ULTRA
Across the Wild Heart of Galloway
A Journey Beyond Limits.
330 kilometres through the wild heart of Scotland. A journey that reaches every corner of the Galloway Forest Park and beyond.
The Gralloch Ultra is an endurance adventure that connects the vastness of the landscape with the strength of its riders.
Between the forests, lochs and high passes, you’ll find moments of solitude and the shared rhythm of a community drawn to the same horizon.
This is your chance to be part of something bigger — an extraordinary weekend built on discovery, challenge and connection.
The Gralloch Ultra isn’t about racing — it’s about adventure, discovery and the journey itself. If you’re looking for high-speed competition, the UCI Gravel Race is where to test yourself. The Ultra is your chance to explore and experience the wild beauty of the Galloway Forest Park.
Starts 07:00 on Saturday, 16 May 2026.
Everything You Need to Go the Distance
What's included
From first light to finish line, every detail is covered — expert support, nutrition, logistics and safety — so you can focus on conquering the challenge.
GPS TRACKER
Live tracking for friends and family, and an added layer of safety on the journey.
FEED ZONES
Three dedicated stops stocked with real food, sports nutrition, water, spares and tools, with sleeping space at Feed Zones 2 and 3.
FINISHER MEAL
Whenever you arrive, a hot meal will be waiting for you at the finish.
FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
Start and finish at The Gralloch festival in Gatehouse and enjoy all it has to offer before and after your Ultra.
ROUTE GPX FILE
A detailed GPX track to guide you through forests, glens and mountain passes from start to finish.
FINISHER MEDAL
An exclusive keepsake to mark the first edition of The Gralloch Ultra.
MEDICAL SUPPORT
A 24-hour event control team ready to provide assistance or extraction support if the unexpected happens.
LUGGAGE STORAGE
Secure storage at the Event Village so you can ride light and leave the rest with us.
BAG DROP SERVICE
Hand over your bag before the start and find it waiting at Feed Zone 2 when you need it most.
PARTICIPANT PATCH
A custom-designed patch to remember the line you followed and the miles you earned.
The Road Less Travelled — 330km of Pure Grit
THE ROUTE
330 kilometres and +/- 5,000 metres of climbing through the wild heart of the Galloway Forest Park and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. From the pine trails of Laurieston Forest to the ridgelines of the Ayrshire Alps and the shores of Loch Doon, every turn reveals another layer of Scotland’s raw beauty and history.
This is a journey through forests, moors and mountain passes that few will ever experience. Full route details to be revealed soon.
FEED ZONES
There will be three feed zones positioned along the route to keep riders fuelled, supported and ready for the next stretch. Each will offer water, isotonic drinks, sports nutrition, fruit as well a selection of hot food and soup (at Feed Zone 3). A full list of food and nutrition products will be confirmed closer to the event.
Feed Zones 2 and 3 will include indoor rest areas where riders can sleep or take time to recover before continuing. Each location will also have a mechanical service station stocked with spares and tools to help resolve any bike issues along the way.
All Feed Zones will be operated by our dedicated volunteer team, ready to help throughout the event. Exact locations will be announced when the route launches.
Approximate locations and opening times:
- Feed Zone 1: 70km (Open from 09:00 to 13:30)
- Feed Zone 2: 160km (Open from 11:30 to 20:30)
- Feed Zone 3: 230km (Open from 13:30 to 01:30)
Additional Water Points:
Select water refill points with drinking water will also be available along the route. Details and exact locations will be confirmed soon.
TIMING & LIVE TRACKING
Every rider entry includes a GPS tracker that records and shares your position in real time. Your location will update every minute, allowing friends, family and supporters to follow your progress across the entire route and experience the ride with you from anywhere.
Checkpoint timing and live leaderboards will display throughout the event, giving both riders and followers accurate updates as the Ultra unfolds. Gun time will be used for all riders.
Each tracker also supports event safety, helping our control team monitor rider positions and coordinate assistance when needed. Riders must ensure their tracker remains switched on and securely attached for the duration of the event.
CLASSIFICATIONS
All riders who complete The Gralloch Ultra will receive an official finish time along with recorded checkpoint timings.
The focus is on the personal achievement of completing the Ultra and joining the list of official finishers for this landmark event.
