A Fantastic Ultra Run Based in the Heart of the Cairngorms National Park

               A Unique Ultra Trail Race Based in the UK's Largest National Park

                         Surrounded by Spectacular Highland Scenery

              A Circular Route of the Wide Open Spaces of the Ben Avon Plateau

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            Experience this Wild & Remote Area with Support from a Great Event Team

Check out our course videos highlighting this fantastic route...

The Cairngorms National Park, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, is the largest national park in the UK & an area of outstanding natural beauty. Surrounded by the remnants of ancient pine forests, rolling glens, wild rivers and rugged peaks, the Cairnngorms offer one of the wildest and most remote landscapes in the UK.

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The event is to be based from the spectacular setting of Mar Lodge, three miles to the west of Braemar. Known as the eastern gateway to the Cairngorms National Park, Braemar is one of Scotland's highest villages sitting at an altitude of 339 metres. With an excellent choice of terrain the area is superb for ultra running with many well maintained trails, tracks and paths leading you into the heart of the mountains.

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The Cairngorms Ultra Trail takes you on a journey through this wild & majestic landscape

and into the heart of one of Britains real wilderness areas.....

Participant Feedback

Terrain: Following the old drove roads and passes between some of the highest peaks in Britain, the wild heart of the National Park can be experienced without trekking over major summits. The highest point of the course will be at Lairig an Laoigh (‘The Pass of the Calves’), at 745m (2444 feet).

Although the route features 1146m (3760 feet) of ascent, there are no major climbs or descents.

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Saving a few sections on minor roads at the start & finish, the route is fully off road. The majority of the route generally follows well defined paths and tracks, making it suitable for those more comfortable with non-technical terrain.

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Participants should be prepared, though, to cross several burns, in particular the 'Fords of Avon' (see below for additional details). The approach section to/from here, then to Faindouran Bothy is on a rougher path that is boggy/rocky in places.

Course: Starting & finishing at Mar Lodge this is a circular route right in the heart of the Cairngorms. The route provides some stunning, remote, mountainous scenery...This will be a unique experience in a wild massif.....

Click on the map to view a detailed & interactive version illustrating the elevation profile & distance markers.

Time Limits:  12:30hrs for the full event (Based on 5km/hr (3.1mph) approx.). There will also be intermediate cut off times at various locations (Details below).

Total Ascent: 1146m/3760' (Recorded with Suunto Ambit Peak).

Route Stats:

Nature of Terrain                       km        %

Singletrack Trail:                        20        33 

                                                          
Off Road ATV Tracks/

Forest Roads:                             38.5     62                                                                 

Minor Roads:                                    3.5       5                                                                  

Entry Requirements: This will be an awesome challenge in one of the most wild & remote areas of the UK. You do not have to be super fast or an elite athlete to enter, although some ultra running experience will be required.

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Navigation & Waymarking: Mar Lodge Estate is recognised as one of the most important nature conservation landscapes in the British Isles. Due to the environmentally sensitive area the majority of the route is not waymarked. Although the route follows well defined trails, some navigational skills will be required. Navigational devices (GPS units, watches, smartphone, etc.) are permitted & a route GPX file is available to download. If you are unfamiliar with the area it is recommended that you use such a device to assist with navigation. All that we ask is that you are competent with your navigational skills in the advent of the device failing, ie due to low battery.

In addition, safety marshals will be located at various key points on the course (see CP locations) to assist you with following the correct route.

Aid Stations:  There will be two aid stations located at the following control point locations:

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• Loch Builg (41k) 

• Invercauld Forest (53k)

Please be aware that the first aid station is not until 41km.

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Self Sufficiency:You must ensure that you are carrying sufficient food and water supplies to be partially self-sufficient on the course.

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Alternative Route: Please be aware that the river crossing at the Fords of Avon may be impassable due to high water levels. An alternative route will be put in place if water levels are too high for a safe crossing.

Crossing the Fords of Avon

Caledonian Pine

Glen Builg

Looking Across to Loch Builg

ATV  Track through Glen Avon

Climbing Lairlg an Laoigh section

Singletrack through Glen Derry

UTMB Qualifying Event: 

ITRA points are no longer required to access UTMB® Mont-Blanc. A new platform is now set up to allow for races to become UTMB® World Series Qualifiers.

A big thank you to Mar Lodge, Invercauld & Ben Avon Estates

Linn of Avon

Section desending Bealach Dearg with Lochnagar in the distance