If you’re looking for a cycling goal, a sportive makes an excellent target. And when planning on entering a sportive, UK options are definitely worth considering!
In this article, we share our pick of the best UK sportives of 2026 (and a couple in Ireland, too). Some are well known and will need no introduction, whilst some are relatively new to the scene but provide something different.
A spread of events
For the benefit of cyclists all over the UK and Ireland, we have tried our best to select sportives from each geographical region.
We know there will be plenty of other events that would undoubtedly qualify as being one of the best sportives in the UK and Ireland, but unfortunately, we can’t cover them all; let us know in the comments below which ones you think we should add on our next update of this article!
Whether you are looking for local sportives, or you’re simply hoping to experience some of the best rides in the UK in 2026, we think you’ll find something to suit your challenge needs below…
If you’d like a nice reminder of your sportive, these beautiful GPX-based prints are a great idea. More details at the bottom of this article!
You’ll see that we refer to some distances in miles and some in kilometres. This reflects how they’re advertised on the official event websites.
John Vicars divides his time between England and Spain and, together with his wife, clocks in around 10,000 miles each year searching out Europe's finest roads. John loves to share his experiences (good and bad) from the saddle and has a particular loathing for double digit gradients, sub-zero temperatures and red traffic lights!
London and south east sportives
1. Hampshire Hilly Hundred
| Location: | Sparsholt Collect, Winchester, Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Date: | 17 May 2026 |
| Distance: | 68 and 102 miles |
| Where to stay: | The Running Horse, Winchester (book here) |
| Cost: | £32 – £40 (depending on medal / no-medal option) |
Our view
Here’s a great opportunity to train with a purpose through the spring months with a focus on getting an early season 100 miles under your belt.
The Hilly Hundred is set in the beautiful South Downs National Park. It features three challenging climbs: Butser Hill, Beacon Hill and Old Winchester Hill. With elevation on the 102-mile route at around 1,360 metres (there is a 68-mile alternative) you don’t need to be a mountain goat to get around, so it’s a perfect appetiser for the summer.
The course has chipped timing, full mechanical support, a medal, and feed stations, helping to make it one of the best Hampshire sportives around.
Conclusion
The Hilly Hundred is a great early season 100 miler with challenging climbs.
South west sportives
2. The Cotswolds Classic
| Location: | Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Date: | 15 August 2026 |
| Distance: | 58, 77 and 122 kilometres |
| Where to stay: | Fire Service College (book here) |
| Cost: | £30-45 |
Our view
There aren’t many destinations in the UK that beat the Cotswolds, and one of the benefits of this event is that the routes barely leave this area of natural beauty as they meander through the undulating terrain.
The event offers three different routes to cater for all abilities, with the longest route running 122 kilometres with an elevation gain of 1,395 metres.
It also has a chipped timing system, mechanical and medical support and post ride goodies as well as feed stops and free event photography.
Conclusion
Beautiful countryside and a nice variety of routes are likely to make this a popular choice.
3. Dartmoor Legend Ultra Sportive
| Location: | Exeter / Dartmoor, South West England |
|---|---|
| Date: | 11 July 2026 |
| Distance: | 200 miles (323 kilometres) |
| Where to stay: | Duchy House, Princetown (book here) |
| Cost: | £90 |
Our view:
A new breed of sportive that is already popular on the continent started to make its way into the UK sportives calendar in 2023: the ultra endurance sportive.
The Dartmoor Legend Ultra is certainly not for the faint hearted, with 200 miles (323 kilometres), around 6,000 metres of elevation and gradients of 25% on some climbs. This event is for extremely fit and competent riders who are comfortable with a very long day in the saddle.
Not only is this an ultra-endurance challenge it is also against the clock, with riders who don’t maintain a certain average speed being asked to retire. You can start at 5am and are required to finish before midnight, making it one of the toughest UK sportives in 2026.
The field is limited to just 250 riders who must pre-book in advance of the event. The route includes geo tracking, five feed stations and mechanical support.
Conclusion
This event offers a severe test in stunning countryside and is not for the faint-hearted! But if you can manage it, it’s one of the most rewarding and therefore best UK sportives 2026 has to offer.
