In the world of bikepacking, there’s a fine line between “epic adventure” and “complete chaos”. The Peak Gravel Overnighter 2025 somehow delivered both - and that’s precisely what made it such a hit. Event organiser Valerio Stuart reveals how the most recent edition came together and why it left everyone wanting more.

Image courtesy of Matt Slack

From City Streets to Wild Hills

It all started in true northern style: a strong dose of caffeine courtesy of Kickback Coffee, fresh pastries, Bum Butter chamois cream to keep the backside happy and an eager crowd gathered inside Balance Brewing & Blending in Manchester. The smell of espresso filled the room as riders eyed the gloomy sky and compared setups — from ultralight rigs to fully loaded touring beasts. There were familiar faces from last year’s event, grinning through déjà vu and plenty of new riders nervously watching the horizon.

By 9:30 a.m., two convoys rolled out, weaving through Manchester’s backstreets and onto the canals. The laughter was loud, the pace easy — the calm before the downpour. Because, of course, the forecast hadn’t lied. Somewhere near Marple, the heavens opened. Within minutes, waterproofs were tested, spirits dampened (briefly) and the plan to reach the first stop much later went straight out the window as the group piled gratefully into the first café in sight.

Image courtesy of Ian Montandon

Soggy smiles were exchanged as the windows steamed up, the place filling with riders. From there, the route climbed into the Peak District: the city shrinking behind, the hills looming ahead. Riders could choose their own adventure: the smoother option or the “explorer short-cut” via the Pennine Bridleway. The latter demanded a touch of confidence descending on loose rock (especially in the wet) and a hefty push up the hills with loaded bikes. The reward? Well, there weren’t many views — just clouds and clag — and it probably took just as long as the regular route. But the sense of shared grit bonded everyone faster than sunshine ever could. 

Campfire Camaraderie (or Pub wood-burning-stove Camaraderie, more like)

By the time Bamford appeared, the sun was already sinking. Tents went up in the rain as temperatures dropped and shivering riders soon sought refuge at the Anglers Rest, the community-owned pub that turned one corner into a drying room and the rest into a roaring social. Spirits were lifted (literally and figuratively), helped along by a bikepacking quiz hosted by CIOVITA. Prizes from Schwalbe, Ciovita and Bum Butter were tossed across the room like confetti — and a few lucky riders even scored dry t-shirts.

There’s something special about a group of strangers swapping stories of trips, mechanical mishaps, climbs, and near-bonks. That’s what the Overnighter nailed: it’s not about how far or how fast you go, but who you share the miles (and the misery) with. 

Mam Tor and the Long Ride Home

Sunday dawned bright — the kind of morning that makes you forget the previous day ever happened. The smell of Kickback Coffee drifted across camp as Alpkit and Sonder served breakfast, coaxing riders back onto bikes that still squelched with the memory of Saturday.

The route’s crown jewel awaited: Mam Tor’s Broken Road. The old tarmac, collapsing into the hillside, makes for a dramatic view. Riders pushed, grunted and finally crested the ridge to find — at last — views worth the wait. There were whoops, selfies and that pure joy that only comes after proper effort.

From there, the day rolled out like a (long) victory lap: disused railways, quiet lanes and one final café stop before the triumphant return to Balance Brewery, where pizzas and beers disappeared in the blink of an eye. 

Reflections from the Trail

As Laura, recipient of the 2025 Tor Divide Bursary, put it: “It was wetter than an otter’s pocket, but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

And that about sums it up. The 2025 Overnighter reminded everyone why bikepacking is about community, not conditions. You don’t need perfect weather — just good company, a sense of humour and a love for two-wheeled mischief.

Events like this prove that bikepacking isn’t just for hardened racers or solo wanderers. It’s for anyone who wants to escape the everyday, get a bit lost, and reconnect — with landscapes, with people, with themselves.

Thanks to our amazing sponsors for helping make this one of the UK’s best-value best gravel events.

Eyes on the Next Adventure: Tor Divide 2026

If the Peak Gravel Overnighter lit a spark, then Tor Divide 2026 is where you’ll want to fan the flames. Returning 16–17 May 2026, it’s a multi-day off-road odyssey across the Peak District — the same spirit of adventure, just turned up a notch.

It’s not a group ride, but you’ll have to try hard – or ride hard - to be alone as hundreds of riders tackle some of the Peak’s most iconic trails. Expect your definition of “gravel” to be tested, your legs to be challenged and your heart full. With steep climbs, quality coffee, good food and a community that cheers you on whether you’re chasing daylight or the pub, it’s an event that sums up everything great about bikepacking.

So pack your sense of humour, embrace the unpredictable and come see what the Peak has to offer. Whatever the weather throws at us next May, one thing’s certain: the memories (and the mud) will stick.