HONC 40
Date: 31 August 2025

The Hell of the North Cotswolds will once again take place at the historic Sudeley Castle estate in Winchcombe in August 2025.

This endurance cycling event, a British classic, is now in its 40th year. It was originally inspired by the famous Paris-Roubaix event in France and could be argued is the original gravel event in the UK.

The event is organised and promoted by Winchcombe Cycling Club and Cheltenham and County Cycling Club.

Stunning Cotswolds Setting
Come and join the on and off-road event that takes place on challenging routes across the hills and valleys of the fabulous Cotswolds.

The event makes use of a combination of roads, tracks and bridleways, with significant off-road sections.  Choose the right challenge for you with 50, 75,100 AND 140km routes.

Now in it's 40th year, the event plays host to over 1,250 riders.

On The Day
Gates open at 6:15 a.m. with a staggered start between 7:00-8.30am.  Riders collect thier event number from the registration desk on the morning of the event and can choose their own start time. We advise that riders on the 100/140km route start between 7.00and 7.30am. 

The event is run under British Cycling rules and guidelines.

Entry Fee:

What's included?

• Parking at the departure site
• 50, 75,100 and 140km routes 
• Feed and drink stations on all routes
• Fully signed route guidance
• GPX for all routes
• Safety & First Aid Team

What's based at the event village?

• Start & Finish Area
• Event Sign-on
• Catering
• Camping
• Toilet Facilities
• Parking
• Medical HQ
• Event Partner Stalls/HONC Merchandise

Routes
Experienced and fit riders can choose the 100/140km route, while those who know the toughness of the off-road Cotswold Hills might prefer for the 50km route.

Alternatively, you can ride 75km by taking the 100km route to the food stop and then switching to the 50km route to finish.

Rider support
Riders will be provided with emergency contact details.  Professional first aid will be available and there will be a cycle recovery service.

There will be a mobile repair service available at the start and at the food stop.

Downloadable GPX routes will be made available to all registered riders in the week before the event and on the day the routes will be marked by distinctive black and yellow HONC arrows.

Mini HONC
 The Mini HONC will return in partnership with Cheltenham Town Wheelers, aimed at junior riders aged 8-16, this is a three-hour enduro event that takes place at the Start point at Sudeley Castle.  Riders take part in teams and complete as many laps of the circuit as possible. 

Food and Drink
Food & Drinks will be available at the start/finish line all day.  Hot and cold drinks, water refill stations and a range of cakes and energy products will be available at the main feedstation in Guiting Power. Riders on the 100km route will also have access to water and energy products at around 75km. All feedstations are supported by North's our local bakery.

A bar and entertainment will be available all day at Sudeley Castle for family and friends of HONC riders, as well as for post-ride celebrations.

Parking, toilets will be available at Sudeley Castle. Toilets will also be available at Guiting Power Feedstation. 

Camping
Our pop-up campsite in the grounds of Sudeley Castle will be available for one or two-night stays.  Providing piches for tents and campervans with toilet and water facitiles, we are limited to 60 pitches so early booking is essential.  Please note, no electric hook-ups are provided.  Camp pitches can be booked when you register for the event.

Charity
Having donated tens of thousands in the past 5 years, we are pleased to once again be supporting Gloucestershire Air Ambulance, Cleeve Common Trust, Cyclists Fighting Cancer, and WAM Youth.