SPORTIVE
Your Ride. Your Pace. Your Gralloch.
Adventure at Your Own Pace
Welcome to the Gralloch Sportive, a highlight of The Gralloch 2026 weekend and a chance to experience Scotland’s stunning gravel at your own pace.
Designed as a fun, non-competitive ride, the Sportive invites riders of all levels to enjoy the thrill of gravel cycling without the race-day pressure. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Galloway Forest Park, it’s a ride filled with breathtaking scenery, peaceful lochs and wide-open trails.
Whether you’re exploring solo or sharing the journey with friends, the Gralloch Sportive promises adventure, camaraderie and memories that last a lifetime.
Join us for the ultimate celebration of gravel riding in one of the most beautiful corners of Scotland.
Starts from 08:30 on Sunday, 17 May 2026.
Fully Supported from Start to Finish
What's included in your entry
Everything you need for an unforgettable weekend — from pro-level support to a world-class rider experience.
FULLY SIGNPOSTED ROUTES
Every turn clearly marked so you can focus on your ride. GPX files available for download.
REST STOPS
Fully stocked Rest Stops with water, sports nutrition, fruits, traybakes and a Tech Zone for quick repairs.
TECH BOXES
Strategically placed boxes with tools and spares to help in case of a mechanical.
MECHANICAL SUPPORT
Expert mechanics in the Event Village to keep your bike ready for your ride.
BIKE WASH
Complimentary professional bike wash, courtesy of our friends at Fenwick’s.
BAG DROP
Leave your gear safely with us at the start — ready and waiting when you finish.
MEDICAL & EMERGENCY SUPPORT
Our event control team is on standby with full medical and emergency cover.
FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
Enjoy the full Gralloch festival atmosphere before and after your ride.
Finisher Medal
A commemorative medal celebrating your achievements at The Gralloch.
Two Routes. One Unforgettable Experience.
THE ROUTES
Both routes take you deep into the heart of Galloway Forest Park, guiding you along some of the UK’s finest gravel tracks and past stunning lochs and ancient woodland. Discover the wild beauty and sweeping vistas that make this part of Scotland truly unforgettable.
The 111km route, The Stag, follows the official UCI Gravel World Series course ridden by the racers the day before. With over 1,700 metres of climbing, including the iconic Fuffock Hill and Slaughter Hill, it’s a genuine test of endurance and skill. With over 80% gravel, The Stag showcases every breathtaking corner of the Galloway Forest Park on wide, firm and traffic-free tracks.
The 53km route, The Fawn, offers a more accessible adventure through the same spectacular landscapes, with 800 metres of elevation gain and highlights including Loch Skerrow and Loch Grannoch. Featuring 65% gravel, The Fawn is ideal for riders who want to enjoy the experience without the toughest climbs — still rewarding, but less demanding.
Both routes include short sections on public roads. Traffic is minimal, but please stay alert, share the space and follow the Highway Code at all times.
Ready to Ride The Gralloch?
Whether you’re out to challenge yourself, soak up the scenery, or simply enjoy a weekend of great riding, the Gralloch Sportive is your chance to experience Scotland’s gravel heartland at your own pace. Join fellow riders for an unforgettable day on the trails.
START TIMES
Enjoy the flexibility to choose your own start time, setting off when it suits you best. Whether you’re keen to roll out early and make the most of the day or prefer a more relaxed start, the choice is yours.
Simply select your preferred start wave during registration. Options are:
8:30 AM*, 9:00 AM*, 9:30 AM, or 10:00 AM.
*Start waves marked with an asterisk are exclusively for “The Stag” (Long Route) participants.
REST STOPS
Our Rest Stops are designed to keep you fuelled, refreshed and smiling along the way. Each stop is stocked with water, sports nutrition, bananas, tray bakes, energy drinks and mechanical support to help keep you rolling.
Located in some of the most beautiful spots on the route, each stop is a chance to pause, refuel and take in the views of the Galloway landscape.
The Stag (111km) includes Rest Stops at KM 38, KM 64 and KM 87.
The - Fawn (53km) includes Rest Stops at KM 16 and KM 30.
optional BAG DROP
Make your event day simpler with our bag drop service. Leave your bag with us before the start, and we’ll keep it safe while you’re out on the course.
