Raiders Gravel Galloway is a three-day stage race that takes riders deep into Scotland’s Galloway Forest Park, a UNESCO Biosphere where nearly every kilometer remains off-road. The event offers dual formats: competitive riders tackle early wave starts with cumulative timing across all stages for the General Classification, while others can ride at their own pace to absorb the stunning landscapes and wildlife.

The route winds through dense forests, around pristine lochs, and over grueling climbs that define the Scottish gravel experience. Galloway’s terrain serves up a demanding mix of technical forest tracks, open moorland, and steep ascents through some of Scotland’s most remote wilderness. The stages showcase the region’s diverse landscape, from rolling hills to dramatic coastal views near Fleet Bay.

Gatehouse of Fleet serves as the event hub, with all stages starting and finishing in this picturesque town nestled between forest and coast. The event village in Garries Park becomes the natural gathering point where riders share stories and recover between stages. The town’s restaurants, pubs, and cafes provide ample options for post-ride refueling and socializing.

Participants can enter solo or as two-person teams, with the event maintaining a welcoming atmosphere regardless of competitive ambitions. The timing system captures every rider’s journey, but the emphasis remains on completing the adventure rather than strict cutoffs. This approach has cultivated a supportive community where finishing each stage matters more than placement.

The three-day format allows riders to experience Galloway’s full character, from technical forest sections that demand bike handling skills to exposed climbs where weather can shift rapidly. The off-road emphasis means genuine gravel adventure through Scotland’s southern wilderness, far from traffic and deep into landscapes that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.