Heart of Granite
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Heart of Granite
Heart of Granite is a circular mountain race of 32 km / 20 miles with 1850 m of ascent in the Galloway hills. The event is based at Caldons old campsite, Glen Trool, Newton Stewart, DG8 6SU.
The route rises from the valley to Lamachan, follows the ridge to Curleywee, then descends to the Axe Head stone checkpoint on the Southern Upland Way. Runners climb to Craiglee, cross a plateau and descend along the Rig of Jarkness toward a manned checkpoint. The course passes the feature known as the Murder Hole, approaches the Old Grey Man of Merrick and includes a climb to the summit of Merrick before a long descent to Bruce's Stone and a return along the valley to Caldons. Checkpoints provide food and water and the finish includes hot vegetable soup and cakes.
The race is for people aged 18 or older and expects participants to have fell running experience and navigation skills, since it may be run in winter conditions. The event is marshalled by Galloway Mountain Rescue Team who staff checkpoints, record numbers and provide first aid cover. All profits from the race will go to Galloway Mountain Rescue Team. The event runs with a permit from the Scottish Hill Runners association and under SHR rules. Entry fee is listed as £25 and entries open and close on specified dates.
Mandatory kit includes a map, compass, whistle, waterproof top with integral hood and taped seams, waterproof bottoms with taped seams, head torch, hat and gloves. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
