Lairig Grhu hill race
Length
43 Kms
Elevation gain
727.8 m
Max elevation
908.4 m
Difficulty
****
Rating
*****
Type
Point to point
Route id
510
Main road
4 Kms
Country road
7.4 Kms
Dirt road
5.6 Kms
Dirt path
0 Kms
Trail
26 Kms
1
0
Cost :
GBP 16 at 2019 prices
When :
End of June start of July
Length:
43 Kms
Start :
Breamar
End :
Avimore
Style :
Point to point
Size :
250
Estimate
Elevation :
727.8 m
Max Elevation :
908.4 m
Entry opens
March
Website
RACE DESCRIPTION - Lairig Grhu hill race
Route summary
The Lairig Grhu hill race route is a trail and road run within North & Grampian. The point to point covers a distance of 43 Kms ( 26.72 miles )
and has an elevation gain of 728 m ( 2388 feet )
.
Getting In
Apply as soon as possible, this is a brilliant race to be involved in.
Getting there
You need to drive or use public transport, the bus, the day before. No public buses will get you to Braemar in time for the start of this race. Buses are available from the finish back to the start if you plan on leaving your car in Braemar.
Expo
No, just go and enjoy some of Royal Deeside
Pre-run
No, but again just go and enjoy Royal Deeside and a gizillion different routes.
Race day
There is a bag check before the start of the run to make sure you have all the correct safety equipment with you. The race is very exposed and a slght turn in the Scottish weather will prove to be a real challenge on this route. Pay attention to the safety requirements.
The race itself is a glorious journey through some wonderful Scottish scenery and we can't speak highly enough of this race. Support pops up all over the place and in areas where you don't expect it. Hats off to the mountain rescue people providing moral support along with emergency support.
A lot of climb and a boulder field that can really stump you, but once over the top and with Aviemore visible in the distance you just jump with joy. Well maybe not jump, but you do earn a big smile.
The trail is mostly downhill to Aviemore before joining the main road. Although only a few KMs this part is turned into a run of
3000 Kms
in your tired head.
This is a race you have to try
The finish
Aviemore and soup, cakes and sandwiches.
Where to stay
Limited hotels in the area, book early
Route directions
Kms
1
Start from outside the community hall. Only 43 KM to go to Aviemore.
0
2
Long stretch on single track tarred road
2.3
3
Turn right and across the Victoria bridge
5.6
4
Left and around the back of Mar Lodge
6.2
5
Leave the road onto trail and the uphill
7.4
6
Alongside Lui water on the left
10.3
7
Derry lodge and a water stop on race day.
13.4
8
Heading out into the open. A bit boggy for a short while
13.6
9
Ford crossing and wet feet will happen
16.3
10
With a small river Dee on the left
20.5
11
Ben Macdui on the right
23.1
12
Past the pools of Dee
25.7
13
Climbing getting tougher and boulder fields
28.7
14
Across the burn - remember to refill that water bottle
30.3
15
And into the forest
33.2
16
Turn left when you hit the main track
34
17
Over the bridge
35.2
18
Straight on
35.8
19
Keep on the main track straight ahead
38.4
20
When you get to the main road, turn left and stay on pavement on the far side
39.2
21
Leave the main road following the old road, now walkway, on the right
41
22
Once across the bridge turn right
41.8
23
Under the railway and then right up the main road
42.2
24
And you are done and probably hurting at the mountain caf
43
Braemar
View from the bridge over the Dee
Braemar
View of the bridge
Starting line
From here only 43KMs to go.
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Image from Lairig Grhu hill race
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Image from Lairig Grhu hill race
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Image from Lairig Grhu hill race
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Image from Lairig Grhu hill race
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Image from Lairig Grhu hill race
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Image from Lairig Grhu hill race
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Image from Lairig Grhu hill race
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Boulder field
The famous boulder field
Boulder field
Tricky but not as bad as you think it will be. Aim for the small cairns to get you across using the best path.
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Picture group G
Image from Lairig Grhu hill race
Picture group G
Image from Lairig Grhu hill race
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Image from Lairig Grhu hill race
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Image from Lairig Grhu hill race
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Image from Lairig Grhu hill race
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Image from Lairig Grhu hill race
The end
The finish line in Aviemore. Rather a strange finish line but great to get there.