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Gold route
100km route: 25km hike and 75km bike
Start time: 7am; finish by: 7pm (maximum time: 12 hours)
The Gold route of the Cairngorm Challenge is the ultimate physical test of your ability, agility and stamina. It includes a tough hiking section, incorporating an extra loop around Glenmore Lodge. The biking is even tougher, incorporating vast off-road sections and the inspiring yet difficult Rothiemurchus woodlands.
Key features of the course
Hike
- Leave from Badaguish Centre situated in Glenmore Forest Park
- Testing rise and climb through Cairngorm ski area, to Ptarmigan Restaurant at 1090m (water station)
- Gentle climb to Cairn Gorm summit - 1244m, with spectacular views
- Descent to Glenmore hub
- Clockwise walk around picturesque Loch Morlich
- Extra loop around Glenmore Lodge
Bike
- Along southern shore of Loch Morlich
- Large, tricky loop through Rothiemurchus woodlands, passing Loch an Eilein
- Cycle around Loch Morlich
- Cycle through leafy Queens Forest and Abernethy Forest
- Ride to Nethy Bridge and Loch Garten
- One last stretch to Ryvoan Pass, heading to Glenmore
Bike route is 70% on trails, 30% on minor tarmac roads
What you get
All competitors get a medal, commemorative t-shirt and goody bag. You can also put your name in the directory, giving you the opportunity to network with other people taking part.
Everyone is treated to an energy-boosting pasta party the night before, and a celebratory barbecue afterwards, complete with prize-giving and live entertainment.
Your event itinerary
Friday 7 September
4pm: Check in - registration, collection of team packs
6-9pm: Pasta party
9pm: Event briefing
Saturday 8 September
7am: Challenge starts
4-9.30pm: Celebratory barbecue, including prize-giving and live entertainment
