Reputation: Regional UK event.
[01]
Course Overview
Dunoon Dirt Dash. 45 miles of gravel through Dunoon.
45 mi
Distance
3,000 ft
Elevation
Dunoon, Scotland, UK
Location
September 27, 2026
Date
~75
Field Size
£60-80
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / Always Another Adventure
Photo: YouTube / Always Another AdventureUK Scotland gravel.
Signature challenge: UK Scotland terrain.
15
MILE
Early Scotland
First Scotland sections.
22
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through the course.
38
MILE
Late Scotland
Final Scotland sections before finish.
RIDERS REPORT
First hiker bike
Long boggy steep hillside requiring pushing and carrying bikes. Described as 'excessive' and 'frankly was excessive'.
Morning hiker bike day 2
Relentless pushing up steep slippery footpath. Mixed with some riding sections but significant carrying required.
Six climbs on day 2
Four of the six climbs still remain after lunch at Benmore Gardens cafe.
Hiker bike sections involve long boggy steep hillsides and steep slippery footpaths requiring extensive pushing and carrying.
Course includes forest roads, single track, forest trails, and quiet coastal roads.
Second day features some of the best gravel trails with stunning descents through valleys.
[04]
From the Field
We'd been warned there'd be hike-a-bike if you expected a couple of hours of pushing and carrying up a long boggy hillside so this is an important consideration when deciding what kit to bring and how to pack it on your bike.
Always Another Adventure · 7K views
So this Hill is just relentless pushing pushing pushing up a steep steep slippery footpath this is yard... however that is denoon so mission accomplished. Some of the best gravel trails I've ever ridden anyway mega place absolutely mega.
Steve Bate MBE · 1.7K views
There are only two rules to this event: the first one is it's not a race, the second is don't be a dick.
Always Another Adventure · 7K views
Unlike normal bike packing stoves could be left at home venison burgers chips and a veggie option provided by Winston Churchill yes that is his name
Always Another Adventure · 7K views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Dunoon Dirt Dash? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
September 27, 2026 DUNOON DIRT DASH
RIDERS REPORT
Important consideration when deciding what kit to bring and how to pack it on your bike due to extensive hiker bike sections.
[08]
Train for Dunoon Dirt Dash
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
1
Climbing
4
VO2 Power
2
Threshold
3
Technical
4
Heat
0
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
3
FREE
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Glasgow (GLA) 2 hours
Lodging
Dunoon has limited lodging. Plan ahead.
Food
Dunoon has limited dining. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day of typically
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
Stock up at the idyllically placed cafe before the big climb on morning of day 2.
There are bail out options at the main road partway through day 2 - tempting shortcut back to Dunoon.
Most fast riders stop at the pub, so don't worry about being alone - you might actually be near the front.
[10]
Tire Picks
40mmWET
1
Vittoria Terreno Wet
excellent wet grip
2
Continental Terra Trail
excellent wet grip
3
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 44mm / Vittoria Terreno Wet 40mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Dunoon Dirt Dash?
Historical weather data shows average highs of 61°F and lows of 51°F, with a 65% chance of rain on any given day, and gusts reaching 32 mph. Late September conditions in 2024 started "overcast" Saturday morning, though one video mentions "epic weather." Required gear list mandates "wet-weather gear" for good reason in western Scotland. Brett Cotter braved a cold swim in Loch Goil after day one, suggesting typical Scottish autumn conditions with variable weather patterns. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[2]
How are the logistics for Dunoon Dirt Dash?
Train to Gourock, ferry to Dunoon requires Scottish transport cooperation, but Brett Cotter traveled from New Zealand specifically for this event. Registration 7:30-8:45 AM at Argyll Hotel with mandatory briefing creates a tight window. Routes download via Komoot for self-navigation to Carrick Castle campsite, though one rider noted "navigational blunders" as part of the challenge.[1]
How adventurous is Dunoon Dirt Dash?
Bikepacking format through the rugged Cowal Peninsula delivers Scottish adventure – wild landscapes, proper camping, and routes that showcase why this coastline has reputation. Two days exploring terrain most people never see, with support but real remoteness. Just don't confuse adventure with athletic challenge.[1]
How prestigious is Dunoon Dirt Dash?
Sure, it's 'Scotland's longest running gravel event' since 2019, but that's like being the tallest dwarf. 100 riders max, no prize purse, no pro field – this is a friendly camping trip with bikes. Gets mentioned in some gear mag roundups, but so does every event that sends a press release.[3]
Should I race Dunoon Dirt Dash?
If you're local to UK—yes, it's solid. If you're traveling internationally—skip it.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Route Maps RideWithGPS: Lezyne Dunoon Dirt Dash 2025 Day 2ridewithgps.com/routes/52742061
- Other Sources Bikepackingbikepacking.com/news/2024-dunoon-dirt-dash-recap/
- Other Sources Bikepackingbikepacking.com/news/surly-dunoon-dirt-dash-gravel-event/
- Other Sources Bikepackingscotlandbikepackingscotland.com/dunoon/
- Other Sources Dirtdashdirtdash.cc/dunoon/
- Other Sources Mostlybybikemostlybybike.com/tag/dunoon/
- Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/11207/dunoon-dirt-dash
- