Tweed Valley Ultra
The Tweed Valley Ultra is a multi-terrain ultra running event based at Glentress Peel Visitor Centre near Peebles. It is held in mid-November and uses trails, forestry tracks and riverside paths through the Tweed Valley.
Distances
- 65 km (1574 m ascent, 11 hour time limit)
- 50 km (1145 m ascent, 9 hour time limit)
Both routes start and finish at the Peel Centre Trailhead. The course climbs through Glentress Forest with views toward the Caddon Hills, follows the Tweed Valley Railway Path alongside the river, passes through Cardrona and Cadrona forests, and uses sections of the Southern Upland Way. The route reaches open moorland at Minch Moor, the high point at 520 m, where the two distances split. The 65 km continues east over the Southern Upland Way to Three Brethren Cairn and Yair Forest before rejoining near Walkerburn. The 50 km descends through Traquair Forest and rejoins the riverside path near Walkerburn for the return via Innerleithen and Cardrona.
Routes are fully waymarked and a GPX file is available. The surface is mostly bitmac with trail and minor road sections. There are three aid stations on the 65 km route and two on the 50 km route, with drop bags transported to CP3 for the 65 km and to Innerleithen for the 50 km. Mandatory kit is required and participants should be prepared for November weather. Facilities at Glentress include a cafe, changing, toilets, showers and on-site accommodation. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Terrain
The rolling hills and woodland of the Tweed Valley offer unlimited scope for those looking for varied terrain. The course follows an extensive network of secluded paths and tracks through the various forests, multi-use trails along the banks of the beautiful river Tweed, winding tracks over hills & short sections on minor roads linking in the various areas.
There are no real technical aspects to the course & with spectacular views over the Tweed Valley unfolding throughout, this will be a truly fantastic ultra for offering great variety in terms of scenery & terrain. See below for entry requirements.
Navigation & Waymarking
The routes will be fully marked so no navigation experience is necessary. Navigational devices (GPS units, watches, smartphone, etc.) are permitted & a route GPX file is available to download below. If you are unfamiliar with the area it is recommended that you use such a device to as backup.
Course Maps
65k Route
- Ascent: 1574m/5164'
- Descent: 1577m/5174'
- Time Limit: 11hrs
- Nature of Terrain: Trail: 68%, Road: 15%, Multi-User Trail: 17%
50k Route
- Ascent: 1145m
- Time Limit: 9hrs