Cateran Dirt Dash 2026

Join us for a cycling event and a fun and inclusive weekend in a great natural environment.

The DexShell Cateran Dirt Dash bikepacking event takes you in two days through the stunning surroundings of the Cairngorms National Park to enjoy the dramatic scenery in the Cateran Ecomuseum. It’s the perfect way to experience the rugged beauty of Scotland’s only museum without walls. This event has a shorter route than the Dashes in Yorkshire and Dunoon; it’s the perfect introduction to bikepacking in Scotland.

At a glance:

• When: Saturday 23 May to Sunday 24 May 2026
• Format: non-timed, self-supported reliability trial with overnight camping 
• Route (provisional): Day 1 – 29 miles (46 km) with ca. 1,010 m of climbing, Day 2 – 32 miles (51km) with ca. 610 m of climbing. Some technical sections that may require pushing at times.
• Entries: £99 (£15 discount for Sportive Club members) Enter here
• Navigation: We will supply the route electronically before the event. The course is not marked, you are responsible for your own navigation.
• Bikes: We recommend riding mountain bikes & gravel bikes with a minimum recommended tire size of 45mm, which must be in good working order. E-bikes are alowed, but please inform us when riding an e-bike when you sign up
• Terrain: Singletrack, gravel paths, forestry roads and public roads
• Start: Saturday 10am in Alyth
• Finish: Sunday afternoon in Alyth

Entry includes:

• GPX file for the appr. 61 mile (97 km) gravel bikepacking event route through the Cateran Ecomuseum & Southern Cairngorms National Park
• Electronic Rider briefing
• Support vehicle if you need rescuing
• Start and finish at a cafe
• Overnight camping ca. halfway round
• Chilled out camp location
• Evening meal
• Tasty breakfast