The Dirt Dashes, bikepacking and gravel events, are organised by Markus Stitz of Dirt Dash Ltd. He is a filmmaker, journalist and founder of Bikepacking Scotland and the Edinburgh Dawn Patrol. Moreover, Markus has cycled around the world on a singlespeed bike and has mapped a number of popular bikepacking trails in Scotland, England and Germany.
Markus has a great track record in ultra cycling and loves sharing his experiences to encourage more people into cycling. Addtionally, he has finished the Highland Trail 550 three times, the Capital Trail twice, the Atlas Mountain Race on a singlespeed, the Silk Road Mountain Race and most recently Mother North.
Furthermore, he has also documented GBDURO by bike and train and most recently cycled cargo bikes from Edinburgh to Erfurt for Christmas and through Norway in winter.
Moreover Markus is the author of Big Rides, Great British Gravel Rides, Bikepacking Scotland, Gravel Rides Cairngorms & Perthshire, Gravel Rides Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and Gravel Rides Edinburgh, Fife & The Lothians.
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Dirt Dash Bikepacking and Gravel Events Reviews
This is the way to spend time on a bike
My second Dirt Dash and I wasn’t left wanting. The routes were excellent. The people were excellent and a great bunch to be cycling with. Even the very persistant rain did not dampen spirits. I arrived with limited and still developing riding skills and left with a lot more tools in my box. Admittedly I felt deflated during some of the harder sections but this was soon overlayed with a sense of acheivement when they were completed. I will be back again.
Best bikepacking series ever 🥳
Amazing event which attracts cyclists from all walks of life and caters for many different levels of experience which is why I and many others keep coming back.
Loved the food this year at Dunoon and the facilities at the new Carrick farm café are spot on and plenty of places en route to stop off should you need extra.
Cant wait to get booked onto next years events 🚴♂️
Male dominated event
Unfortunately this is a male dominated event with 10% women in attendance. This led to feeling uncomfortable due to men stopping to urinate at the side of the trail in plain sight. There were also a number of dodgey overtakes with the minority ruining it for the few. I think this event needs some work to increase the gender gap and attitudes of riders.
Due to the rain the camping location changed leaving one toilet for the majority of people which as a woman made me feel uncomfortable with long waits to use the facilities.
The meal provided on the Saturday evening was not sufficient for a hungry cyclist and I’m glad I brought my own spare food which I used to supplement this.
Overall I was disappointed with this event but still had a good time despite the weather.
Incredible, amazing, awesome 🙌
This was my First time trying a gravel and doing an event. I couldn’t have asked for a more welcoming and supportive experience. Absolutely Loved the routes they were just the right amount of distance, challenge, scenery and fun. Everyone was so friendly and helpful and I can’t recommend enough of your thinking of trying gravel riding. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the next one.
Great fun meeting people and riding with my son and others.
Had a fantastic time exploring the Yorkshire Coast and Moors on the recent Dirt Dash event. Ok it was windy at times but that just added to the challenge on a couple of short but steep climbs. Really enjoying some fast gravel tracks in the forest and on the moors. There was lots of time to chat to lovely people on the ride and at dinner. This route was no problem for my son aged 13, so if you have some cycling experience and are looking for a parent and child bikepacking challenge this could be the route for you.
Great rides
These rides are great fun. Always look forward to them.
An introduction to bikepacking doesn’t get better than this
This was my first loaded bike experience and I am pretty new to gravel biking. Outstanding organisation. Outstanding people. Outstanding route. Personally, many ups and downs but came away with invaluable experience, and finished with more riding skill than I arrived with. From start to finish a very satisfying experience with a special thanks to Anne for putting up with me.
Great first-timer experience
I signed up for the Yorkshire dirtdash on my own. I was a bit nervous that it would be overly competitive. Instead, people were extremely welcoming and supportive. Everyone cheered each other on to the finish, great folks to ride with!
Amazing events and love the books
I took part in the first Dunoon Dirt Dash in 2019 and have been hooked ever since, such great events and love the community that Marcus has created which is why I keep coming back year after year and the books are a lovely bonus and opens you up to places you wouldnt think of riding.
Cateran Dirt Dash 26
A brilliant way to experience some of everything you might expect in an off road cycling adventure. Newbie or oldie this is one good way to spend a weekend.
Lots of highlights from the route and scenery, lots of support from both riders and Markus and Louise. What’s not to like?
Our Events in the Media
For all media requests email markus {at) dirtdash (dot) cc. Check the individual event pages for more information – Cateran Dirt Dash, Yorkshire Coast Dirt Dash and Dunoon Dirt Dash.
Cateran Dirt Dash
Yorkshire Coast Dirt Dash
Dunoon Dirt Dash
Sponsorship
Our events are perfect to showcase your products and engage with our audience. If you would like to support the 2026 Dirt Dash events, find out more in your sponsorship proposal (PDF, 2MB).