Travel Light, Ride Free
BAG DROP SERVICE
Each rider will receive a drop bag at registration that can be packed with anything needed mid-ride, from spare clothing to nutrition or personal items. Before the start, hand in your bag at the designated collection point and our team will transport it to Feed Zone 2, where it will be waiting for you.
After using your items, you can repack the bag at Feed Zone 2 and we will return it to the Event Village, ready for collection from 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, 17 May 2026.
Simple, reliable and designed to keep you focused on the ride ahead.
LUGGAGE STORAGE
Keep your essentials safe while you take on the Ultra. Riders can leave any valuables or additional luggage at the Event Village for secure storage during the event. Simply bring your bag to the Info Desk, where it will be checked in and tagged with a unique Bag Tag.
When you finish, present your tag to collect your bag. Simple, secure and managed by our event team throughout the weekend.
Are You Ready to Go the Distance?
Take on 330 kilometres of Scotland’s toughest and most beautiful gravel. Join riders from around the world for a true test of endurance, skill and spirit.
Places for The Gralloch Ultra 2026 are limited — enter now and start your journey through Galloway’s wild heart.
Keeping You Safe
Medical and Emergency Support
Your safety is our priority. Red On Sports upholds the highest safety standards across all its events, and The Gralloch Ultra 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, available 24 hours a day for the duration of the Ultra.
We’re here to look out for you. While you take on this wild adventure, you can ride with confidence knowing that we’ve got your back every step of the way.
REGULATIONS
Before you take on The Gralloch Ultra, make sure you’re fully prepared. Our event regulations cover everything from mandatory equipment and route access to safety, etiquette and fair play — all designed to help you ride responsibly and enjoy the adventure.
Every participant must read and understand the full Gralloch Ultra Regulations before the event.
FINISHER MEDAL
Every rider who completes The Gralloch Ultra will receive an exclusive finisher medal that marks their endurance and achievement. The inaugural edition will feature a special design to honour those who take on the first Ultra and reach the finish.
The design will be revealed soon, created to represent every kilometre, every climb and every moment that brings you to the line.
FESTIVAL
The Gralloch Ultra 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 Ultra, 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 ride afterwards, the festival is the perfect place to connect with fellow riders, share stories and experience the spirit of The Gralloch together.
Refuel and Recharge
post-ride meal
Whether you finish in the evening, through the night or at first light, a hot meal will be waiting for you at the finish. Our catering team will be ready to serve you a hot meal at the finish line so you can refuel, relax and share stories with other riders.
welcome evening
Start your Gralloch Ultra weekend with an evening dedicated to connection and inspiration. This optional add-on experience is exclusively for Ultra participants and offers the perfect opportunity to meet fellow riders before the journey begins.
Taking place on Friday, 15 May, from 18:00 to 20:00, the evening will feature a talk by legendary bike explorer Markus Stitz, sharing stories from his adventures and insights into the world of endurance cycling. Guests will also enjoy an all-you-can-eat pasta buffet in an intimate and welcoming setting, ideal for fuelling up and connecting with the community that will share the route with you the next day.
Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.
- no outside assistance
No outside assistance is permitted. When it comes to drinks, nutrition and mechanical issues riders may not receive assistance from any person other than event staff or other riders.
cut-offs
For the safety of riders, staff and volunteers, cut-off times will be enforced along The Gralloch Ultra route. These timings ensure all participants can complete the challenge safely and within the event’s operational hours.
The exact locations of each cut-off will be confirmed when the final route is unveiled, as they will coincide with the main Feed Zones.
Approximate cut-off times are as follows:
- Feed Zone 1: 70km — 13:30
- Feed Zone 2: 160km — 20:30
- Feed Zone 3: 230km — 01:30
- Finish Line: 330km — 08:00
Riders who miss a cut-off time will be asked to stop their ride for safety reasons. A shuttle service will operate from each cut-off location shortly after the designated time to return riders to the Event Village.
Riders may choose to continue riding after missing a cut-off, but they do so entirely at their own risk and outside of official event support. Feed Zones will be closed, and no further mechanical, medical or emergency coordination will be available through Event Control.
After 08:00 on Sunday, no riders may cross the official finish line, as the Sportive events will be underway. Riders still on course must divert to the main public entrance of the Event Village and return their timing chip and GPS tracker to the Info Desk.
These rules are in place to maintain the safety, welfare and integrity of the event for all participants and staff.
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.