Midlands sportives
4. Tour of the Peak
| Location: | Bakewell, Derbyshire |
|---|---|
| Date: | 17 May 2026 |
| Distance: | 96 and 182 kilometres |
| Where to stay: | Rutland Arms Hotel, Bakewell (book here) |
| Cost: | £40 |
Our view
One of the best Midland sportives around, this classic event was named after the Tour of the Peak road race which took place between 1943 and 2005 and is steeped in history. It’s in the Peak District, so you know it’s going to be tough and have an idea of what to expect before you turn a wheel on those grippy roads!
Starting and finishing in the small market town of Bakewell, the long 113 mile route has 3,400 metres of elevation, including the killer climb of Winnats Pass, and not to mention Holme Moss and the Cat and Fiddle!
The ascent of Winnats Pass, on the edge of the beautiful village of Castleton includes the ‘killer mile challenge’ which is a timed section on a fully closed road. You will not be able to speak as you cross the cattle grid at the top – trust me!
As the organisers state – only the brave should choose the long route!
Conclusion
Choose this event for the killer climbs and closed road hill climb. It’s one of the top UK cycling events in the calendar and certainly one of the best closed road sportives 2026 can offer.
5. Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic Sportive
| Location: | Rutland, East Midlands, UK |
|---|---|
| Date: | 25 April 2026 |
| Distance: | 50, 70, 100 kilometres |
| where to stay: | Wisteria Hotel, Oakham (book here) |
Our view
The CiCLE Classic elite race is known as ‘Britain’s Belgium Classic’ and the sportive is your opportunity to ride much of the same route, including the pavé sectors (but just once, unlike in the elite race). After the event was cancelled in 2024 due to flooding, its return was warmly welcomed in 2025. We expect strong interest again in 2026.
The event starts at Rutland Showground and the longer routes take you around Rutland Water and the small villages heading to Melton Mowbray. It’s great countryside, and you’re supported by mechanics, medics, feed stations, and signage.
The long route includes four different “pave” (rough terrain) sectors including the renowned Barleyberg and Somerberg.
The organisers promise that it will “soon become a must-do in the calendar” – if you live in the area, it could be a good one to try this year.
Conclusion
One to test yourself against for the novelty of cobbles alone! This is a classic of the sportive calendar 2026.
Yorkshire sportives
6. Etape du Dales
| Location: | Horton-in-Ribblesdale, North Yorkshire |
|---|---|
| Date: | TBC 07 June 2026 |
| Distance: | 100 and 177 kilometres |
| Where to stay: | Ashfield House, Grassington (book here) |
| Cost: | £30-50 (2026 pricing TBC – recent editions have been in this range) |
Our view
The Etape du Dales is a classic sportive that passes through some of the most remote and scenic countryside in the country.
The exact route is being kept under wraps until closer to the event but the 2024 route ran for 177 kilometres with almost 3,600 metres of elevation – equally challenging to prior years. The “mini Etape” was just over 100 kilometres.
The event supports the Dave Rayner Foundation which is a charity that provides financial assistance to promising young riders to compete in Europe.
There are some really challenging climbs in this sportive and it is not for the novice cyclist. If you’re newer to sportives then consider trying the mini Etape for your first year, before deciding if the main Etape is right for you in 2026.
More information
Check out our guide to the prior Etape du Dales route, here.
Conclusion
An iconic sportive in stunning, traffic light/free countryside – one of the best cycling events in the UK and one you don’t want to miss.
North east/west sportives
7. Fred Whitton Challenge
| Location: | Grasmere, Cumbria |
|---|---|
| Date: | 10 May 2026 |
| Distance: | 112 miles |
| Where to stay: | Lake view Country House, Grasmere (book here) |
| Cost: | £105 (plus processing fees) |
Our view
Probably the most famous and popular UK sportive, which is spoken about in the same esteem as the legendary Marmotte Cyclosportive in France.
With a 112-mile journey around the Lake District incorporating the now infamous climbs of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott, and Wrynose passes and almost 4,000 metres of elevation, this is an epic test for both mind and body.
There is a 30% gradient on parts of Hardknott Pass, with the incline on some of the hairpin bends being even harsher. Given the severity of the climbs, the organisers have applied a generous time limit of roughly 10mph to allow as many people as possible to complete the course.
Gaining entry to this event is probably harder than the sportive itself. The ballot for the 2026 event opened on 01 December 2025 and remained open for 11 days. The ballot places were announced on 15 December 2025.