Whether it’s a change of clothes, extra gear, or post-ride essentials, your bag will be ready and waiting when you return to the Event Village.
gravel captains
We’re proud to welcome back our team of Gravel Captains, friendly and experienced riders who will be out on the course to support, encourage and ride alongside you throughout your Gralloch Sportive adventure.
From first-time gravel riders to seasoned UCI athletes, our Gravel Captains bring a mix of experience, positivity and passion for the sport. They will ride within selected Sportive start waves at a variety of paces, so whether you’re aiming for a big effort or simply soaking up the scenery, there will be a Gravel Captain to share the journey with.
They will also be at the start line to welcome solo riders, answer questions and help everyone roll out with confidence and a smile.
We will announce the 2026 Gravel Captains over the coming months. Keep an eye on our updates and social channels to see who will be joining you on the start line.
Prepare with Confidence
webinarS
In the lead-up to The Gralloch 2026, we’ll be hosting a series of free, interactive webinars designed to help every rider feel confident and ready for the big day. Taking place throughout early 2026, these sessions are perfect for anyone who wants to arrive at the start line feeling prepared, informed and inspired.
What to Expect
- Event Overview & Route Breakdown
Our course expert will walk you through key sections of the route, offering insights on terrain, pacing and what to expect on the day. - Pro Tips & Insights
Learn from gravel experts about bike setup, training essentials and how to approach the trails with confidence. - Live Q&A
Have a question? Ask away. Our team will be on hand to answer everything from kit choices to nutrition and event logistics.
Whether you’re new to gravel or looking to fine-tune your approach, these webinars will help you prepare with confidence, ride with purpose and make the most of The Gralloch 2026.
Details and timings for the 2026 webinar series will be announced in due course.
rider insurance
While insurance is not mandatory for The Gralloch Sportive, we strongly recommend all riders have third-party liability or personal bike insurance. It’s the best way to protect yourself — and your bike — in the event of an accident or unexpected incident during the ride.
Insurance options and recommended providers will be linked here soon.
where to stay?
Discover the perfect place to stay in the southwest of Scotland, where a wide range of accommodation options awaits.
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.
festival
The UCI Race is part of the wider Gralloch Festival, a full weekend celebrating gravel culture, endurance and community. Riders can immerse themselves in the atmosphere before and after the race, with a packed schedule of activities at the Event Village in Gatehouse of Fleet.
Enjoy panel talks, shakeout rides, food and drink, and a vibrant expo area featuring leading brands and local producers. Whether you are preparing for the challenge ahead or reflecting on the race afterwards, the festival is the perfect place to connect with fellow riders, share stories and experience the spirit of The Gralloch together.
medical & emergency support
Your safety is our priority. Red On Sports upholds the highest safety standards across all its events, and The Gralloch is no exception.
A dedicated Event Control team will monitor rider progress throughout the event and coordinate medical or emergency assistance whenever required. If you need help, you can contact the team at any time by call, text or WhatsApp.
We’re here to look out for you, so you can ride with confidence knowing that we’ve got your back every step of the way.
timing & cut-offs
Although The Gralloch Sportive is a non-competitive event, we provide professional timing for all riders, including intermediate split points so you can track your progress — and to help us ensure your safety on course.
For the wellbeing of all riders and volunteers, a cut-off point will be in place at KM 41 on the Long Route. Riders who do not reach this point by the designated time will be directed onto the shorter route to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Cut-off time: 14:00 (2:00 PM) at KM 41 for Long Route riders. After this, all participants will continue on The Fawn (Short Route).
Please note: Cut-off times may be adjusted in exceptional circumstances, such as severe weather.
Rider & Bike Repatriation
We know that not every rider will make it to the finish line, and your safety is always our priority. If you’re unable to complete the full route, please head to the nearest Feed Zone and wait for assistance. A sweep convoy will pass along each section of the course to collect riders and bikes who can no longer continue, but please be aware that this may take some time.
Shuttle Bus Service
If you’re able to reach Feed Zone #2 (KM 61.1, Otter Pool on Raiders Road), a shuttle bus will operate between this location and Gatehouse of Fleet. The shuttle will depart once full, so please be prepared for possible waiting times.
Bikes and riders may be transported in separate vehicles — bikes can later be collected from the Info Desk in the Event Village. Riders must provide their rider number to the shuttle driver to ensure the Event Control Room is informed and your safe return is recorded.