Here's our list of outdoors events happening around the Highlands, Islands and Moray in 2017. It's never too late to let us know of a new event - just email us on activeoutdoors@spp-group.com and we'll add it here for free. The list will also appear in our supplements which are published twice a year, in spring and autumn.
2017
January
21-22 Strathpuffer
The 12th annual 24-hour winter enduarance mountain biking event in the forests around Strathpeffer and Contin.
February
8 Winter safety lecture
Mountaineering Scotlands winter safety adviser Heather Morning offers an insight into the mountain environment in winter, focusing on essential safety advice, at the Mountain Café in Aviemore.
15 Winter safety lecture
Mountain rescue legend Heavy Whalley offers an insight into the mountain environment in winter, focusing on essential safety advice, at the Mountain Café in Aviemore.
15-19 Fort William Mountain Festival
18 Runduro
The Fort William Runduro is a multi-stage running event taking in some of the area’s most popular running routes. It’s all about the journey, and the route will use some of the best local trails, linking up Fort William and Glen Nevis. The format breaks the route down into stages, so you can race the stages, enjoy the transitions and await your cumulative time for the day’s racing.
19 Kinloss to Lossiemouth Half Marathon
http://morayroadrunners.com/events/kinloss-to-lossiemouth-half-marathon/
March
3-5 Braemar Mountain Festival
Try a new mountain skill, join like minded people and unwind with a great evening programme.
5 Nairn 10k
5 5x50 Challenge begins. Run, jog, walk or cycle 5km a day for 50 consecutive days and help change habits for a lifetime. Register at 5x50.co.uk
11-12 Round 1 POC Scottish Enduro Series, Fort William
The mountain bike enduro racing series kicks off at Nevis Range in Fort William, which produced a cracking round in 2016 with some varied stages. In 2017 riders can expect more of the same, some old classics and - as always at Fort William - you have to expect the unexpected.
12 Inverness Half Marathon
Half marathon and 5k fun run around the streets of Inverness.
www.invernesshalfmarathon.co.uk
18 Newtonmore 10-mile Road Race
Starting at Newtonmore, run through Kingussie to Lynchat and back. Also two-mile fun run/walk. Plus 10-milers can take part in the Hangover Mile at 9am on the Sunday.
www.newtonmore.com/things-to-do/in-newtonmore/road-race.html
19 Wee Tri, Fort William
The Wee Triathlon is a pool-based triathlon involving a 400m swim, 10-mile mountain bike ride in Glen Nevis and a three-mile cross country run. This is a perfect and very do-able triathlon aimed at beginners and those looking to stay motivated over the winter. The Wee Tri has only one “quick” transition, between the bike and run, so is even more suited to those just starting out on multi-sport as you get a rest between your swim and cycle!
25 Cioch Mor Hill Race
www.highlandhillrunners.org.uk
26 Elgin 10k
www.entrycentral.com/Elgin10km
April
2 Man Versus Horse
Runners battle horses on a 26k course across minor roads, moorland and forest tracks on South Loch Ness.
www.doresonlochness.co.uk/man_versus_horse.html
9 Glenlivet 10k
www.chssi.org.uk/glenlivet/signup
15-16 Round 2 POC Scottish Enduro Series, Pitfichie
This will be the series’ first visit to Pitfichie. The trails are varied forest and across open hill tops, with wide views of the Vale of Alford and Bennachie. Mountain bikers should expect to find exciting rides (good hard pedals) through real countryside on a red-grade trail across granite hill tops, as well as a challenging downhill route.
22 Black Isle Cycle Challenge
Starting and finishing at Resolis Memorial Hall, theres a 20-mile Road Challenge (on road), 26-mile Marathon Challenge (on and off road), 15-mile Mini Challenge (on & off road) and six-mile Family Trail (on & off road).
23 Etape Loch Ness
The 66-mile closed-road cycle sportive returns to the shores of Loch Ness.