Conclusion
This ultimate cycling test is packed full of killer climbs.
Scotland sportives
8. Etape Loch Ness
| Location: | Bishops Rd, Inverness IV3 5SA, UK |
|---|---|
| Date: | 26 April 2026 |
| Distance: | 106 kilometres |
| Where to stay: | Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel and Spa, Inverness (book here) |
| Cost: | From around £80–£85 for 2026 entries, depending on entry channel (general vs charity) |
Our view
When looking for cycling events in Scotland, there is arguably no finer setting than the iconic Loch Ness. Add that to the fact that this is a circular closed road sportive then you can probably see why the Etape Loch Ness is so popular and that you may have to rely on a charity place to gain access.
Starting and finishing in Inverness the route of 106 kilometres includes a timed 7.72 kilometre King of the Mountain section (maximum gradient 12%). The full route has a total elevation of around 900 metres.
The event offers electronic timing, mechanical support, a finishers medal and the chance to see Nessie!
Conclusion
One of the best cycling sportives in the UK for 2026.
9. Etape Caledonia
| Location: | Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scottish Highlands |
|---|---|
| Date: | 10 May 2026 |
| Distance: | 40, 55 and 85 miles |
| Where to stay: | The Old Mill Inn, Pitlochry (book here) |
| Cost: | From around £30 for shorter charity entries up to just under £95 for the full 85-mile route in 2026 (exact price depends on distance and entry type) |
Our view
Another Scottish cycling event definitely worth some serious consideration is the Etape Caledonia. It is so popular that you may have to gain entry with a charity ticket to have the opportunity to take part in this breath-taking ride through the spectacular Scottish Highlands.
The longer 85-mile route, which begins and ends in Pitlochry, will take you through rolling hills and forest land as you ride by the lochs of both Tummel and Rannoch, as well as negotiating a challenging climb up Mount Schiehallion, which tops out at 1,083 metres above sea level. There are two shorter routes available, with the 55-mile route introduced in 2023 to great success.
This is a fully timed event, and includes a finishers medal, but beware it also includes a broom wagon to pick up the slow coaches!
Conclusion
One of the best closed road sportives in the UK with awesome scenery.
Wales sportives
10. Dragon Ride
| Location: | Margam Park, Port Talbot |
|---|---|
| Date: | 14 June 2026 |
| Distance: | 98, 157, 213 and 296 kilometres |
| Where to stay: | The Barn B&B, Margam (book here) |
| Cost: | From around £70 for the shortest route up to over £300–£500 for some longer distance and charity packages in 2026 (exact amounts depend on route and whether you ride with a charity) |
Our view
A Welsh cycling event that is extremely popular, the Dragon Ride 2026 is set in the stunning Brecon Beacons is very well established in the UK sportive calendar and has acquired almost legendary status.
While the event has been held for many years, the route was reversed in 2021 to make it even more challenging, and that new route has remained in place for 2026. With elevation gains of almost 4,500 metres over a mammoth distance of 296 kilometres this is probably the hardest sportive in the UK. The lesser challenge of the Gran Fondo version is hardly a walk in the park with 3,000 metres of elevation and a distance of 213 kilometres!
With climbs such as Devil’s Staircase and Black Mountain you get the impression that this is going to be an epic test of ability and character. Only the toughest will slay the dragon!
Demand is always extremely high for this race. Entries for 2026 are again being managed with phased releases and charity places . Keep an eye on the official Dragon Ride site for general-sale windows.
More information
You can read our full “behind the scenes” interviews with the organisers in this article about the Dragon Ride, Wales.
Conclusion
This is a bucket list event – do it if you can! Without doubt one of the best sportives UK wide, and one of the great near- 200 mile cycling events in the world.
Ireland sportives
11. Wicklow 200
| Location: | Bray, County Wicklow |
|---|---|
| Date: | 07 June 2026 |
| Distance: | 100 and 200 miles |
| Where to stay: | Wilton Hotel, Bray (book here) |
| Cost: | 2026 entry fee TBC; recent editions have been in the region of €80–€90 |
Our View
The Wicklow 200 – and its partner event the Wicklow 100 Challenge – take in many of the most iconic climbs in Ireland’s ‘Garden County’ in an event that is among the most arduous and most revered annual cycling events on the world calendar.
