Tanfield After Dark – Night Gravel Ride, 7th November 2026

Night Gravel Ride · Tanfield After Dark, Tanfield Railway

Ride the world's oldest working railway after dark. Tanfield's winding former colliery lines and surrounding woodland tracks make for genuinely rewarding gravel riding, and they take on a different character entirely once the lights go on. Varied surface, real gradient, and a route that earns its views, ridden under the beam of your head and bar lights.

Choose Your Distance

Short Route: approx. 50 km

A single loop taking in the railway corridor and the wooded valley descents either side. Manageable for confident cyclists, and a satisfying night out for experienced riders. Expect a mix of compacted gravel track, short technical sections on rooted path, and one steady climb back to the venue. Cumulative elevation is moderate. Suitable for a gravel or hybrid bike with tyres 35 mm or wider. Strong lights essential.

Long Route: approx. 100 km

The full night out. The long route extends south through the Derwent Walk corridor before looping back through the exposed ridge above the Tyne Valley. You will encounter loose gravel descents, wet clay through the wooded sections, and a sustained climb in the final third, all in the dark. This is a route that rewards pacing and good lighting. A gravel bike with tyres 38 mm or wider is strongly recommended. Some sections will be exposed to wind.

Surface and Terrain

• Compacted gravel track (majority of both routes)
• Rooted woodland singletrack (short sections)
• Open bridleway with potential for mud after rain
  

Mandatory Kit: All Riders

• Bright front light suitable for unlit trail
• Backup front light or spare batteries
• Rear red light
• Helmet (mandatory)
• Spare tube and basic tools, there is no mechanical support on course
• Mobile phone with emergency contact number saved
• Windproof or waterproof layer
• Something reflective or hi-vis recommended

Kit may be checked at registration. Riders without adequate front lighting and a backup will not be permitted to start.

What Is Included

• GPX file sent ahead of the event
• Marked and reflective-lit route on the day
• Feed station(s) on the long route
• Marshals with lights at key points
• Start and finish at East Tanfield Station, Tanfield Railway
• Hot food and drink at the venue after your ride

What to Bring

• Front and rear lights plus a backup front light (mandatory)
• Gravel or hybrid bike in good mechanical order
• Helmet (mandatory)
• Spare tube and basic tools
• Warm layers for the start and finish, nights can be cold in November
• Water for the first section before the feed station

The Venue

East Tanfield Station sits at the heart of the Tanfield Railway, a working steam railway and a genuine piece of industrial heritage, and an atmospheric place to roll out from after dark. Parking is available on site. The event hub will be open in the evening before the start with hot drinks and food.

Date: Saturday 7th November 2026
Start time: 7:00 PM (19:00)
Start location: Tanfield Railway, East Tanfield Station, DH9 9UY