Challenge Foot and Bike Route
Athough the route will be signposted and marshalled you are ultimately responsible for finding your own way.
Cawdor Estates have very kindly permitted the Nairnshire Challenge to cross their land but as the route crosses prime grouse moors where the birds will be laying and hatching please do not train or practise on the route itself.
You will be taken by bus from Nairn to the start on the B9007 at the gate to Auchterteang (map ref NH929262). Looking out for passing traffic, please go through the gate to the start where the Challengers will be divided into groups, with fast runners at the front, then runners, walkers and strollers in that order. The start of the event will be as near to 10.00 a.m. as possible
Foot Route
The track winds through the farm and gently upwards for just less than 2 miles to the "Green Bothy". About a mile past the Green Bothy is the first watering station. As you continue upwards and northwards any junctions will be signposted.
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The fragile environment round the highest point in Nairnshire is a site of special scientific interest for its mosses and lichens. You should pause to look at the summit on your left and backward at stunning views of the Cairngorms (if visibility permits!). As you continue over the moor there will be another watering station at around 5 miles. |
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The route flattens out then undulates and twists until you descend and approach the "Black Bothy"(896336) where there will be another watering station. |
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Continue on the track northwards and uphill to another to another bothy about 2 miles beyond (888362) which is the last watering station of the foot section. |
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You then turn north west over the last hill before the final and picturesque descent to the bridge over the Findhorn (866395) and the change over point. |
To avoid congestion NO back up teams are allowed at the change over point.
Cycle Route
For the entire cycle route, Challengers will be travelling on public roads and are reminded that they must obey the rules of the road at all times.
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On leaving the field at Drynachan turn right and follow the spectacular road eastwards along the Drynachan valley to the T-junction (933418) just north of Dulsie Bridge. |
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Cycle northwards and take the second right, down the Muckleburn road (checkpoint). |
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Turn left at the end and head for the triangular junction (881490) and go north through Regoul to the junction with the B9101. Take care at this junction with the busy Cawdor-Nairn road and turn right. |
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Some 150 yards later, turn left and follow the B9090 into Nairn High Street. |
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Turn left onto Leopold Street and right at the traffic lights (you must stop if they are red). Taking care on this short stretch of the A96, turn left at the roundabout and then first right into the links car park and the finish! |
The finish
When you reach the finish, please make sure that you register immediately with the race marshals and that you receive your medal. This will enable us to track the fact that you have finished and enable you to confirm your feat to your sponsors.
Times
The Nairnshire Challenge is not a race and although the clock will give finishers their times you should feel free to take enough time to enjoy the beauty of Nairnshire.
