Aboyne highland games hill race
Length
11.3 Kms
Elevation gain
354 m
Max elevation
345 m
Difficulty
****
Rating
****
Type
Loop
Route id
568
Main road
0 Kms
Country road
1.8 Kms
Dirt road
7 Kms
Dirt path
0 Kms
Trail
2.5 Kms
1
0
Cost :
10 GBP.
When :
The first Saturday in August and usually starts at 16:30
Length:
11.3 Kms
Start :
Aboyne village green
End :
Aboyne village green
Style :
Loop
Size :
150
Usually between 100 and 200
Elevation :
354 m
Max Elevation :
345 m
Entry opens
Entry opens when the games open.
Website
RACE DESCRIPTION - Aboyne highland games hill race
Route summary
The Aboyne highland games hill race route is a mainly trail run within North & Grampian. The loop covers a distance of 11.3 Kms ( 7.02 miles )
and has an elevation gain of 354 m ( 1161 feet )
.
Getting In
The only way is to register on the day and pick up your number. The registration tent is usually to the east side of the running track, but ask any of the stewards if in doubt.
Getting there
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.
Expo
No, but you could give a try to tossing the caber.
Pre-run
No pre runs.
Race day
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 and the surface was improved in 2020.
At
2.1 Kms
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. You may also start to meet with the flies depending on the weather.
At
3.1 Kms
you have reached the top of the first main hill and start the descent with views in front of yout out over Glen Tanner. Lovely. And of course this comes to an end and a left turn at 4.6 Kms
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.
6.6 Kms
sees the highest point at 547.4 m
and the down hill back towards Aboyne. The route takes you past The Gaurd 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.
The finish
Just a bottle of water. A certificate of your finish time is posted to you some days after the run.
Where to stay
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.
Route directions
Kms
1
The start is on the arena's running track
0
2
After one lap you head out of the arena
0.3
3
Head left over the bridge
1
4
And right at the B976
1.3
5
Left up the marked path to the Fungle
1.4
6
Straight ahead
1.5
7
Straight ahead on the newer path
1.9
8
After the wee bridge you head left up the hill
2.1
9
Turn right through the gate or over the style
2.7
10
Starting to go down hill
3.7
11
Turn left onto a gradual uphill
4.6
12
And the next climb starts
5.2
13
Now for some down hill after the highest point
6.6
14
Turn left at the wee house, called The Guard
7.2
15
You are now retracing your route back
8.4
16
Back into the green through the car park
10.6
17
Into the arena and turn right for one more lap
10.8
18
The finish line
11
The hill ahead
Craigendinnie from across the green - not on games day
View from bridge
Across The Dee
Flat before the hill
Watch out for wild ducks
Flat before the hill
Path is very flat in this section
First steep bit
The pace starts to slow
Trail section
Out onto Craigendinnie
Trail section
Can get very muddy
Trail section
Approaching top of first hill
View from first top
Looking down Deeside
Towards Glen Tannar
Views start to open out
Main hill
Just you and the flies
Main hill
This is a long climb