Route Recce

Glentress Trail Races, the Scottish Borders

‘THIS WILL BE THE FOURTH

year we have run our event,’ says Mulvey. ‘The area is popular for mountain biking, so we asked the Forestry Commission about putting on a run there. Being in February, we never know what the weather will be like. The first year, there was waist-high snow, but it was dry and sunny last year. It feels remote, but it’s only an hour south of Edinburgh. It’s tough, but not stupidly hard.’

6 KM

This forest is one of the best mountainbiking areas in Scotland. You’re now on one of the ‘black runs’; parts of the trail have acquired names such as Betty Blue, and Britney Spears.

13 KM

You are now at 587m, the highest point on the run. This lofty vantage point offers you panoramic views towards Edinburgh and the surrounding hills.

16 KM

Apart from a short ‘evil’ climb, you’re mainly descending along Soonhope Craig. Look out for some of the forest’s rich wildlife, which includes red squirrels, roe deer and buzzards.

START

Runners gather outside the Glentress Peel Visitor Centre, in the heart of the Tweed Valley. It’s a mile-and-a-half northeast of Peebles, the town that straddles the River Tweed.

1 KM

There’s a very short road section, but the remainder of the race is on gravel trails or singletrack walking paths. A steady ascent takes you into Glentress Forest, the largest of seven forests spread across this valley.

5 KM

To your left are the remains of an Iron Age fort. The site was also inhabited when the Romans set up a camp here on the valley floor, following their invasion of Scotland in 79AD.

20 KM

Here you ascend before descending Cardie Hill as you overlook Peebles. Parts of this forest were replanted in the 1920s in response to the timber shortage during the First World War.

FINISH

For those doing the full marathon, it’s the same route all over again. For those finishing the half, it’s time for some hot food and a drink back at base.