23/05/2026
The Gralloch: the ultimate test of mind, body, and machine.
So why is everyone so hyped about this event? Because it’s a proper race against your peers and the clock — something that’s still rare among many gravel-focused events in the UK. And this one absolutely lived up to the expectations.
Not only is the course brutally tough, but the location — Dumfries & Galloway in south-west Scotland — is nothing short of stunning. Add in flawless organisation and an atmosphere buzzing with energy, and it’s easy to see why The Gralloch has become one of the standout events on the calendar.
So what can you expect as an amateur rider?
Despite being a UCI race, The Gralloch felt incredibly inclusive. No one would feel out of place, provided you turn up with the right equipment and a decent level of fitness. If you’ve got a few 100km+ gravel rides under your belt in the six months leading up to the event, you’ll be more than capable of taking it on.
Yes, it’s tough — but that’s part of the appeal. The atmosphere, support, and shared suffering make it an experience that feels just as rewarding for amateur riders as it does for the front of the race.
The right equipment plays a huge role here. While I didn’t find the terrain excessively rough, I opted for 57mm tyres and they absolutely transformed the experience — smoothing out the course and helping to manage fatigue throughout the day.
What I did notice, though, was a lot of riders turning up on 45c tyres. Combine higher pressures with the sharp-edged granite scattered across the course, and it’s easy to see how tyres get sliced open at speed. It’s no surprise The Gralloch has built a reputation for race-ending punctures.
My personal impressions from the race:
1.) The 7km climb straight out of the start gate — with no neutral rollout — is what really makes this race so tough. Everyone is deep in the red far longer than most of us are used to, and how well you prepare for that cold-start intensity will massively influence your positioning for the rest of the day.
2.) There is ZERO recovery. If you’re not climbing, you’re descending — and every descent still requires pedalling if you want to stay competitive
