The Hever Castle Triathlon route is a picturesque and demanding course that takes athletes through the stunning High Weald of Kent and the beautiful Ashdown Forest. This blog post will provide you with a detailed overview of the route, including the cycling, swimming, and running segments, as well as important event details and additional information to help you plan your visit.
The Cycling Route
The cycling portion of the Hever Castle Triathlon covers a distance of 39.67 km with an elevation gain of 581 m and an average gradient of -0.0%. The route features several challenging segments, including:
| Segment | Distance | Elevation Gain | Average Gradient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hever Tri Course (All distances) | 19.14 km | -95 m | -0.0% |
| Hever Tri Route from Henry VII car park | 18.93 km | -105 m | -0.0% |
| Hever to Mark Beech | 2.16 km | 80 m | 3.5% |
| Hever up to Markbeech | 1.77 km | 73 m | 4.0% |
| Hever Castle Olympic Triathlon (20km) Lap | 19.15 km | -104 m | -0.0% |
| Markbeech to Fordcombe Road | 5.72 km | -100 m | -1.7% |
| Kent horse to Porc | 3.42 km | -46 m | -1.2% |
| Kentish Horse to Col du Porc Sprint | 3.37 km | -41 m | -1.2% |
| Markbeech to Chiddingstone Straight | 0.58 km | -14 m | -2.0% |
| Bookers sprint | 0.85 km | -20 m | -2.3% |
| Grove Rd Descent | 2.17 km | -57 m | -2.4% |
| Penshurst to Station | 3.03 km | 51 m | 0.7% |
| Penshurst Rd climb to Station Hill | 1.69 km | 51 m | 2.8% |
| Little Kicker! | 0.31 km | 15 m | 4.5% |
| Chiddingston Charger | 1.46 km | -16 m | -0.6% |
| Causeway Push | 1.87 km | 16 m | 0.5% |
| Somerden to Henry 8th | 4.39 km | -29 m | -0.0% |
| Bough Beech short climb | 0.40 km | 16 m | 4.1% |
| Bough Beech to Hever Road | 0.62 km | 12 m | 1.9% |
| Lodge wood | 0.56 km | 18 m | 3.1% |
| Hever Rise | 0.36 km | 10 m | 2.7% |
The Swimming and Running Segments
In addition to the challenging cycling route, the Hever Castle Triathlon also features swimming and running segments:
- Swim: 1 mile, 2.5K, 5K
- Cycle: 90K, 20K
- Run: 10.5K, 4K
Event Details
The Hever Castle Triathlon is held over two days, on Saturday, 28 September and Sunday, 29 September, with the event starting at 8:00 am each day. The event village features live bands, children’s activities, and locally sourced food, making it a great day out for the whole family.
Visitor Information
When visiting the Hever Castle Triathlon, keep in mind the following:
- The gates to the castle open at 10:30 am
- Access to the Loggia will be limited, and the Lake Walk will be open but with runners present
- Boating will not be available
- Visitor tickets can be booked in advance
Payment Plan
For those interested in participating in the Hever Castle Triathlon, a payment plan is available to split the race fees over 3 months, making it more accessible for athletes.
Conclusion
The Hever Castle Triathlon route is a truly stunning and challenging course that takes athletes through the picturesque High Weald of Kent and the beautiful Ashdown Forest. Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or a newcomer to the sport, this event is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. With detailed information on the cycling, swimming, and running segments, as well as important event details and visitor information, this blog post has everything you need to plan your visit to the Hever Castle Triathlon.
References:
- https://veloviewer.com/segment/2364225/Hever%2BCastle%2BOlympic%2BTriathlon%2B%2820km%29%2BLap
- https://www.strava.com/routes/2387793
- https://www.castleraceseries.com/course-information/
- https://www.strava.com/routes/4983197
- https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/hever-castle-triathlon/