The Pennine Rally

Part long-distance audax, part multi-day stage race; half cross course, half hill-climb, the Pennine Rally is a mud-spattered mongrel of a ride. But for those brave enough to enter, all manner of rewards lie in wait high on the fells and deep in the forests on our self-supported gravel adventure along Britain’s mountainous backbone.

Only the hardy need apply, and with over 8,000 metres of ascent on the route from Edinburgh to Manchester, you best bring your climbing legs too. But fear not, five days is a long time and there are plenty of pubs along the way providing welcome respite and a well-earned pint.

Starting out in Edinburgh, the route gets off the roads almost immediately in the Pentland Hills before winding its way south to take in some of the finest gravel roads, byways, drovers’ roads and bridleways that the Pennines have to offer. There’s only the occasional tarmac interruption and, trust us, you'll be glad for those.

There will be three mandatory controls along the route, providing a chance to top up on supplies, have a coffee and steel yourself for the next section. The controls will be open at set times which will be shared with participants nearer the time.

We’ll split the route in five sections as a guide, though riders will be free to adapt this according to their plans and circumstances. However you choose to break down the route, we remind riders to respect the challenge and look after themselves. Sleep is encouraged, rather than penalised. As we said...

How to apply

Places on the Pennine Rally are extremely limited and available by application only. Tickets for the event cost £130 and include a donation to the Great North Air Ambulance – we hope nobody will need them but it’s nice to know they’re there.