Heart of Granite
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Event details
Heart of Granite takes place on 11 April 2026 at Caldons Old Campsite, Bargrennan, Glen Trool, Newton Stewart (DG8 6SU). Entries open 23 April 2025 and close 5 April 2026. The minimum age is 18. The entry fee is £25. Entries recorded so far: 11 participants. The event is organised and marshalled by Galloway Mountain Rescue Team.
The course is 20 miles (about 32 km) with 1850 m of ascent.
Course and requirements
The route is a circular mountain course departing Caldons campsite, up the valley to Lamachan, along the ridge to Curleywee, then down to the Axe Head stone checkpoint on the Southern Upland Way. Runners then climb Craiglee, cross the plateau, descend the Rig of Jarkness to a manned checkpoint, follow a path past the Murder Hole to the Old Grey Man of Merrick, climb Merrick summit, descend to Bruce's Stone and return along the valley to Caldons. Finish-day refreshments include a bowl of vegetable soup and a Sulwath Brewery beer.
The race requires fell running experience and navigation skills and may be run in winter conditions. Galloway Mountain Rescue will provide marshals, checkpoint staffing and first aid cover. The event holds a Scottish Hill Runners permit and is run under SHR rules. Mandatory kit to be carried or worn includes map, compass, whistle, waterproof top with integral hood and taped seams, waterproof bottoms with taped seams, head torch, hat and gloves. All profits will go to Galloway Mountain Rescue Team. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.