CyclistScotland for the brave: Tales from The Gralloch UltraIn just four editions, The Gralloch has become one of the UKs defining gravel races. Based in Gatehouse of Fleet in southwest Scotland, and forming part of the UCI Gravel World Series, it has helped put Galloway firmly on the map as a gravel destination. But for some, the most interesting part of the weekend may now be a new addition to the programme.For 2026 the familiar 111km UCI race and accompanying sportive were joined by the inaugural Gralloch Ultra, a 323km semi-supported ride with nearly 5,000m of climbing through Galloway Forest Park and the surrounding Unesco Biosphere. It gave the weekend something wilder and more drawn out; less about the intensity of a one-day gravel race and more about pacing, judgement, weather, fuelling and the cumulative effect of small decisions over a very long ride.The detailsWhat The Genesis Gralloch Ultra presented by MaxxisWhere Galloway, Ayrshire, southwest ScotlandHow far 323km, 4,819m scent (shorter distances available)Surface 70% unpaved/gravel, 30% pavedNext event 15th/16th May 2027How much 150More info grallochgravel.comIs this the Scottish answer to Gironas Traka? It bears many similarities, not just in the riding but in the way the town fills with riders, bike brands, race teams and every variation of gravel setup, from stripped-back race bikes to long-distance rigs. Like the Traka, the Gralloch is a heady mix of serious race and fun festival, with pros, ultra-riders and more casual sportivists mingling together.At the front of the Ultra, its very much a race. British pro Damien Clayton covered the route in just over 12 hours, while Charlie Bratt finished second, little more than 13 minutes behind, and Zoe McIntosh won the womens race in 15 hours. Further down the field, the same route unfolds over a longer period, where rough tracks, punctures, feed-station resets, camaraderie, low moments and the grind through the night become the story.As an event, its hard enough to be taken seriously but supported enough to bring new riders into ultra-distance racing, and by the time the last sodden souls rolled into Gatehouse in the early hours of the morning the Gralloch had already become much more than just another entry on the cycling calendar.Cyclist spoke to four riders to hear about their experiences.Article continues belowGavin Kaps/Osprey ImageryThe forests extensive network of fire roads and gravel tracks drew the UKs first-ever UCI Gravel World Series here.Gavin Kaps/Osprey ImageryAt around 300 square miles, the Galloway Forest Park is the largest forest park in the UK.Gavin Kaps/Osprey ImageryThe North & South Kyle wind farms required extensive access-track construction. These broad, all-weather tracks now make for fast, open gravel riding.Gavin Kaps/Osprey ImageryGavin Kaps/Osprey ImageryGavin Kaps/Osprey ImageryGavin Kaps/Osprey ImageryGavin Kaps/Osprey ImageryFeed Zone 3 in the village of Barr is run by locals, who turn out to keep riders fed and in good cheer deep into the night. Its the final stop before the Ultras most remote section.Gavin Kaps/Osprey ImageryLoch Doon is the largest freshwater loch in southern Scotland, stretching for around 11km below the Galloway Hills.Gavin Kaps/Osprey ImageryGavin Kaps/Osprey ImageryGavin Kaps/Osprey ImageryGavin Kaps/Osprey ImageryThe Galloway Forest Park was designated the UKs first Dark Sky Park for the darkness of its skies in 2009. On a clear night more than 7,000 stars are visible.Gavin Kaps/Osprey ImageryGavin Kaps/Osprey ImageryGavin Kaps/Osprey ImageryThe imposing Big Water of Fleet Viaduct, built in 1861, marks the closing stages of the Ultra.Gavin Kaps/Osprey ImageryRiding the Gralloch UltraZoe McIntosh26, Monmouth (15h 00min 47sec)After quite a difficult season, success for me going into the Gralloch looked like simply finishing with some kind of smile on my face. I knew the distance suited me but I came into it feeling slightly unwell, which is probably why I lost my voice by the end. On top of that it was my birthday. I couldnt let a race get in the way of celebrating that.As soon as I stood on the start line, though, I knew I wanted to race it. My legs felt fresh, Id had enough sleep and there were words of encouragement all around me. Then, maybe three hours in, I suddenly had this thought: what am I doing? Its my birthday, Im out here riding by myself is that a bit sad?I pushed on and realised I was hanging onto the back of the leading group. From that moment I knew I had it in me, although I had no clue I was leading. On the wind farm section I was riding in a group at a pace I knew could burn me out, so I eased back and chose not to burn through my matches too early.I ran out of fuel around halfway, but the boiled potatoes at Check Point 3 saved me. From there I just kept fuelling, kept pushing in the rain to stay warm, and kept checking in with myself mentally. Near the end, one message from my dad said, Go Zo 1st place cracking. That was the first I knew of it.The final kilometres were quiet and otherworldly, with low mist settling as it got dark. I remember crossing the line and not really knowing