4 ideal destinations for giving gravel a go

Trying gravel riding somewhere without some friendly trails for starters is a recipe for disaster! These 4 destinations are ideal for those new to gravel or not yet comfortable off road, with accessible terrain that’s not too arduous and spectacular landscapes to reward your efforts. Not forgetting the perfect trails for getting to grips with the joys of gravel that will help you build confidence on the bike.

How to choose a gravel destination as a beginner

Before booking your first gravel trip, there are a few key criteria that help identify a destination truly suited to beginners:

• Smooth, non-technical terrain: forest tracks, gravel roads, and quiet backroads.

• Reasonable elevation gain: enough to enjoy the scenery without suffering on long climbs.

• Accessible daily stages: ideally between 40 and 70 km per day to keep the ride enjoyable.

• Reassuring support: guides, assistance, and simplified logistics help you focus on the adventure.

The goal of a first gravel trip is not performance. It’s about discovering a new way of traveling by bike — somewhere between road cycling and adventure.

1. Biketrip in Champagne, Grand Est

Bubbles, Vineyards, and Chalky Paths

Champagne is the ultimate destination to get started with gravel riding or enjoy a smooth getaway in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Famous for its iconic "chemins blancs"—light-colored chalk tracks that wind through the vineyards—the region offers a rolling, elegant playground with no technical difficulty. It is the perfect place to taste the freedom of gravel while enjoying gentle terrain and sun-drenched panoramas.

Why choose Champagne? With its moderate elevation and wide, stable trails, this destination allows you to focus purely on the joy of riding and taking in the scenery. It is an invitation to ride stress-free, where physical effort is always rewarded by the discovery of prestigious cellars and authentic wine-growing villages.

This region combines accessibility with the French art de vivre, offering easy itineraries around Épernay and the Montagne de Reims, punctuated by gourmet breaks and encounters with local enthusiasts.

Find out more about our Champagne trip.

2. Biketrip in Andalusia, Spain

A full immersion in all things Spanish

Andalusia really is the dream destination for getting into gravel riding, with wide smooth trails and quintessentially pretty white hamlets dotted between olive groves, all bathed in the warm Spanish sunshine. Our trips to southern Spain take you to the heart of the Sierra Morena, where the warm climate makes year round riding a pleasure. Our routes follow dirt and gravel trails, as well as small country roads, for maximum variety without technical difficulties.

Why choose Andalusia? The ultimate place to ride and relax, with varied landscapes, a great local culture and a warm year round climate. What more could you want!

Find out more about our trips in Andalusia.

3. Biketrip in Oslo, Norway

Fjords, mountains and a slice of Scandi lifestyle.

Norway has long been top of the bucket list for anyone in search of space, nature and an adventure. The landscape around Oslo has great trails to explore that are smooth and relatively flat - ideal for those who are new to gravel. And of course there are BIG views all round for you to soak up before, during and after your efforts. Fjords, mountains and wide open spaces add up to jaw dropping landscapes a seductive serenity that’s hard to resist.

Why choose Norway? For exceptional panoramas and a Scandinavian tranquility add up to a memorable and out of this world adventure.

Find out more about our gravel trips to Norway.

4. Biketrip in Morvan, Burgundy

Forests, lakes and an absolute calm

Tucked away in Burgundy, between Paris and Lyon, the Morvan Natural Regional Park is a little hidden gem, where nature still has hold. Dense forests hide pure tranquil lakes that are just waiting to be explored on our gravel trips here. Each ride will allow you to test and build on your riding skills with confidence, all the while soaking up the raw nature around you. An ideal getaway to start getting out there, and make the most of where a gravel bike can take you.

Why choose the Morvan? Mixed and varied routes to ride make for a progressive start to your gravel riding career, that you can take at your own pace while exploring the great outdoors.

Find out about our trips in the Morvan.

Our gravel levels explained

GravelUp is a travel agency that specialises in gravel bike trips. We’ll take you to some of the most beautiful mountain ranges and areas of Europe, and we take care of everything for you - accommodation, locally inspired gourmet meals, qualified guides, recovery yoga, support van, high end gravel bikes…

To help you find the right trip for you, we’ve graded our trips from 1/5 - 5/5 in terms of overall difficulty:

• Level 1/5 - ideal for those new to gravel and/or cycling. Trips of 2-3 days riding on easy routes with little or no technical difficulties, and minimal climbing/hills. E-bikes welcome.

• Level 2/5 - designed for those who cycle occasionally. 2-3 days of riding on trails with slightly more challenge and tackling moderate hills. E-bikes welcome.

• Level 3/5 - ideal for those who ride regularly, although not necessarily on gravel. 3-5 days of riding on varied terrain with up to 1500m+ per day. E-bikes welcome.

• Level 4/5 - perfect for those who ride regularly and have some off road experience. Point to point trips of

  5 days riding tacking terrain that could be technically and physically challenging at times, with a non competitive mindset of “we start together and finish together.” E-bikes welcome.

• Level 5/5 - for committed cyclists with good bike handling skills and good lungs/legs. On these trips of

  3 to 5 days (depending on the destination) we’ll tackle all the terrain can throw at us and explore as far off the beaten track as our gravel bikes will allow. You’ll need good endurance for longer days in the saddle. E-bikes welcome.

All our levels are e-bike friendly, opening up our trips to those with mixed experience and fitness levels and enabling everyone to enjoy the ride together. None of our gravel trips are competitions, but are the chance to explore somewhere new and take it all in. So relax and enjoy!

Our levels take into account the number of days riding, the type and technicality of terrain, the amount of hills involved and daily distance so that there’s an experience thats right for everyone!

Discover our upcoming spring destinations and come test your new setup with us!