Join us for a cycling event and a fun and inclusive weekend in a great natural environment. The Cateran Dirt Dash bikepacking event takes you in two days through the stunning surroundings of the Cairngorms National Park to enjoy the dramatic scenery in the Cateran Ecomuseum. It’s the perfect way to experience the rugged beauty of Scotland’s only museum without walls. This event has a shorter route than the Dashes in Yorkshire and Dunoon; it’s the perfect introduction to bikepacking in Scotland.
At a glance
When: 3 & 4 May 2025
Where: Alyth, Scotland
Entry (£95) includes …
GPX file for the appr. 54 mile (86 km) gravel bikepacking event route through in the Cateran Ecomuseum & Southern Cairngorms National Park
Electronic Rider briefing
Support vehicle if you need rescuing
Start and finish at a cafe
Overnight camping ca. halfway round
Chilled out camp location
Evening meal
Tasty breakfast
Feedback from other riders
‘It was my first gravel bikepacking event. It was such a great experience and achievement. I’m looking forward to doing more now.’
‘I had a superb time on the Cateran Dash! My first visit to the Ecomuseum and I would like to go back. The event was well organised and very friendly. Great food for dinner and breakfast. Well done to all those organising it!’
‘This was my first organised bike packing event and I thought it was absolutely wonderful, perfectly organised and very enjoyable overall.‘
Here’s what the media has to say about the Cateran Dirt Dash
Here is what else you need to know before entering:
- When: Saturday 3 May to Sunday 4 May 2025
- Format: non-timed, self-supported reliability trial with overnight camping
- Route (provisional): Day 1 – 29 miles (47 km) with ca. 1,080 m of climbing, Day 2 – 25 miles (39km) with ca. 610 m of climbing. Some technical sections that may require pushing at times.
- 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 with a minimum recommended tire size of 45mm, which must be in good working order, e-bikes are alowed, but please inform us when riding an e-bike when you sign up
- Terrain: Singletrack, gravel paths, forestry roads and public roads
- Start: Saturday 10am in Alyth
- Finish: Sunday afternoon in Alyth
What is provided
- Essentials: Rider briefing, route/file for navigation, campsite, evening meal, breakfast, snacks broom wagon
- Camping: We provide a suitable place to pitch your tent with other riders, toilets, drinking water supply, catering. There is a small cafe but no other facilities (shop etc.)
- Food: Riders will be provided with a complimentary evening meal and breakfast. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free version are available on request. You need to bring your own bowl, mug, fork and spoon.
The final bits
- 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 or to another event by Dirt Dash Ltd in the same calendar year up until the closing date. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for further information on refunds etc.
Registration & Rider Briefing
You need to register at the event. Registration is open on Saturday 3 May from 8am – 9.45am. All riders MUST attend a rider briefing at 9.45am.
How to get there
By train: The closest train station to Alyth is Dunkeld & Birnam, about 20 miles (32 km) from the start. For timetables and fares check the Scotrail website, bikes need to be reserved in advance. We will supply you with a GPX file how to get from there to the start in the rider briefing.
By bus: Ember runs electric bus services from Edinburgh or Glasgow to Dundee and Aberdeen, which take bikes for free. Apollo Way, on the outskirts of Dundee, is the closest station to Alyth, and we will supply you with a GPX file how to get from there to the start in the rider briefing. The cycling distance is around 15 miles (25km). You can book tickets and bike spaces here.
Parking: Limited on street parking is available in Alyth free of charge.
Where to stay
A map with cycle-friendly accommodation providers can be found here.
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.
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