Heart of Granite
Newton Stewart, United Kingdom • 11 Apr 2026
Event details
Heart of Granite takes place on 11 April 2026 at Caldons Old Campsite, Bargrennan, Glen Trool, Newton Stewart (DG8 6SU). The event is organised by Galloway Mountain Rescue Team and has a permit from Scottish Hill Runners. Entry opens 23 April 2025 and closes 5 April 2026. The minimum age is 18. The entry fee is £25. Entries listed so far show 11 participants. All profits from the race will go to Galloway Mountain Rescue Team.
Course and requirements
The route is a classic circular mountain course of 32 km / 20 miles with 1850 m of ascent. The line goes from Caldons campsite up the valley to Lamachan, along the ridge to Curleywee, down to the Axe Head stone checkpoint on the Southern Upland Way, then up to Craiglee and across the plateau. Runners descend along the Rig of Jarkness to a manned checkpoint, follow a path past the Murder Hole to the Old Grey Man of Merrick, climb to Merrick summit, then descend to Bruce's Stone and return along the valley to Caldons. Finish provisions include hot vegetable soup and a Sulwath Brewery beer.
The event is described as a winter race and requires fell running experience and navigation skills. Galloway Mountain Rescue marshalls provide checkpoint control and first aid cover. Mandatory kit to be carried or worn includes map, compass, whistle, waterproof top with integral hood and taped seams, waterproof bottoms with taped seams, head torch, hat and gloves. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.