29 10 Under the Ben
Sticking to the classic mountain bike endurance marathon format of a 10-mile lap and a 10-hour time limit, 10 Under the Ben takes place on the trails below Ben Nevis. Considered by many as the flagship of the No Fuss fleet, this race has stood the test of time and continues to attract an average of 700 riders. Racing categories include solo, pair, trio or quad.
May
6 Glen Affric Duathlon
A run/bike/run event suitable for all levels and a great warm-up for the Highland Cross!
www.glen-affric-duathlon.co.uk
6 Strathconon Cycle Ride
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the family-friendly event starts at Marybank Fairburn Memorial Hall. Various options from a short family ride to an out-and-back ride to the head of the strath.
For more details, search Facebook for: Strathconon Cycle
6 Bealach Beag
A 43-mile circuit of the Applecross peninsula, taking in the famous Bealach na Ba climb which rises from sea level to 2053ft (626m) in just six miles.
www.handsonevents.co.uk/bealach-beag/
6 MacAvalanche
The Scottish enduro with a crazy mass-start stage down a snow slope. Macavalanche is a three-stage enduro race that takes place on Glencoe mountain in Scotland. Its renowned for its big scenery, friendly vibe and the mass start on stage three! The race format is quite simple - three stages of blind racing at Glencoe mountain, the first two stages determine start positions for the third and final stage which runs from high on the mountain-side back to the resort base.
14 The KOM Sportive
Ride the original King of the Mountains Sportive. Two of Scotlands toughest road routes take you up steep mountain passes and down sweeping descents. Experience the stunning landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park and Royal Deeside. Now with a new improved route based in Aboyne that finishes with a fantastic 20km downhill section along the southern banks of the River Dee!
14-20 Cape Wrath Challenge
A week-long festival of running in Durness, the most north-westerly community on mainland Britain.
20-26 Ballater Walking Festival
Explore the natural beauty of the Cairngorms surrounding Ballater with a series of guided walks.
26-28 Cycling in the Straths
A three-day programme of activities that will encourage riders to get on their bikes and pedal through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Scotland.
27 Stornoway 200 Half Marathon
27 Laggan 10k
www.laggan.com/laggan-10k-road-race.asp
28 Nairnshire Challenge
A 30-mile duathlon (12.3 miles on foot, 17.7 miles on bike) covering the length of Nairnshire from the highest, most southern point to the most northern point by the sea.
28 Castle of Mey 10k
The most northerly 10k on the British mainland, run in the grounds and surroundings of the historic 14th century Scottish castle, the Queen Mothers home in Caithness.
www.northhighlandharriers.co.uk/mey10k
June
10 Fyrish Hill Race
www.highlandhillrunners.org.uk
10 Slioch Horseshoe
www.highlandhillrunners.org.uk
10 Isle of Skye Half Marathon
Scenic half marathon on the Isle of Skye.
10 Cairngorm Sportives
158km and 89km cycle challenges through the Cairngorms, finishing on Scotlands Alpe Dhuez.
www.handsonevents.co.uk/cairngorm-sportives/
10 Lochalsh Dirty 30 Challenge
A 30-mile walk or run from Glenelg, passing the Skye Ferry, the Skye Bridge and Eilean Donan castle before climbing over the hills and past ancient brochs before returning to the finish in Glenelg. There’s also a shorter Dirty Dozen route over 12 miles.
10 Quest Loch Ness
Part of the new UK Quest Adventure Series. Racers will step out of their comfort zone with a challenging run, cycle and kayak combination over a trio of courses from 29km to 81km.
10-11 Caledonian Challenge
Walk along the West Highland Way on this test of stamina. Two choices - 24 miles in 12 hours or 54 miles in 24 hours.
16-25 Moray Walking Festival
Scotlands Midsummer Walking Festival will have walks, events and activities for all ages and abilities. From the foothills of the Cairngorms to Morays award winning coastline, you can enjoy long summer days exploring coastal, hill, forest, river and town walks.
www.moraywalkingfestival.co.uk
17 Highland Cross
The 50-mile coast-to-coast duathlon returns for its 35th event. The Midsummer Madathon has raised more than £4 million for Highland charities since its inception in 1983.