what to do. Then a friend shouted, Yes Zoe! and it brought me such joy to see a familiar face. I needed this race. A birthday win? How could I not?Charlie Bratt29, Northamptonshire (12h 16min 14sec)I let the front group go after two hours and eight minutes. I remember the time exactly. We were in a group of six and Damian Clayton had been making the climbs really hard. At the Traka Id ridden myself into a dark hole by being too responsive to stronger pros, and Id promised myself Id ride more within myself this time.It did slightly feel like I was letting the race go, but the pace seemed unsustainable. Settling into my own rhythm felt easier to manage.Within 20 minutes of riding solo we hit a rough descent that took out three of the leaders with mechanicals [including Clayton]. Ive ridden the UCI 111km Gralloch three times, which taught me how to respect the chunky gravel. Throwing caution to the wind might gain five seconds on a descent, but it can also slice a sidewall and cost you half an hour.The big turning point was missing the second feed zone. I had 2.5 litres and nine 40g gels waiting, and I made sure Id finished everything before I got there. I was about 4km beyond the town when I realised Id missed it.After about two hours you realise you cant fake it through energy depletion. You cant hold the same power on climbs, you struggle to concentrate on descents and you hit rocks you can see but cant react to.When Damian caught back up he gave me half an energy bar, which felt like a lifeline. It absorbed all the moisture in my mouth, but I was ever so grateful. Im proud of how I rescued the ride and how hard I fought when I was coming undone. If I had to sum it up in one image, it would be pouring hot chocolate over my shoes while shivering under the finish gantry.Sam Kerr42, Glasgow (20h 42min 57sec)I arrived pretty early to the campsite on Friday morning and was greeted by the worlds cheeriest security squad. Once I was set up, I rode to the events village via Gatehouse, which was absolutely rammed with riders. The shops and cafes were buzzing with cyclists stocking up on food.It had a festival vibe, but a really wholesome one. It was the most well put-together multi-day bike event Ive ever been to. Campsite, lavvies, water, bike wash they had it dialled.My race started badly. Cramp kicked into both quads pretty much immediately, which wasnt good for my head. I was taking on carbs and electrolytes so it was very confusing. I had to ride slowly and stop constantly to stretch, all while preparing myself for packing it in. Watching most of the field pass me was brutal.Just before the first feed station, around 60km in, I bumped into my pal Toby and after that my legs perked up. Maybe it was chatting to him but, after feeling so rubbish, I was utterly buzzing. I picked up my pace and started putting riders behind me.Once the pain subsided, I was loving the route. Being from Scotland I know what our gravel is like: rough, diverse, super-engaging and not easy to ride. The hardest part was around New Cumnock and the Ayrshire Alps, but the scenery was unreal.The last two feed stations were like a mirage. We were muddy and wet, then suddenly there were jovial volunteers, heaters, loads of food, hot drinks and blankets. I nearly cried with joy. Id scratched my previous two races, so this finish was really needed. It has given me the confidence to push for a bigger single-hit ultra.Alex Dyson33, Leeds (20h 16min 47sec)With a course as variable as The Gralloch there will always be a risk of punctures. Ill be honest, after eight years of long-distance riding and minimal tubeless chaos, I was definitely in debt to the sealant gods.I first got a small puncture about 20km into the ride, which I thought had sealed itself, then opened back up again 5km down the trail. A Dynaplug later and I was chasing back to a group of friends, who turned out to have waited for me. I hoped that would be the last of my rubber-themed drama.Shortly after Feed Zone 1 we were descending in a tight group with no visibility when the trail went from smooth gravel to sharp, pointy rocks. My rear tyre blew out quicker than I could say Gralloch.Ten kilometres later I was back off the bike replacing the fancy TPU tube Id been carrying for four years with a friends reliable butyl beast. After that there were no more issues, only fun. The race had ended for me as soon as the sidewall tore. From then on it was about getting to the end and having as good a time as possible on the way.As much as it was annoying, I laughed throughout; being surrounded by friends was good for my morale. What kept me going was fun trails, good company and beautiful scenery.We finished at 3am, so the night shift was short compared with some ultras Ive done. Looking back, it was an enjoyable toe-dip into long-distance riding. There was so much support, so many people that you were rarely alone, and excellent organisation throughout. I expected it to be easier, but realistically how easy can a 323km gravel ride with nearly 5,000m of elevation be?The post Scotland for the brave: Tales from The Gralloch Ultra appeared first on Cyclist.