Get ready for a true gravel classic — a course that captures the raw, untamed spirit of the sport. The Gralloch│UCI Race is more than a race; it’s a test of endurance, skill and courage across the rugged landscapes of Galloway. Every climb demands focus, every descent rewards control, and every kilometre tells its own story.

Twisting through the rugged heart of Galloway, this is where legends are made—where the bold charge ahead, and only the strongest prevail. Will you conquer the course, or will the course conquer you?

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The Gralloch begins in the heart of Gatehouse of Fleet, with riders setting off at race pace straight from Garries Park. There’s no easing in — the climbing starts the moment you roll over the line.

After 600 metres of tarmac, the road tilts skyward and turns left onto gravel for the long grind up Fuffock Hill. The surface is firm and fast-rolling, making it easy to put down power, but the climb is relentless. At 281 metres, you’ll reach the highest point of the entire race, and there’s no time to rest — the descent begins immediately.

Dropping through the forest, a few short, punchy ramps keep the legs burning before a brief stretch of tarmac and a left turn over a bridge leads you back onto gravel. A right-hand turn marks the start of Kenick Hill, a 3km ascent averaging around 3%. It’s steady rather than steep, but the rougher, chunkier gravel demands careful handling on both the climb and descent.

At the base, a smooth 5km section of tarmac offers a rare chance to recover or work with others before reaching the first feed zone.

Back on the gravel, you’ll drop into another fast, flowing descent on firm, predictable surfaces. It’s not all free speed though — a one-kilometre kicker with up to 8% will sting the legs before the gradient finally eases.

A right-hand turn takes you onto a rolling section flanked by forest to your left and the marshy edge of Loch Skerrow to your right. This is a good time to make progress. There are a few short, sharp climbs, but a well-organised group can work efficiently here, passing Lochs Stroan and Ken before the next big test: Slaughter Hill.

It’s a tough one. The climb bites early, levels briefly in the middle, then punishes again over rough, uneven gravel. The descent is no easier — fast, loose and capped with a tight right-hander at the bottom.

From here, the route joins the Raiders Road, a stretch that looks and feels quintessentially Scottish, running parallel to the River Dee. There are some draggy rises to sap your energy, but the views make up for it. Take advantage of the feed zone here and stay with others if you can — teamwork will pay off later.

After a short stretch of tarmac, the course turns south and retraces your tracks along the opposite bank of the River Dee. Don’t be fooled into thinking the hard work is done — you may be past halfway, but the toughest riding still lies ahead.

There’s no true flat here. Every descent rolls straight into another steep rise, and as you leave the river behind, a series of long, draining drags begins to test both legs and mindset. The gravel grows rougher, the climbs feel longer, and the word relentless starts to feel entirely appropriate.

At the top of one of those climbs lies the final feed station, a welcome moment to refuel before the push to the finish. Beyond it, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular views of the day — the gravel trail tracing high above Loch Grannoch, a reminder of how wild and beautiful this landscape truly is.

With Loch Grannoch now behind you, the landscape opens out and the road ahead beckons. The hardest work is done, but focus matters more than ever. This is the time to think about your end game. Are you hanging on to your group, plotting an attack, or simply willing yourself to the line?

The surface remains rough across a rolling plateau, its short rises and dips keeping the pressure on tired legs. At around 91 kilometres, you’ll hit the day’s most demanding descent — a 4km drop losing 150 metres of elevation on chunky, loose gravel. Watch your line; the larger stones here can easily catch you out.

At the bottom, a right turn over a narrow bridge leads towards the striking Big Water of Fleet Viaduct. You can almost exhale as the gravel finally gives way to smooth tarmac, though there’s still a little climbing left before the finish.

The first stretch of road is fast and flowing, but the sweeping bends demand full concentration. A sharp left-hander signals the start of the final descent into the river valley, where a gently undulating road carries you back towards Gatehouse of Fleet.

The final kilometre is tight and technical. Position is everything — decide whether you want to be first or second into the last right-hand turn before the sprint to the line.