A gravel cycling event recommended by Global Cycling Network, the Lezyne Dunoon Dirt Dash is a self-supported bikepacking experience over two days around the amazing scenery on the Cowal Peninsula near Glasgow in Scotland.

When: 21 & 22 September 2024
Where: Dunoon, Scotland
Images from the 2023 event

This friendly and welcoming overnight event is the perfect introduction if you want to give bikepacking a go, without having to worry about the logistics. We provide you with a route, a really nicely located campsite, dinner and breakfast. While you are cycling, you get to experience the rugged beauty Scotland’s Adventure Coast on some of the best gravel trails Scotland has to offer.

Read the feature on the Dunoon Dirt Dash on GCN – Global Cycling Network



Entry (£95) includes …

GPX file for gravel cycling event to navigate a route through the stunning Cowal Peninsula near Glasgow

Electronic Rider briefing

Support vehicle if you need rescuing

Start and finish at a hotel

Overnight camping ca. halfway round

Chilled out camp location

Evening meal

 Tasty breakfast

This is what 2023 participants said about the event.

What a great event! Excellent route, nice campsite, great food. And good company all round. My son and I will be back for more Dirt Dashes.

‘An excellent fun and friendly event which I enjoyed immensely.’

‘Keep showing us more of these amazing places to ride bikes.’

Presented by


The Lezyne Dunoon Dirt Dash is a gravel cycling event split over two days with an overnight camp.

What else you need to know before entering:

  • When: Saturday 21 to Sunday 22 September 2024
  • Format: non-timed, self-supported gravel cycling event with overnight camping 
  • Route: Day 1: 80km with ca. 1,500m of climbing, Day 2: 50km with ca. 900m of climbing. Some technical sections.
  • Entries: £95 (£5 discount for Cycling UK members) Enter here
  • Navigation: The route will be supplied electronically before the event. The course is not marked, you are responsible for your own navigation.
  • Bikes: mountain bikes & gravel bikes (e-bikes are allowed, but we cannot guarantee charging points) with a minimum recommended tire size of 40mm, which must be in good working order
  • Terrain: Singletrack, gravel paths, forestry roads, public roads and cycle paths
  • Start: Saturday 10am at Argyll Hotel
  • Finish: Sunday afternoon/evening at Argyll Hotel
  • What is provided: Rider briefing, route/file for navigation, campsite, evening meal, breakfast, broom wagon
  • Camping: We provide a suitable place to pitch your tent with other riders, toilets, drinking water supply, catering. There are no other facilities (shop etc.) Check out pictures from the campsite here
  • Food: Riders will be provided with a complimentary evening meal and breakfast by Winston Churchill Venison. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free version are available on request. You need to bring your own bowl, mug, fork and spoon.
  • Minimum kit: Helmet, front and rear lights, sufficient water, emergency blanket or sleeping bag, waterproof jacket, first aid kit, phone or GPS for navigation, multitool, spare tube, tire levers, puncture repair kit, tent/bivvy bag/tarp. You need to carry all your own kit.
  • Insurance: You will need your own insurance.
  • Refunds and transfers: No refunds. You can insure your entry for an additional fee (service is offered by a third party). You can transfer your entry to another rider up until the closing date or to another event by Dirt Dash Ltd in the same calendar year.

Registration & Rider Briefing
You need to register at the event. Registration is open on Saturday 21 Sep from 8am – 9.45am at Argyll Hotel. All riders MUST attend a rider briefing at 9.45am at Argyll Hotel.


Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for further information on refunds etc. 


How to get there

We highly encourage you to take the train or cycle to the event.

By bike: You can take both ferries from Gourock to Dunoon. There’s a regular ferry service from Hunter’s Quay to McInroy’s Point. Please check Western Ferries for timetables and fares. Alternatively you can take the passenger ferry from Gourock to Dunoon Pier, which has limited bike spaces. Please check the Calmac website for timetables and fares.

By train: Dunoon has no train station, but you can take the train to Gourock to connect with the ferry to Dunoon. For timetables and fares check the Scotrail website and Calmac website for ferry times.

By car: Dunoon is situated on the Cowal Peninsula. If you are coming from the South or East, there’s a regular ferry service for cars from Hunter’s Quay to McInroy’s Point. Please check Western Ferries for timetables and fares. From the North and West best use the A815 which takes you to Dunoon. Alternatively you can leave your car in Gourock and take the passenger ferry from there to the Dunoon Pier. Please check the Calmac website for timetables and fares.

Parking: Free parking is available in Dunoon – Information about parking can be found here

Accommodation
For accommodation please visit the Dunoon Presents website.

Here are a few more rules:

  • It’s not a race, it’s a reliability trial!
  • Stay cool, be nice, don’t hurt yourself or others.
  • Cycling on public roads carries risks and that you are aware of these risks.
  • All bicycles in your party will be ridden safely and responsibly at all times.
  • You will obey the law. Whilst using public roads, all riders must observe the Highway Code. If cycling off road, please stick to the route and exercise due care to all other users, according to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code
  • Cycling at night is more dangerous, all bikes will not be ridden at night unless lights are used.
  • A cycle helmet must be used at all times.
  • You understand that bicycling is a hazardous activity. You understand that the sport of bicycling and the use of this equipment involve a risk of injury to any and all parts of the user’s body. You agree to freely and expressly assume and accept any risks and all injury to the user of this equipment while bicycling. You understand that bicycle protective gear such as helmets and gloves are recommended, but they do not eliminate the risk and may not reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
  • You agree that you will release the organisers from any and all responsibility of liability for injuries or damages or to any other person. You agree not to make a claim against or sue this organiser for injuries or damages relating to this event.
  • Please don’t drop litter!
  • You allow us to film and photograph you and use those images for promotion or documentation.
  • Use public toilets or toilets on the campsite. If not, use a trowel to bury your s’** and stay well away from water for your comfort break.
  • Help us prevent the spread of a tree disease called “Phytophthora ramorum”! Make sure you wash bikes and shoes at the stations provided and clean all equipment when you get home!

Icons by Icons8