The routes were revised for 2023 and remain in place for 2026. Beginning at the Bray Emmets GAA Club, it includes a tour of Enniskerry, the Sally Gap, Kilbride, Hollywood, and the Slieve Mann Climb.
Conclusion
Considered by many to be Ireland’s premier cycling sportive, the event attracts riders from all over the world.
12. Skoda Ring of Clare Sportive
| Location: | Ennis, County Clare |
|---|---|
| Date: | Provisionally mid-July (third-party listings indicate Saturday 18 July 2026) |
| Distance: | 120 and 160 kilometres |
| Where to stay: | Hotel Woodstock, Ennis (book here) |
| Cost: | Around €50–€60 based on recent editions |
Our view
Starting and finishing in Ennis, the Skoda Ring of Clare is an Irish sportive that forms part of the international Skoda Celtic Cycle Series.
There are two routes on offer, with the 160-kilometre route comprising around 1600 metres of elevation and the 120-kilometre version covering 1200 metres of vertical ascent. However, whichever route you choose, you are likely to be blown away by the stunning scenery on offer as you cycle through amazing coastal and estuary landscapes on the west coast of Ireland, including the world-famous Wild Atlantic Way.
A medal and jersey is awarded to all finishers – who can also enjoy a post ride BBQ. Just be aware that you’ll need a one-day licence if you’re not already a member of Cycling Ireland.
Conclusion
A beautiful coastline route and a new jersey – what’s not to love?!
Final tips
If you are interested in riding a sportive in 2026, remember that the popular events will sell out on general sale very quickly. However, it is possible sometimes to gain entry with a charity place.
Want to know if a sportive is for you or know more about the general format of sportives? Check out our in-depth gran fondo/sportive guide, here – but in general, the beauty of cycle sportives is that they usually cater for all levels of ability and for riders with different objectives. There are those who want to race round the course for the kudos of being the first rider home, others that just want to see if they can complete the circuit and some who will just want to better their time from the previous year.
Don’t assume that you need to wait until summer to ride your sportive. A little like the professional scene the UK cycling sportive season seems to have no start or finish, as an abundance of winter sportives have suddenly appeared to fill the gap between September and March. A quick check at the jam-packed UK cycling sportives 2026 calendar clearly indicates that this sector is in good health.
Want something to help you remember your sportive?
These cycling map prints are just the ticket. How it works:
- You upload a GPX file or connect to Strava and find your ride (you can add multiple day rides to one map).
- You use the map builder to create the print as you want it (you can alter the size, colour and text).
- You submit all the details and are then sent a preview to check before it’s printed and sent to you.
More info here. Prices start at £35.
What next?!
Feeling inspired by what you’ve read? Up for a challenge? Going to ride a sportive this year?
Let us know in the comments below what you’re up to, which sportives you’ve ridden and which were your favourites. Any tips and advice you would like to impart?
- Taking on a charity cycling challenge in 2026 and looking for fundraising tips and ideas? Don’t miss this article.
- For in-depth guides on cycling in various regions across the UK, head to our UK cycling page. You might also enjoy our pick of the best UK cycling holiday destinations and our favourite long-distance UK cycling routes.
- If you want some ideas for cycling events further afield, take a look at our pick fo the best European sportives and world cycling challenges!
- If you’re looking for beginner cycling challenges, this article is for you.
And finally, if anyone is considering investing in a turbo trainer to kickstart their sportive training, check out our interview with Turbo Trainer Hire.
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If you want someone to help you plan and book your cycling holiday, fill out this form. We aren’t a tour operator/agent but we work with lots of people who are and will do our best to put you in touch with someone that can help (within 24 hours where possible)!John Vicars divides his time between England and Spain and, together with his wife, clocks in around 10,000 miles each year searching out Europe's finest roads. John loves to share his experiences (good and bad) from the saddle and has a particular loathing for double digit gradients, sub-zero temperatures and red traffic lights!
All metrics in this article are approximate.
In the interests of complete transparency, we haven’t (yet!) cycled all of the routes/events in this article. If you have ridden any of these, let us know in the comments below!
Last Reviewed: 16 December 2025
First Published: 06 November 2024
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Have ridden the Skoda tour of clare and its great. The Inishowen 100 run by Foyle Cycling club is a bigger challenge and a great ride for the scenery. Beware its 9000ft of climbing over 100 miles
Thanks for this – and great to know about the other event too. Best wishes, Clare