Morven Hill Race

Event overview

The Morven Hill Race is scheduled for Saturday 8 November 2025 at Groddie, by Dinnet, Aboyne (Grid Ref NJ410044). It is part of the 2025 Scottish Hill Runners championship programme and is the third and final race of the Aberdeenshire Hillrace Series. Distances offered include:

• 8.8 km (660 m climb)
• 4.0 km (400 m climb)
• 1.8 km (125 m climb)

There may be entries on the day subject to available space.

Route and format

All routes are waymarked and runners are expected to follow the marked route. The full race starts on the walker’s access path by the roadside, follows a direct line up Morven above the ruined cottage at Balhennie, continues on good tracks to the summit, then descends via the bealach below Roar Hill (Grid Ref NJ395033) and returns northeast towards Balhennie and the finish. The half race follows the full route to the first plateau before cutting left to rejoin the full descent. The mini race is an out-and-back to the lone tree on the full race descent route.

Rules and safety

The event is insured and run under Scottish Hill Runners rules. Juniors aged under 17 on 31 December are not permitted to enter the full Morven race. The full race requires runners to carry a full waterproof body cover with taped seams, a hat, gloves, and a paper map and compass. Dogs must be kept on a lead in the assembly and finish area; no dogs are allowed on the hill. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.