17-18 Round 3 POC Scottish Enduro Series, Dunoon
In 2016 Dunoon was new venue for the series and it would be fair to say that no-one quite knew what to expect. Since then Dunoon as a mountain bike destination has grown in confidence and notoriety and is looking forward to the return of the series in 2017.
24 West Highland Way Race
The 33rd running of the race along the 95 miles of the West Highland Way from Milngavie to Fort William, including 4500m (14,760ft) of ascent.
July
1 Corrieyairack Challenge
Walk, run or ride the 13.5 miles over the high mountain pass then ride 38 miles to the finish.
8 The Loop
A self-timed challenging 108-mile cycle around Wester Ross starting in Garve.
8 Endurance Downhill
The Fort William downhill course is one of the longest and most physically demanding courses on the international mountain bike race circuit. Riders of this gruelling event will need physical strength, quick reflexes, superb bike control and an unnerving eye for the right line as they speed down the 2.82km track. They will also need huge amounts of stamina in order to ride the track as many times as possible in six hours! Participants are only be allowed one bike and a list of itemised spares to see them through the whole event.
30 Fort William Marathon
Run in the shadow of Ben Nevis and through the Great Glen on this spectacular multi-terrain marathon.
30 to August 5 Scottish 6 Days
This year the flagship orienteering event returns to Royal Deeside and will use some of the best areas with a variety of terrain, superb arenas and car parking and stunning views to the hills and mountains around Deeside.
* For more local orienteering events, see www.scottish-orienteering.org
August
6 Aviemore Triathlon
Swim, mountain bike and trail run with a choice of two distances designed to suit everyone from newcomers to racing snakes!
12 Great Wilderness Challenge
Walk or run a choice of 25, 13 or 7 miles around Dundonnell, Poolewe and Aultbea through the wilds of Wester Ross.
www.greatwildernesschallenge.info
12-13 Round 4 POC Scottish Enduro Series, Innerleithen
The series returns to Innerleithen after a year of absence in 2016. No Fuss will be working closely with Forestry Commission Scotland and local riders to ensure the very best stages that the area has to offer.
19 Speyside Way Race
A 36.5-mile ultra marathon.
26 Skye Sportive
48 or 95 miles around the glorious Trotternish peninsula on Skye.
www.handsonevents.co.uk/skye-sportive/
26-27 Ride the North
A two-day cycle challenge through beautiful scenery between Rhynie and Inverness.
September
2 Ben Nevis Race
Up and down Britains highest mountain.
2 Bealach Mor
A 90-mile cycle sportive with 9600ft of ascent including the famous Bealach na Ba climb which rises from sea level to 2053ft (626m) in just six miles.
www.handsonevents.co.uk/bealach-mor/
2 Prime Four Beast Race, Loch Ness
Beast yourself on a leg-numbing 10k along the banks of Loch Ness, through dense forest, undergrowth, heather and bog, on rough dirt tracks and into the loch itself... then add the obstacles!
2 Melness Village Hall Cycle Event
Cycle through the stunning scenery of the far north coast and then enjoy soup, sandwiches and cake in the village hall afterwards – with three different routes to suit all levels of cycling, including children. Make a weekend out of your visit and stay for the evening ceilidh in the hall with the entertaining Broch Inspectors!
Keep an eye out for registration details on Facebook: Melness Village Hall Cycle Event.
10 Etape Royale
A challenging cycle sportive through 100 miles of beautiful Highland scenery from Ballater.
16-17 Round 5 POC Scottish Enduro Series, Laggan Wolftrax
Wolftrax is a firm favourite with the Scottish Enduro Series - the sheer variety of trails always makes for a great event and a great race. Participants should expect some long stages that will test stamina and ability to carry speed all the way to the end. Wolftrax of course wouldnt be complete without some natural gold and some superbly slippery descents.
23 Prime Four Beast Race, Banchory
It all starts on the banks of Knockburn Loch, within the picturesque landscape near Banchory in the heart of Aberdeenshire. But dont be fooled by the pretty heather and Scots pine setting, this Beast has a sting in its tail!
