Scottish Ultra 2012, Scottish Borders 12th -13th May 2012- Route Description
‘NB Route subject to change at race directors and head of safety discretion’

Day 1 Total distance 68km Total ascent 1897m
Starting from base camp near to the historic conservation market town of Moffat, the route begins following the famous Southern Upland Way long distance footpath. A gentle ascent takes you into Yedburgh forest plantation with winding great views and good quality tracks for setting your pace. After negotiating the forest you will break out into the open hillside with dramatic views in each direction with the stunning St Marys Loch to the North and the glens of Eskdale in the South.

After taking your first trip over the high point of the day (525m) between Capel Fell and Wind Fell there is a gradual decent to one of the best maintained mountain bothies (hill walkers shelter) in Scotland, Over Phawhope bothie.

Continuing along the route, you will enjoy the pleasure of a good leg stretch along the old single track road following the Ettrick Water river. Then leaving the road to follow a steep climb near to the summit of Peniestone Knowe before descending to the famous Loch of the Lowes, St Marys Loch and the 18th century Tibbie Shiels Inn. Unfortunately no time to stop at the inn as you strike back up and over Pikestone Rig to Ettrick Glen, Over Phawhope bothy and back over the high point before and heading south through forest and farm land to join the minor road and much appreciated leg stretch back to base camp

Day 2 Total Distance 61km Total ascent 1752m
From base camp the route takes you South West along the Southern Upland Way, near the small town of Beattock. Ascending from the village the route continues up and into Hangingshaw forest where you progress to the high point of 565m at Hods Hill. The area really opens up here and you ‘may’ have stunning views across South Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway. From this point you will be able to see your route around Daer reservoir below. On leaving the route around the far side of the reservoir, you continue along the old drovers tracks through open moor land and secluded glens before heading down to a minor road for a well earned leg stretch on a solid surface adjacent to Garroch water. Before enjoying this terrain too much you leave the road and enter one of the famous 7Stanes mountain bike areas, this one being the Forest of Ae on the Duke of Buccleuch estate. Meandering through the tracks and avoiding bike areas, you head out of the forest at Lochanhead before rejoining the minor road taking you onto the homeward route to base camp to finish the race and receive your well earned medal and respect from fellow competitors and spectators at finishing this extremely challenging race.’