The best gravel rides around Clifton

There are over 25 gravel bike trails in the Clifton area, offering a variety of routes through rural landscapes. These include options for different skill levels, from easy loops to more challenging, longer rides.

Yes, Clifton offers several gravel bike trails suitable for beginners. There are 7 easy routes, such as the Hambridge Way Gravel Track – Willbury Hill Viewpoint loop from Shillington, which covers 13.1 miles (21.1 km) with gentle elevation changes, perfect for those new to gravel biking.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Clifton has 17 moderate and 1 difficult gravel route. The Fox and Duck Pub, Therfield – Ashwell Street Byway loop from Letchworth Garden City is a demanding 42.9 miles (69 km) trail with significant elevation, offering a robust workout.

Many of the gravel bike routes around Clifton are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Icknield Way Woodland Trail – Bunyan Gravel Track loop from Hitchin and the Bridge Over the River Ivel – Arlesey to Astwick Bridleway loop from Letchworth Garden City.

Gravel biking around Clifton offers diverse scenery, including rolling terrain, tranquil woodland paths, and expansive open countryside. Routes often follow ancient byways and bridleways, providing a mix of compacted earth and loose gravel surfaces. You'll encounter rural landscapes connecting villages and scenic viewpoints.

Yes, some routes feature excellent viewpoints. For instance, the Willbury Hill Viewpoint – Hambridge Way Gravel Track loop from Letchworth Garden City includes a viewpoint offering panoramic vistas over the surrounding countryside, perfect for a scenic break.

The Clifton area is rich in natural attractions. You can explore the Icknield Way Trail – Pegsdon Hills, visit The Lodge RSPB Nature Reserve, or discover the Oughtonhead Common Local Nature Reserve. These spots offer opportunities to extend your outdoor adventure beyond just cycling.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Clifton, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 18 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the network of ancient trackways, and the peaceful rural setting that defines the area's routes.

Many routes in the Clifton area start from towns like Hitchin or Letchworth Garden City, which have train stations, making them accessible by public transport. For example, the Icknield Way Woodland Trail – Bunyan Gravel Track loop from Hitchin begins near Hitchin, a well-connected town.

The varied rural landscapes and mixed surfaces around Clifton make it suitable for gravel biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Winter rides are also possible, though some paths might be muddier.

Yes, with 7 easy routes and generally gentle topography, Clifton offers family-friendly gravel biking options. These routes typically feature less challenging terrain and shorter distances, making them suitable for families with children or those looking for a relaxed ride.