Aboyne highland games hill race

We love this race and have done it many times over the years. The only downside is that it is late in the day so you have to avoid any temptation to over eat or drink.

An annoucement is made over the tannoy for the runners to assemble and so you head onto the track to get to the start line. Once started the race takes in one lap around the arena before heading out and onto the main road. You are on this for a short time before heading left and over the bridge. A short distance after a right run brings you to the Fungle Road proper and the first wee climb of the route. This is not too bad underfoor and the surface was improved in 2020.

At you go over a small bridge and are now on a climb on a mix of trail and forest road. The route then heads left and across the front of the hill, Craigendinnie. Trees block the view for most of this but you do get the odd glimpse of the Dee valley. You may also start to meet with the flies depending on the weather.

At you have reached the top of the first main hill and start the descent with views in front of you out over Glen Tanner. Lovely. And of course this comes to an end and a left turn at sees you start the main climb of the race. If there are going to be flies then this is where they will be....waiting as you go slowly up the hill to buzz around your head.

sees the highest point at and the down hill back towards Aboyne. The route takes you past The Guard before rejoining the outward path.

Once arriving at the green you have one more lap to do of the arena, which seems hard, but the crowds are there to cheer you on.

You now need to register online on the games web site before attending the games, though we were aware some runners did sign up on the day in 2024. The registration/pick up numbers tent is usually to the east side of the running track, but ask any of the stewards if in doubt.

The games are held in the village green so you can't miss it if travelling by car. The main bus route passes by going between Ballater and Aberdeen. There are no trains.

Aboyne village green

Aboyne village green

Just a bottle of water. A certificate of your finish time is posted to you some days after the run.

Difficult to find places in the area due to the games and the tourist season. Either book early or prepare to travel from the Aberdeen area.