Date: 22nd August 2026
Location: Ballinrobe, Ireland
Distances: 60 km “Ramble” • 100 km “Odyssey”
Event Type: Non-competitive Gravel Adventure
Gravel Grind West – Ballinrobe is a deep dive into the uncharted landscapes of Mayo. Designed for riders who value discovery as much as distance, this event unlocks a side of the West of Ireland that few ever see. Ancient bog roads, forest passages, rolling hills, cultural landmarks, and wide-open wilderness come together in a route built around the idea of exploration rather than competition.
The experience begins and ends in Ballinrobe, a town with a long-standing cycling culture and a reputation for hospitality. From here, riders are sent into a landscape shaped by water, stone, and centuries of history. The terrain constantly shifts—soft turf tracks, gravel forest roads, quiet bye-lanes, lakeshore views, and stretches of old green roads that feel untouched by time.
This is gravel where every kilometre tells a story. The route blends natural beauty with cultural depth, guiding riders past historic sites, rural craftsmanship, and the remnants of Ireland’s pastoral past. It is a ride built for curiosity, challenge, and the satisfaction of crossing terrain that rewards effort.
Route Highlights
River Robe Path – A gentle roll-out along the quiet riverbanks at the edge of town
Creagh Woods – A twisting gravel corridor under a dense canopy
Lough Mask & Lough Carra – Limestone lakes with clear waters and panoramic shoreline riding
Partry Hills – Rolling climbs with far-reaching views across Mayo’s lake district
Tóchar Phádraig – An ancient pilgrim route once walked by monks and travellers
Ballintubber Abbey – An 800-year-old working abbey and cornerstone of Irish heritage
Clogher Forge – A restored glimpse into Ireland’s rural craft traditions
Moorehall House & Woods – A historic estate now reclaimed by wildlife and folklore
Boglands of North Mayo – Vast, shifting textures of peat, turf tracks, and rugged doubletrack
Rural Woodlands & Bye-Lanes – Hidden green roads and narrow laneways lost in time
The landscapes evolve constantly—rocky ridges, deep forest, open bog, lakeshore gravel, and old pathways that tie the past to the present. It is a pilgrimage through Mayo’s geography and history, fitting for a year marked as the Pilgrim of Hope Jubilee.
Event Format
Gravel Grind West is fully non-competitive, emphasizing enjoyment, endurance, and the freedom to ride at your own pace. Routes are fully marked, but GPS navigation is strongly recommended. Riders may stop for meals, repairs, or rest as needed, provided they continue from the same point.
The event promotes a Leave No Trace ethos—respecting the land, the communities, and the environment that make this region special. The only race is against your own expectations and the cutoff time for official finishers.
Weekend Itinerary
Saturday, August 22
Rider check-in and number collection at Marrey Bikes
Evening social and live music at Johno’s Bar
Sunday, August 23 – Event Day
Morning check-in and final sign-ons
60 km Ramble and 100 km Odyssey depart from Marrey Bikes
Afternoon finish-line celebrations at Johno’s Bar, including food, music, and showers
Why Ride Gravel Grind West – Ballinrobe?
A unique gravel experience rooted in nature, history, and rural culture
Two route options suited to different levels
A varied landscape that never repeats itself
Deep community atmosphere and a renowned finish-line celebration
One of Ireland’s defining gravel adventures
Gravel Grind West – Ballinrobe: explore the uncharted, ride through centuries of landscape, and discover the wild heart of Mayo.
