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Cairngorm Challenge Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of the questions we are most often asked. If your question is not answered below, please do not hesitate to contact us directly and we will be happy to help.

What does my registration fee pay for?

The £60 registration fee covers the cost of the pasta party, BBQ, supplies for participants throughout the route, goody bags, t-shirts, medals, support and information before the event, emergency support services, air rescue and 4x4 vehicle support throughout the event, and our organisational costs.

Can I register on the day?

Unfortunately not. This event has a limited capacity, which we expect to fill in advance of 8September. We also need to ensure that all participants have had time to complete some training to ensure they are fit enough for the challenge, and that they have had time to fundraise.

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How many people should there be in a team?

Ideally, teams will be made up of four people. We will allow teams of 3 or more compete. If there are fewer than that, we would encourage them to find other team members, or we can try to match them up with other individuals or pairs. We also welcome individuals to take part and join in the fun.

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Can we change team members before the event if one person drops out?

Yes. You must let us know, and the new team member will have to complete a registration form and sign the disclaimer, so please contact us as soon as possible. We can take the appropriate information on the day at the check-in desk if necessary, but it will allow for a smoother registration process for all participants if this can be arranged in advance.

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What happens if a team member is unable to take part on the day?

Where possible, try to find a replacement team member. Otherwise, please let us know on the day at the check-in desk that your team will be one member down. Please note, the registration fee is non-refundable, and refund of any sponsorship raised prior to the event is at the discretion of Barnardo's.

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Do I have to check in on Friday evening, or can I get there on Saturday morning?

If you are unable to check in on Friday evening, then we will arrange a briefing at 6.30am on Saturday morning. However, this is not recommended. You must attend a safety briefing before beginning the challenge, and we will need to give you your checkpoint card for your route.

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How early can I check in on Friday?

The check-in desk will be open from 5pm on Friday 7 September.

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When and where will the safety briefings take place, and do I have to attend?

There will be a briefings taking place on Friday evening, during the pasta party at the Hayfield, where event check-in takes place. The first briefing will be at 8pm, you must have checked-in for the event before attending a briefing. You must attend a briefing session, as it is during these sessions that you will be given your map, route detail, highlight of safety points, arrangements for the start of the event, an explanation of the changeover from the hike to the bike, and other important information. You will also receive your checkpoint card.

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Will I receive a map of the route before the event?

Maps of each of the three routes are available to download on the Gold, Silver and Bronze pages of this site. If you need us to send you the map in hard copy just contact us.

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What happens if I start the route but cannot complete it?

If possible, stop at your nearest checkpoint. The staff there will contact the Hub to arrange for a vehicle to collect you. If you are unable to continue, then there will be support vehicles circling the route checking for any problems with participants needing help.

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Can I bring my dog?

Yes, dogs are welcome. However, please ensure that there is someone who can look after your dog while you are completing the bike element. Dogs cannot be left unattended at the site.

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Where do I leave my bike during the hike element of the route?

There will be areas marked out at Badaguish for each team to leave their kit and bikes. The area will not be covered, and articles will be left at each individual's own risk.

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What time does the event finish on Saturday?

The BBQ will finish at 8.30pm and the entertainment will finish at 9pm.

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I'm not confident on a bike - can I just do the hike element?

If you do not want to do the bike element, you should consider getting together a team who can do any of the three routes as a relay, with half of the team doing the bike element, and half doing the hike. A whole team cannot just do one part of the event.

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Why do I have to raise £400?

The Cairngorm Challenge is a fundraising event for Barnardo's - we need to ensure that we raise as much money as possible from this event to support our vital work with children in Scotland and across the UK. The registration fee simply covers the cost of the event, so if no sponsorship is raised, Barnardo's will not be able to contribute any money to its work. We will send you a fundraising pack with lots of information, tips and ideas. While the fundraising is a challenge, it is achievable and many of our past participants have actually raised over and above their target amount.

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Do I have to bring my own bike, or can I hire one on the day?

You are more than welcome to bring your own bike, but you do not have to. We will have bikes available for hire, but you need to let us know in advance that you wish to do so, and there will be a minimal additional charge.

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How old do you have to be to take part in the Cairngorm Challenge?

All participants must be at least 16 years old. There is no maximum age limit. Participants must be aware that the event is a physical challenge, and any health concerns should be addressed with a GP before registering.