. Book ahead.
Food
Ruthin has dining. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day of typically
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
There's a time cut at 12:30 at the split point - if you're not there by then, you'll be directed to finish on the medium route.
Make sure to wrap up plenty before heading to the start as weather can be misty for the whole day.
Don't forget to fill up water at the start - riders mentioned forgetting and hoping it wasn't too far to the first feed stop.
[10]
Tire Picks
42mmMIXED
1
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
2
IRC Boken Double Cross
Underrated mixed-terrain tire. Fast center with confident shoulder grip.
3
Panaracer GravelKing SK
Affordable all-rounder. Light knobs add grip without killing speed.
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Panaracer GravelKing TLC 43mm / Specialized Pathfinder Pro 42mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
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Similar Races
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at North Wales Gravel X?
Jon in Sweden experienced "intermittent showers and 30kph wind" with temperatures of "16-17c" in April 2024, calling it "miserable weather really." The evening rain made tracks wet for race day, typical of North Wales spring conditions that demand four-season kit regardless of forecast. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[1]
How are the logistics for North Wales Gravel X?
GPX files arrive 2-4 days before with packet pickup opening at 7:45am for an 8:00am start creates morning stress. Jon in Sweden noted "preparation running up to the race was very good" with proper course briefing, but the venue moved from Ruthin to GYG Karting Cerrigydrudion between years shows organizational inconsistency.[6]
How adventurous is North Wales Gravel X?
Circuits of Llyn Alwen and Llyn Brenig through Clocaenog Forest deliver North Wales wilderness experience. The mix of reservoirs, technical forest climbs, and remote gravel roads takes you properly away from civilization. Not epic multi-day adventure, but real backcountry riding that reminds you why Welsh terrain built hard riders. "This is wild, remote & scenic gravel riding but all within 2 hours of Birmingham, Manchester & Liverpool. Camp over for a great gravel weekend including a club ride in Eryri National Park on Sunday."[1]
How prestigious is North Wales Gravel X?
The course shares "an exact lap of the Graean Cymru UCI course" and serves as a World Series qualifier - Tim o's son "got a qualification for Maastricht" with a 16th place finish. However, Jon in Sweden's 3rd place finish shows the competitive field remains regional level despite the UCI connection.[3]
Should I race North Wales Gravel X?
If you're local to UK—yes, it's solid. If you're traveling internationally—skip it.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Route Maps RideWithGPS: North Wales Gravel ridewithgps.com/routes/50180883
- Other Sources Gloriousgravelgloriousgravel.com/product/gravel-sportives/north-wales-g...
- Other Sources Gloriousgravelgloriousgravel.eventrac.co.uk/e/north-wales-gravel-x-8764...
- Other Sources Gloriousgravelgloriousgravel.eventrac.co.uk/e/north-wales-gravel-x-satu...
- Other Sources Racecheckracecheck.com/races/north-wales-gravel-x/
- Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/10699/north-wales-gra...
- Community forum.cyclinguk.org: Viewtopic.Phpforum.cyclinguk.org/viewtopic.php?t=166324
- Community resultsbase.net: 4117040resultsbase.net/event/7268/results/4117040