Heading South West

Heading SouthWest is a self-supported ultra-distance cycling adventure that crosses Portugal from north to south, celebrating the essence of long-distance cycling through exploration, self-reliance, and breathtaking landscapes. Organised by the team behind Gravel Birds, the event offers both a road and an off-road route, each designed to showcase the country’s most spectacular regions.

The 2027 edition starts in Bragança and finishes in Sagres, covering 1,000 kilometres in both formats. The Heading SouthWest road route features approximately 18,000 metres of elevation gain, while the Travessia Nacional Bikepacking gravel route includes around 15,000 metres of climbing, with 60% off-road and 40% secondary paved roads. Riders have seven days to complete the journey, passing through the mountains of Serra da Estrela, Açor, Lousã, and the final climb to Foia before reaching Cabo de São Vicente.

Heading SouthWest follows a strict self-supported philosophy. Riders are responsible for their own navigation, food, accommodation, and mechanical repairs, with no outside assistance or drafting permitted. The event is not a race but a personal challenge, encouraging participants to embrace adventure, resilience, and the freedom of unsupported cycling.

From the remote landscapes of Trás-os-Montes to the rugged mountains of central Portugal and the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve, Heading SouthWest is one of the country’s premier ultra-distance cycling adventures, offering an unforgettable journey across Portugal from the Spanish border to the Atlantic Ocean.