A MULTI-TERRAIN ULTRA SET AROUND THE HEART OF THE STUNNING TWEED VALLEY
Two Distances: 50k & 65k
Sunday 17th November 2024
"Another Superb Race in Your Portfolio"
"Fantastic Trails"
Race Pictures from GDO
Clink on the link abve to download pictures at the route split junction. Kindly provided by our event marshal at that location
The event is part of a fantastic weekend of trail races with the Glentress 21k & 10k Trail Races scheduled for the Saturday.
%20-%20LowRes.jpg)
We're pleased to announce Run4It as our event retail partner. All participants will receive a 15% discount voucher offering an exclusive 15% off full-price shoes, clothing or accessories. For those at the sharp end of the races, we have some great prize vouchers on offer too.
The Tweed Valley Forest Park is described as the main visitor attraction in the Scottish Borders. The park is made up of a number of forests each with their own unique character "strung like pearls along the silver thread of the River Tweed". The area has a rich heritage of ancient forts, settlements and towers to explore.
We've designed this ultra as a journey through this unique landscape taking in spectacular panoramic views, extensive forests, across ancient drove roads & rolling hills and along beautiful riverside trails of the world renowned river Tweed.
Date: Sunday 17th November, 2024 Distances: 65km & 50km route options Start Times: 65km - 0730 50k – 0800
Venue: Glentress Peel Visitor Centre, nr Peebles, EH45 8NB. Nestled in the heart of the Tweed Valley, within easy reach of Edinburgh, Glasgow and the North of England, this is an ideal location & the same venue as our popular trail races.
Entry Fee: Early Bird Entry: £59 + online entry fee. From July 31st £64 + online entry fee
Registration: This is to be based from Glentress Peel café at the Glentress visitor centre. Registration will be available both Saturday 16th between 1500-1630 & Sunday 17th between 0630-0730.
Entries close Monday 11th November.
Event briefing notes will be published HERE approx five days before the event. Please check these as there will generally be no further information emailed to participants prior to the event.
Race Numbers will be issued at registration. Nothing will be posted out prior to the event..
One of the advantages of this event is that you are able to drop to the 50k during the event (where the routes split) if you didn’t want to tackle the full 65k on the day.
All routes will be fully marked so no navigation experience is necessary.
Just Enjoy the Spectacular Views
Participant Feedback
“Thanks again for a fabulous race today, I’m sure all the other runners would agree it was so well organised and your team are very obviously outdoors enthusiasts and made for a very friendly event” Tim Warner
"Thanks for a great event. So well marked - no way we could get lost! Marshals were outstanding and a total credit to you all. Thanks again 😍" Fiona
"Thanks for a fantastic day at the recent Tweed Valley Ultra. Really well organised and fun event" Richard
Check out our course videos highlighting these fantastic routes...
Tweed Valley Ultra Recce
Tweed Valley Ultra
Terrain: The rolling hills and woodland of the Tweed Valley offer unlimited scope for those looking for varied terrain. The course follows an extensive network of secluded paths and tracks through the various forests, multi-use trails along the banks of the beautiful river Tweed, winding tracks over hills & short sections on minor roads linking in the various areas.
There are no real technical aspects to the course & with spectacular views over the Tweed Valley unfolding throughout, this will be a truly fantastic ultra for offering great variety in terms of scenery & terrain. See below for entry requirements.
Navigation & Waymarking: The routes will be fully marked so no navigation experience is necessary. Navigational devices (GPS units, watches, smartphone, etc.) are permitted & a route GPX file is available to download below. If you are unfamiliar with the area it is recommended that you use such a device to as backup.
Climbing to Minch Moor
.jpg)
Section on the Tweed Valley Multi User Trail.
The path surface is mostly bitmac (tarmac/asphalt).
Course Maps:
Please note these routes may be subject to change.
Entry Requirements: No previous experience of ultra running is essential. However, the course ascends to 520m on open moorland so it is essential that you are prepared & equipped for weather conditions for the time of year. Ensure you have the required kit.
Course Description: Both routes will start & finish at the Peel Centre Trailhead. The initial section climbs steadily through Glentress forest offering panoramic views to the Caddon Hills looking down on the river Tweed winding through the valley below. A short descent through the forest leads onto the Tweed Valley Railway Path, a multi-user trail which links the towns of Innerleithen and Peebles. This follows along the banks of the Tweed to Cadrona village, followed by a short road section into Cardrona Forest. We’ve utilised some great sections of single track through Cadrona forest, initially following Kirk Burn before gently ascending the lower slopes of Pikes Knowe & Wallace’s Hill.
Stunning trails through Glentress Forest
.jpg)
Heading along the Tweed Valley River trail
The next section leads to Traquair to join the Southern Upland Way (Scotland’s coast to coast route) & part of the ancient Cross Borders Drove Road. This track initially climbs up through the forest then to the open moorland of Minch Moor, the high point of the route at 520m
Soon after this point the two routes split, with the 50k descending through Traquair forest & the 65k continuing further on across the moorland terrain. It's worthwhile here to take in the spectacular panoramic views of the rolling hills & the river Tweed winding through the valley below.
High above the Tweed Valley on the Southern Upland Way
The 65k route continues east on the Southern Upland Way which winds its way over the rolling hills to the Three Brethren Cairn followed by a superb descent through Yair Forest. A short road section leads to Traquair Forest then onto the riverside path at Walkerburn, re-joining the 50k route.
The rolling hills across the Southern Upland Way
Enjoying a breather at Three Brethren Cairn
The 50k route descends through Traquair Forest to re-join the 65k near to the village of Walkerburn & linking back onto the riverside path. Pass Haugh Head Railway Bridge & cross the Tweed Bridge at Innerleithen to re-join the Tweed Valley Railway Path, returning through Cardrona village. The final section follows the route back through Glentress Forest to finish with an exhilarating descent back to the finish.
The Tweed Bridge at Innerleithen with Traquair Forest in the background.
Hydration/Feed Stations: There will be three aid stations on the 65k route & two on the 50k. These will be located at:
Location Distance
1. CP 2 17k/19k
Traquair Village Hall
2. CP 3 (65k only) 37k
Glenkinnon FC car park
3. CP 4 52k/35k
Innerleithen FC car park
See course map for specific locations.
Drop Bags: If you'd like some of your favourite nutrition available on the course without having to carry it for the full duration & to help minimize food handling , drop bags will be available for participants.
These will be transported to to the aid stations at CP3 for the 65k & Innerleithen (CP4) for the 50k.
Facilities
On site cafe, changing, toilets, showers, on site accommodation (Glentress Forest Lodges offer Wigwams, camping and camper van parking).
UTMB Qualifying Event:
Previous Results:
%20-%20LowRes.jpg)