LOCATION
Galloway Forest Park
Where Wild Beauty Meets World-Class Gravel
Based in Scotland’s South-West, The Gralloch starts and finishes in the small town of Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries and Galloway. This charming community sits between the picturesque coast of the Solway Firth and the rugged Galloway Hills — where the racing truly comes alive.
The course runs through the Galloway Forest Park and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, a landscape of rare beauty and ecological importance. So unspoilt is this region that it was named the UK’s first Dark Sky Park in 2009.
As guests of this extraordinary environment, we are committed to protecting and promoting it. Riders must do the same: leave no bottles, no wrappers, no trace — only tyre marks and memories.
GSA UNESCO Biosphere
Cycling in A biosphere
We’re proud to call the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere the home of The Gralloch. This designation celebrates the area’s remarkable blend of wild landscapes, rich wildlife, cultural heritage and opportunities for learning and sustainable living. It’s a place where nature and community thrive side by side.
Discover more about the Biosphere below — and learn how you can help protect its natural wonders while you ride.
THE BEST WAYS TO TRAVEL
Set in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway, reaching The Gralloch is easy and scenic no matter how you travel. Whether by car, train, bus, air or ferry, the journey is part of the adventure — bringing you through some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes on your way to the start line.
The main route through Dumfries and Galloway is the A75, with Gatehouse of Fleet just five minutes from the junction.
From the south, take the M6 north and turn left after the border, following signs for the A75 towards Dumfries and Stranraer.
From the north, follow the A74 before joining the A701 towards Dumfries, then continue on the A75 to Gatehouse.
From the east, travel via the A69 from Newcastle towards Carlisle, then join the M6 to Gretna Green and follow the A75 west.
Please note: on event day the eastern entrance to Gatehouse will be closed to traffic.
Parking Information
All event participants and spectators who are not residents of Gatehouse of Fleet must use the official event car park located on the northern outskirts of the town (parking anywhere except the official parking is prohibited, and your vehicle will be towed).
Find out more about parking here.
There are several easy train routes into Dumfries and Galloway.
Lockerbie Station is served by TransPennine Express, with direct trains from Manchester (2 hrs), Manchester Airport, Glasgow (1 hr) and Edinburgh (1 hr).
Dumfries Station offers regular services between Glasgow and Carlisle, which has onward links to London and Newcastle.
Stranraer Station is served by ScotRail routes from Glasgow and Kilmarnock.
Public transport to the region is straightforward and scenic.
From Glasgow, the Stagecoach X75 runs to Dumfries Whitesands and allows bikes.
From Edinburgh, the Stagecoach 101A and 101S serve Dumfries (bike carriage not available).
There is also a convenient coach link between Stranraer and Dumfries, stopping directly at Gatehouse of Fleet. Check it out here.
International airports nearby include Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester and Newcastle.
Manchester Airport provides excellent Trans-Atlantic access with direct rail connections into Dumfries and Galloway.
From Ireland, the ferry port at Cairnryan is just over an hour’s drive from Gatehouse of Fleet, with regular sailings from Belfast and Larne via P&O Ferries and Stena Line.
From mainland Europe, ferries via Newcastle (DFDS) connect conveniently with much of northern Europe.
where to stay
Discover the perfect place to stay in the southwest of Scotland, where a wide range of accommodation options await.
For the best-value experience, choose our official event campsite just outside Gatehouse of Fleet, only a short walk from the Event Village. It’s the ideal way to immerse yourself in The Gralloch weekend, with easy access to all activities and the beautiful Galloway surroundings.
If you prefer something different, you’ll find family-run country inns, cosy B&Bs, boutique hotels, eco-lodges, scenic campsites, and even luxurious castle stays across the region.
