Cairngorm Ultra Trail | highterrainevents

A Brand New Ultra Run Based in the Heart of the Cairngorms National Park

2021 Provisional Date: Saturday 5th June

This is subject to UK Government clearance for public events. We'll post updates here when available.

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

The Cairngorms Ultra Trail is a Brand New Event for 2021

Surrounded by Spectacular Highland Scenery

A Full Traverse of the Wide Open Spaces of the Ben Avon Plateau

Home to Britains Largest Nature Reserve, the Area is a Wildlife Haven

Descending thru birches at NO 179 934.jp

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 central Cairngorm NP is a huge, roadless & protected area.

The event is to be based from Mar Lodge, three miles to the west of Braemar. Home to Britains largest nature reserve, the area is a wildlife haven which includes golden eagles, mountain hares, ptarmigan, black grouse, red deer & the occasional reindeer.

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

Date: Saturday 5th June, 2021 Distance: 62km (Approx) Start Time (TBC): 0730

Event Venue: Mar Lodge, Mar Lodge Estate, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YJ.

The event start & finish will be located here.

Entry Fees: TBC

Entries: As this a conservation area entries will be limited to 200 participants. Minimum entry age 18 years old.

Event Terms and Conditions:

Registration: This will be based from Mar Lodge. Numbers will be issued at registration.

Event T&C's HERE

What's Included in Your Entry:

Professionally run event, Mountain safety team cover during the race, qualified & experienced personnel at various checkpoints, qualified medical support
A stunning event venue
Online Registration
Unique finishers medal, tech t-shirt, customised race number
GPS Tracker (Hire), Live GPS tracking for event safety management & for your family and friends to follow your progress in realtime, Route gpx downloads
High Terrain Events Eco Cup
One Well Stocked hydration & feed station on the course
Hot Food, Drinks & Refreshments at finish
Free event parking, changing, toilets.
UTMB Points: Details for 2020 UTMB available soon.

Caledonian Pine

Glen Builg

Looking Across to Loch Builg

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 route will be unmarked. Although the route follows well defined trails, navigation experience is necessary.

Entry Requirements: Keeping in line with this unique landscape participants will need to be partially self sufficient for this event. You do not have to be super fast or an elite athlete to enter, this will be an awesome challenge if you're looking to push yourself that bit further. The route ventures into remote mountain areas and the ability to navigate the route is essential. It is important that you are prepared & equipped for weather conditions for the time of year.

Mandatory Kit List HERE

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. There are no huge climbs or descents, with the highest section rising to 745m/2444' at Lairlg an Laoigh 'The Pass of the Calves'.

No roads cross this area, this will be a unique experience in a wild massif. Apart from a short tarmac road section at the start & finish, the route is fully off road. Following well defined paths & tracks throughout the terrain is generally non technical.

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...

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

Route Highlights:

Glen Lui to Derry Lodge
Glen Derry
Fords of Avon
Glen Avon
Loch Builg
Invercauld Forest
Linn of Quoich
Dee Valley

Checkpoints:

Derry Lodge
Fords of Avon Refuge
Linn of Avon Path Junction
Loch Builg South East Corner
Invercauld

Aid Station: Loch Builg South East Corner

Total Ascent: 5,000' approx.

Time Limits: 13hrs for the full event (Based on 5km/hr (3.1mph) approx.). There will also be intermediate cut off times at various locations (Details to follow)

Due to the remote areas & uniqueness of this route, you must ensure that you are carrying sufficient food and water supplies to be self-sufficient on the course. There will be one aid station located near Loch Builg (40k distance approx). There are plenty of opportunities to re-fill water from streams on the course at your own discretion.