Do I need a special bike?

A gravel or adventure bike is ideal, with wider tyres for grip. Some rides can advise on or provide a suitable bike, so check the session.

How is it different from road cycling?

Gravel keeps you off busy roads and onto tracks and trails. It is a bit slower, a lot quieter, and usually more scenic.

How fit do I need to be?

It scales to you. Pick a ride that matches your fitness, from a gentle traffic-free loop to a longer backcountry day.

Comfortable cycling clothes and a helmet. Padded shorts and grippy shoes make longer rides much nicer.

Do I need experience?

If you can ride a bike, you can start. Skills sessions help with handling loose surfaces and building confidence off-road.

Can I do it on an e-bike?

Yes. Gravel e-bikes are increasingly common and great for covering more ground or keeping up on the hills.

Gravel Biking in Hampshire and Isle of Wight

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are a sailing and watersports hub on the Solent, with sailing, powerboating, scuba and cycling across South East England. Learn to sail or skipper on the legendary Solent waters, take powerboat courses, dive coastal sites, and cycle the Isle of Wight's lanes by bike or e-bike. From RYA-style beginner courses to coastal adventures, this is one of England's premier places to get afloat.

Gravel biking is what happens when a road bike grows up and goes exploring. On chunkier tyres and a comfier frame, you swap busy roads for farm tracks, forest trails, towpaths and the kind of quiet lanes that make riding a pleasure again. Road-bike pace with mountain-bike freedom.

It is welcoming and low-faff. If you can ride a bike you can ride gravel, and the relaxed geometry is forgiving for beginners and long days alike. Routes range from gentle traffic-free spins to proper backcountry adventures.

The guides on adventuro run gravel rides, skills sessions and tours for all abilities. Get comfortable picking your line over loose ground and the whole map opens up.