The popular Blair Castle Trail Weekender returns in 2023 for the third time and takes place from June 2 to 4. Many people have already experienced the unforgettable weekend of running and festival fun, but for those that haven’t here are 10 reasons to head long to the weekend event.
1 There’s a race for everyone
With four races, from 7km to 58km, there is a distance and route to suit everyone, from beginner to experienced ultra runners. There is also a new children’s race this year.
Two longer races:
- Full Tilt Ultra 58km with almost 2000m of elevation gain. See route. The Full Tilt includes two Munros, Beinn Dearg at 1008m and Carn a’Chlamain at 963m. This race takes place on the Saturday.
- Dearg Up ‘n’ Doon 30km with just over 1000m of elevation gain. See route. This race includes the Munro, Beinn Dearg at 1008m. This race takes place on the Saturday.
Two shorter races:
- Banvie Burn 13km and 200m of ascent. This race takes place on the Sunday.
- Diana’s Grove 7km and 75m of ascent. This race takes place on the Sunday.
Praise for the Full Tilt
Nicola Dawson, from Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire, was third female in the Full Tilt in 2021. She greatly enjoyed the race.
She said: “The route was stunning and we took in two Munros. It was great seeing the glorious Perthshire countryside and running through the picturesque glen.
“The weekend was really well organised with lovely festival atmosphere. Blair Atholl estate is beautiful. We had great weather, too.”
New children’s races:
On the Sunday, children can enjoy running their own races.
There are Trail Races of 1km, 2km ad 3km, with an elevation of between 15m and 50m.
There are three age categories: Under 8s, who must be accompanied by a parent/guardian; 8 to 11s and 12-plus.
The race format will be approximately 1km lap, which will include one for the youngest category, two for the 8 to 11s and three for the 12-plus.
2 Run two races (if you fancy)
Because of the format of the weekend, it is possible to run a race on the Saturday and then another on the Sunday. (Runners can not do two races on one day, however, due to logistics.)
Contact race organisers for a discount if you plan to do two races as an individual.
If you are attending as a couple, family or group, one person could do an event on the Saturday and another on the Sunday. This would work well for parents who have children to care for.
3 For more than just a running weekend
The event is not just about running. There are films and entertainment over the weekend.
A new outdoor film evening takes place on the Friday, plus there is a mix of live bands on the Saturday night.
Other activities include pre and post-race yoga classes, a mix of catering experiences and a bar area. The cost of your race includes the festival fun.
If you only want to enjoy the festival and not run, there is a new “just festival access” ticket. Choose the Festival Village Only ticket.
4 To explore a new area
Blair Atholl Castle and Estate is at the heart of some amazing countryside and the organisers of the Blair Castle Trail Weekender, Outsider Events, are delighted to be able to bring an event to the castle and to this area of Perthshire.
Director Cameron Balfour said: “We are really excited to host our event in this iconic castle and estate. It’s a great opportunity to showcase a beautiful location.”
5 For stunning landscapes
Glen Tilt boasts gorgeous views and fabulous vistas. The combination of woodland, glen, hills and mountains is breath-taking.
Whether you choose the shorter or longer races, or a cognation of two, you’ll enjoy fabulous landscapes and an abundance of nature.
6 To get into trail races
If you are new to trail running or trail races, the two shorter challenges, the 13km Banvie Burn 13km and 7km Diana’s Grove are great introductions.
The routes are signposted and will not be too taxing for runners who can already run a comfortable 5k to 10k. In any case, you can run them as fast or as relaxed as you wish.
7 To bag Munros
Both the longer races, the Dearg Up ‘n’ Doon and the Full Tilt Ultra, take in the Munro, Beinn Dearg. The Full Tilt also heads to another Munro, Carn a’Chlamain.
Munro bagging is a popular pursuit in Scotland. The list includes 282 mountains with a summit of more than 914m (3000ft), and if you haven’t already bagged these mountains, it’s your perfect opportunity.
If you have walked or run to these summits before, you will know just how great the views are from the top.
8 To set a new fastest times
If you took part last year, you can try to beat your own time. Or maybe you would like to try for a course record.
- The fastest male in the Full Tilt was Jethro Lennox in 05:27:24 in 2021.
- The fastest female in the Full Tilt was Claire Gordon in 06:08:40 in 2021
- The fastest male in the Dearg Up ‘n’ Doon was Andrew Johnston in 02:37:11 in 2022.
- The fastest female in the Dearg Up ‘n’ Doon was Katie White in 02:49:24 in 2021.
9 The event is easy to reach
Blair Atholl is easily accessible from many place across Scotland. From Edinburgh, it’s a 90-minute drive; Glasgow is 100 minutes; Dundee is 70 minutes; Inverness is 90 minutes, while Aberdeen is two hours. There is a train station in Blair Atholl, too.
10 For a weekend with friends and family
The weekender offers camping at the castle, catering and a family activity tent, which means a weekend away is a great idea.
When you enter a race there is an option to add a camping pitch at the event village for just £5 a tent. (Note: This includes toilet access, although no shower facilities.)
There are also plenty of other accommodation options in the area, such as Blair Castle Caravan Park, self catering properties, hotels and B&Bs.
For more info about Blair Atholl Trail Weekender
To enter, see: Entry Central. Also see the Blair Atholl Trail Weekender website.
Here’s what is included in the race:
- Fully marked course
- Electronic timing
- Eco finisher medal
- Safety & First Aid teams
- Access to yoga classes (extends to those accompanying)
- Discounted Saturday night camping pitch
- Free parking all weekend
- Public liability insurance.