Tanfield Railway - Gravel Rides 3rd July 2027

Gravel Rides · Tanfield Railway, 3rd July 2027

Ride the world's oldest working railway. Tanfield's winding former colliery lines and surrounding woodland tracks make for genuinely rewarding gravel riding. Varied surface, real gradient, and a route that earns its views.

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 stepping into gravel for the first time, and satisfying for experienced riders wanting a quicker morning out. 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.

Long Route: approx. 100 km

The full day 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. This is a route that rewards pacing. A gravel bike with tyres 38 mm or wider is strongly recommended. Some sections will be exposed to wind.

_{the 100km route.}

Surface and Terrain

• Compacted gravel track (majority of both routes)
• Rooted woodland singletrack (short sections)
• Open bridleway with potential for mud after rain
• No road crossings requiring traffic management

What Is Included

• GPX file sent ahead of the event
• Marked route on the day
• Feed station(s) on the long route
• Start and finish at East Tanfield Station, Tanfield Railway
• Post-ride food and drink at the venue

What to Bring

• Gravel or hybrid bike in good mechanical order
• Helmet (mandatory)
• Spare tube and basic tools, there is no mechanical support on course
• Weather-appropriate layers, July can be warm but the ridge is exposed
• 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. Parking is available on site. The event hub will be open from early morning with hot drinks and food.

Date: Saturday 3rd July 2027
Start time: 08:00
Start location: Tanfield Railway, East Tanfield Station, DH9 9UY