Cairngorms Ultra
Braemar, United Kingdom • 13 Jun 2026
Cairngorms Ultra Trail : event overview
The Cairngorms Ultra Trail is an ultra running event based at Mar Lodge Estate, three miles west of Braemar in the Cairngorms National Park, Aberdeenshire. The page lists dates for Saturday 31 May 2025 and Saturday 13 June 2026. Entries are limited because the event takes place in a conservation area. Minimum entry age is 18. Entry fees listed include a Special Early Bird price of £62 to 30 November and £67 thereafter (plus a 4% online entry fee). A 50% refund (minus the online booking fee) is offered up to six weeks before the event date.
Course, logistics and facilities
The main advertised distance is 60 km with total ascent of 1006 m (3,300 ft) and a highest course point of 700 m. A short-course option is available: if a participant reaches CP5 at Linn of Dee and withdraws to the finish, the distance becomes 48 km / 30 miles; this still counts as an ultra finish but is not eligible for prizes. The route is waymarked so navigation experience is not required; a GPX file is available. The route is largely off-road, mostly on defined paths, tracks and forest roads, with a small proportion on minor roads.
Aid stations are listed at Derry Lodge (23k) and Linn of Dee (45k); checkpoints include Derry Lodge, Hutchison Refuge, Corrour Refuge, Linn of Dee and Glen Quoich. Time limits include a 12 hour 30 minute limit for the full event and intermediate cutoffs. Event camping is available at the venue for a stated fee; basic toilets and fresh water are provided. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
