Peak Gravel Overnighter 2025
“wetter than an otter’s pocket”
After the successes of the inaugural Overnighter in 2024, we couldn’t wait to bring together more riders for another weekend of two-wheeled camaraderie, challenge, and discovery.
The Peak Gravel Overnighter is a friendly group expedition from Manchester city centre into the quiet bridleways and rolling hills of the Peak District National Park. Riders load up their bikes with tents, sleeping kit, and plenty of snacks. Some travel light; others bring the kitchen sink. The beauty of this event? It’s not about who’s fastest. It’s about riding together, laughing (or swearing) at climbs and rain, and finishing the weekend a little muddier but a lot happier.
Photo by Rob Montandon
Day One: From the City to the Hills
We gathered at Balance Brewing & Blending, fuelled by pastries and KickBackCoffee, and with some nice gifts from our supporters: BumButter chamois cream for a smooth ride, Luchos Guava blocks to keep the bonks away and CIOVITA upcycled wallets for our spares. The crowd was wonderfully mixed: seasoned ultra racers, first-time bikepackers, and everything in between. Spirits were high, despite a weather forecast that promised more showers than sunshine.
Barely 20 km into the ride, the sky delivered. We were soaked through by the first café stop — but that only added to the camaraderie. Waterproof jackets and trousers became the hot topic of conversation as we refuelled on coffee and cake.
The route wound through towpaths, lanes, and bridleways before splitting: riders could take a smoother, longer option or an explorer variant across the Pennine Bridleway. Sadly, the reward of sweeping Peak District views never arrived — we were riding in the clouds.
When we reached Bamford, tents had to be pitched in the rain and riders bolted for the local pub. Within minutes we’d transformed one corner into a drying room, warming by the fire with plates of food and pints in hand. It was the perfect opportunity to play a bikepacking-themed quiz, with gifts (dry clothes!!!) from Schwalbe, Ciovita and Bum Butter literally flying around the room. Seeing people laughing after such a tough day outside was magical.
“The Tor Divide Peak Gravel Overnighter turned out to be wetter than an otter’s pocket — but somehow that only added to the fun. The Peak District had us wrapped in its moody, misty cloak, with fleeting glimpses of big views every now and then. Bridleways turned to streams as if they’d been waiting all year for their moment.
Sog-induced shivers sent me homeward instead of into a tent on the Saturday night, but the ride was far from a washout. A penguin! (hay-bale), the Peel Monument looming through the drizzle, and old stone tracks dripping with history (and rain) made for a properly atmospheric spin. Also a mug of brew and a jam smothered crumpet! Best of all was sharing it all with new faces and familiar ones — because if you can still laugh in those conditions, you must be doing something right.
Huge thanks to the Tor Divide crew for putting it all together. It was brilliant to be part of such an inclusive, welcoming bike-packing event — with the chance to hire kit, ride in supportive groups, and follow a thoughtfully recce’d route with plenty of brew-and-natter stops along the way.
The rain never let up, but neither did the laughter — turns out, good company and a corker of a route make the best kind of waterproofing.”
Photo by Ian Montandon
Day Two: the - broken - road Home
Mercifully, Sunday dawned bright. Alpkit and Sonder coaxed us from damp sleeping bags and onto our bikes with pastries and coffee at camp, getting us ready for the day’s highlight: Mam Tor and the Broken Road. The crumbling tarmac, once a vital link between Manchester and Sheffield, now makes for a dramatic cycling stage. Climbs were steep, views sweeping, and smiles wide.
From there, the ride softened: abandoned rail lines, woodland tracks, and rolling lanes guided us back toward the city. One final coffee stop punctuated the journey before the celebratory return to Balance Brewery, where the smell of pizza and sound of laughter filled the taproom.
A few takeaways from this year:
The 2025 Overnighter reminded us why we love bikepacking. It’s not about the perfect bike, or speed, or sunshine. It’s about being present in the moment, embracing uncertainty, and connecting — with the terrain, with fellow riders, and with ourselves.
Stops are part of the ride. Café breaks, photo pauses, and regroup moments make the miles feel easier.
Good kit matters, especially in poor weather. We stayed comfortable all weekend in my CIOVITA Merino base layer — warm in rain, cool in effort — while the Apex Cargo Bibs made sure my snacks and phone were always close at hand. Bags that are waterproof and actually keep your belongings dry, yes even after an entire day of rain, are so important. Thanks Tailfin!
Options give freedom. Having both smoother and more technical route variants ensured everyone could tailor their challenge.
The scenic and potentially scary bits are worth it. Even if they take a little more effort, they’re the sections we’ll be talking about until next year.
Photo by Matt Slack
Looking Ahead
If this has you thinking “I’d love to try that,” you’re in luck. The adventure continues with Tor Divide returning on 16-17 May 2026. Whatever the weather, we’d love to have you along.
Thanks to all the riders, volunteers, cafés, and pubs that made 2025 unforgettable. See you on the trails.
Thanks to the following Sponsors for supporting the Peak Gravel Overnighter!!!