24 Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running
Scenic marathon along the shore of Loch Ness, with a 10k, 5k and Wee Nessie races also on offer.
October
1 Glencoe Marathon
An epic 26.2-mile trail run that ascends a total of 1608 metres through the heart of Glencoe and into the foothills of Ben Nevis.
7 Culloden Cycle Challenge
21, 42 and 85 mile route options on this testing ride on quiet roads through spectacular Highland countryside past historic towns and renowned heritage landmarks.
7 Tour of Ben Nevis
Now a mainstay of the No Fuss calendar, the Tour de Ben Nevis in 2017 stays true to its word of “bringing mountain biking back to the mountains”. A 72km circumnavigation of Ben Nevis from Fort William, the Outdoor Capital of the UK. This is one of the countrys longest point-to-point events; an MTB endurance and mountain marathon event all rolled into one.
7 Marathon de Ben Nevis
No Fuss Events ultimate mountain running event, this is one for the endurance athletes and people with a sense of adventure and seeking a challenge. The Marathon de Ben Nevis is the race that will take participants on a magnificent 64km journey circumnavigating Ben Nevis starting from Fort William.
7-8 Craggy Island Triathlon
Swim from the mainland to the Isle of Kerrera (near Oban) before an off-road run and cycle.
14-15 Round 6 POC Scottish Enduro Series, Dunkeld
This will be the final round of the 2017 series, so you you can be assured that the team will be pulling out all the stops to ensure the final race is a cracker. Dunkeld already has a great reputation for downhill and enduros alike, so riders can expect a challenging day with great stages to close the season.
15 Aviemore Half Marathon
A beautiful off-road route taking in Loch Morlich and views of the Cairngorms.
21 Meall a Bhuchaille hill race
A 13km hill race with 720m of climbing for the adults, with a junior race of 5km and 150m ascent.
www.highlandhillrunners.org.uk
21 The Cowal Way Chase
A 72km gravel road ride with 4000ft of ascent on varied terrain with hard packed paths, loose gravel and slightly technical forest roads.
21 The Cowal Way Chase Ultra
Run in conjunction with the above event, the Chase Ultra is a 50km ultra run on similar terrain.
28 Illumintor Night Trail Half Marathon
Run or walk 15 dark miles over rugged hill trails with just the glow of your head torch to lead the way. See the natural beauty of Glen Tanars ancient Scots pine forest in a spectacular new light. Walk, race or just jog round the average finishing time for runners is 2.5 hours and 6 hours for walkers. The course is clearly way-marked and there will be a hot drinks station with stunning light effects at the halfway point. Total ascent over the course is 600m.
28-29 Relentless 24
Endurance mountain bike racing over 24 hours, with categories including solo, pairs and teams of three, four and eight. Relentless 24 has become a classic on any 24-hour MTB specialist’s calendar, whether your specialty is non-stop riding for 24 hours, or non-stop socialising as part of a bigger team. The race takes place in Forestry Commission Scotlands Leanachan Forest and Nevis Ranges world-class tracks.
29 The Culloden Run
A challenging 17.46km run from the battlefield, or a flatter 10km option.
November
4 Knockfarrel Hill Race
An 8km, 365m hill race from Strathpeffer to Knockfarrel and back.
www.highlandhillrunners.org.uk
4-5 Kinlochleven Enduro
The mountain bike enduro event at Kinlochleven is a qualifier for the Enduro World Series. Kinlochleven has deservedly gained a reputation for great racing over challenging terrain and that real mountain feel that you can get in November in the Highlands. After a day of practising on the Saturday, the race will be split into three stages on the Sunday.
TBC Brodie Castle 10k
For more details contact: forresharriers@hotmail.co.uk
December
• All details believed to be correct at time of publishing. Please check ahead to ensure no changes have been made to listed events.
To add your event to our listings for free, email activeoutdoors@spp-group.com with brief details and a picture if you have one!
