DATE 

Saturday 13th June 2026

LOCATION

Top of the Gorge Festival, Warren Farm, Charterhouse, Cheddar, BS40 7XR 

TIMINGS

DISTANCE

20 miles, 27.5 miles or 35 miles. 

The Mendip Hills National Landscape is a fantastic place to ride but it doesn’t have the extensive network of trails like Exmoor National Park or the Quantock Hills National Landscape.

With this in mind we are keeping the same route from 2020 as it’s had such amazing feedback. As the saying goes “If it aint broke, don’t fix it”

All riders will ride the main 20 mile loop, there will be an extra 7.5 mile loop that leaves from the main loop half way point, you’ll have the choice of riding the extra loop once or twice for 27.5 or 35 mile options.

Public rights of way do not have the same public access for organised events and land owner permission needs to be sought. We also work closely with Natural England to develop routes that minimise the impact on the sensitive landscapes we use.  To give you the best experience we concentrate on putting together 20 really good miles of fun and an extra 10-15 miles on additional loops on the Mendip Hills, Exmoor and the Quantock Hills. Each event will still have the ‘Miles Tea Stop’ at roughly half way on the main loop to keep you fuelled and ready to pedal more miles.

ENTRY

£44 per rider + a small booking fee (Individual Event Price).

All under 18’s must be accompanied by a supervising rider over the age of 18.

Entering the Murmuration, Explorer or Quake? Continuing for 2027, why not be part of the elite who complete ‘The Triple’! Find out more about ‘The Triple’ series here. Be a super early bird Series entrant and get each event for £33.00 + Booking fee.  

Please note that finisher momento’s need to be purchased separately as they are not included in the entry price.

Entries close: 4th June 2027

REGISTRATION

Registration opens at 08:00. 

CAR PARKING

Parking is £5 per car which goes direct to the farmer.

The parking goes towards continual upgrades to the event and festival, new gates and access routes, and he kindly moves his livestock from his land which forms a large proportion of the route.

Please have cash ready when you arrive, thank you.

TOILETS

There are toilets on site.

BRIEFING

This will be delivered via email 2 days before the event.

ACCOMODATION

There are a number of lovely local campsites such as Mendip Basecamp, Pethruth Paddocks, Hillcroft Farm Campsite, Gosswood Park and Swallow Barn Farm campsite.

There are also other accommodation options such as Glamping sites, B&B’s and Lodges in close proximity to the event HQ.  

EVENT VILLAGE 

In the event village you will find:

• The registration tent, which will be open from 08:00
• Before and after the ride refreshments will be available from a range of caterers in the food area.  This is not included in your entry fee.

WEATHER

Warm weather can pose just as many problems as bad weather. Whatever the weather conditions please make sure you are appropriately equipped to deal with a long day, in a remote environment. The event will run in conditions deemed safe by the event organisers. Should the conditions not be appropriate the events team will contact you no fewer than 12 hours prior to the event registration. See terms and conditions for our cancellation policy.

SAFETY

At registration you will be given a number board which must be attached to your handlebars. Riders must stop and have their number recorded by the marshals at each check point. As part of our duty of care these rider numbers are radioed back to the control centre to record your progress. Your rider number must also be submitted to the registration desk upon your return. This is how we know you are safe and accounted for.  Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue will be present should they be required.

COURSE

Some of the route is over the sensitive area known as Blackdown, to get an event over this section has been very difficult, please ensure you stick to the way-marked route and don’t cut corners. A copy of the route will be e-mailed out one week before the event. In this e-mail will be links to the GPX files that you can download to your device if you so wish. We advise that you transfer the route onto your 1:25000 maps of the area.

CHECKPOINTS

There will be regular checkpoints on both loops. Many of these will have water and sweets to keep you going. The half way checkpoint on the main loop hosts the famous ‘Miles Tea Stop’. Grab a brew and some amazing cake before continuing on!

HALF WAY – MILES TEA STOP

On arrival at our halfway checkpoint you will be greeted with a smile, treats and a nice brew courtesy of our friends at Miles Tea.

WATER

Please bring lots of fluids. We ask that you come prepared and self-sufficient for a long day out in remote moorland. We will be providing water at most checkpoints should you run out. We are more than happy to top up your water bottles but will not be supplying cups in an attempt to make the event more environmentally friendly. 

SPECTATORS / DOGS

I’m afraid that at this event dogs are not allowed to compete. They are very welcome to join the spectators though as long as they are kept under close control. Spectators will need to buy festival day entry should they wish to be granted access to the main event site.

FIRST AID

Provided by Apex Medical and Rescue with support from the Channel Events team.

TRAINING

Our events are challenge based but with the aim of the main loop being accessible to all. We do recommend that you get some miles in on off-road terrain beforehand.