The Gralloch Gravel 2023

Thursday 18th May : Optional arrival day

Arrival at the hotel in Gatehouse of Fleet or Castle Douglas.

There will be a space for you to set up your bikes and resolve any mechanical issues before the event. Our team are available to assist you.

Hotels

Hotel Ernespie is located in Castle Douglas. Stay here and we will provide transport to the start and finish of the event in gatehouse of Fleet. Your stay here will be on a half board basis so with breakfasts and evening meals included.

Hotel Cally Palace is located on the outskirts of the pretty village of Gatehouse of Fleet on the Solway coast. Formerly an 18th century country mansion this is now a wonderful hotel. Stay here on a B& basis so with breakfasts included. Ride to and from the event.

Friday 19th May : Arrival Day and Warm Up Ride

This morning after breakfast we offer a guided and supported ride in this beautiful area of Scotland. It would be a waste to come all this way and to not enjoy the area. Full details of the ride will be announced soon.

For those arriving today, we will have your entry available at the hotel so there's no requirement to visit the event registration venue.

If you'd like to visit the expo, today the Gralloch event will open its event village at 15:00 and closes at 21:00.

• 15.00 - Event Village opens
• 15.00 - 20.00 - Registration and info desk
• 19.00 - Social Ride (details to be announced)
• 21.00 - Event Village closes

For those staying at the hotel Ernespie, you will be able to enjoy a sportive menu before race day tomorrow. Please make your own arrangements for dinner at the Cally Palace.

Saturday 20th May : Event Day

If you are staying in Castle Douglas this morning we will provide transport to get to the start of the race. A shuttle service is available to get back to the hotel after you finish.

The Gralloch qualifying series for the world championship is hosted in Gateway of Fleet with trails of firm gravel taking you through the hills of Galloway. The route is yet to be finalised, but you will be racing a total of 110km with 2000m of climbing. It will be a tough day out but completing this course with a qualifying time will see you take one step closer to fight it out in Italy for the chance to be the best in your age category.

Evening meal at the hotel in Castle Douglas only.

Sunday 21st May : Departure Day

After breakfast, please check out and we’ll see you again soon on another Sportive Breaks Cycling Break

The Trek UCI world gravel series regulations require all riders to have third party insurance to cover all eventualities. Proof of cover may be required. You do not need a race licence for this event, however, if you do successfully qualify for the World Championships in Italy you will need a race licence to race. 

There will be predetermined time in which the race needs to be completed in. There will be cut off points on the route where competitors will be withdrawn should they be behind the average speed. A broom wagon will be following the race to pick up and support riders at the back of the race. 

Riders who finish in the top 25% of their age group will qualify for the UCI World championships in Italy. The world champions will be held in Veneto in October. Here you will battle it out for the UCI Rainbow Jersey. The qualification time is calculated starting when the start gun is fired to when you cross the finish line. You can still participate in this event for a great day out!

Based in Scotland’s South-West, The Gralloch starts and finishes in the small town of Gatehouse of Fleet, in Dumfries and Galloway.

We’re in the heart of one of Scotland’s most beautiful areas, to the south is the picturesque coast of the Solway Firth, and to the north are the Galloway Hills. It is in these hills the racing takes place.

The area is part of both the Galloway Forest Park and the internationally recognised Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. So unspoilt and unpopulated is the area that in 2009 it was designated as one of the first ever Dark Sky Parks, the first in the UK.

As The Gralloch visits an area of beauty and international importance we are committed to protecting, conserving and promoting the unique natural surroundings you’ll explore on the bike. As such you must ensure you leave nothing behind: no bottles, no wrappers. Nothing. Please leave no trace.

The Gralloch is committed to the principles of Sustainable Event Charter of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. That means we are aiming to be a sustainable event, something close to our hearts.

The Biosphere is recognised as a world class environment for both people and nature, and is a place of cooperation and collaboration, proving a sustainable way of living is not only possible, but happening right now.

The UNESCO Biosphere designation is recognition of the fantastic array of landscapes, wildlife, cultural heritage and the wide range of learning opportunities South West Scotland offers communities, businesses and visitors.

We continue to work closely with the Biosphere to conserve and promote this unique and beautiful area of Scotland.

Description of the area

Gatehouse of Fleet town is split in two halves by the river fleet. Half of the town is in Anworth and the other half is Girthon. 

Transport options

Due to the area the event is held it is recommended to plan your journey ahead of the event.

Carlisle train station offers a bus service to Castle Douglas and from there a short taxi ride would be required.

Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh airports are around a two-hour car journey away.