Cairnsmore Hill Race
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Cairnsmore Hill Race
The Cairnsmore Hill Race is a circular mountain race in the Southern Galloway hills, starting and finishing at Muirfad Farm, Palnure, Newton Stewart DG8 7BA. The course covers 17.50 km with about 800 m of ascent and follows a route over Knocktim, up through the Door of Cairnsmore, north along the Knee of Cairnsmore to the summit trig of Cairnsmore of Fleet, then a long descent to the finish.
Checkpoints are listed on the course: CP1 Bottom of Door of Cairnsmore NX 520 646, CP2 Knee of Cairnsmore NX 509 653, CP3 Cairnsmore of Fleet Trig NX 501 670.
The event is intended for people aged over 18 with fell running experience and navigation skills, since it is held in winter and may encounter full winter conditions. Mandatory kit to be carried or worn includes a map, compass, whistle, waterproof top with integral hood and taped seams, waterproof bottoms with taped seams, hat and gloves.
Galloway Mountain Rescue marshals staff the course, offer first aid cover at checkpoints and serve hot soup and refreshments at the finish. The race holds a permit from the Scottish Hill Runners association and is run under SHR rules. Entries open 13 July 2026 and close 8 December 2027; the standard entry fee is £15 with day entries at £20. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
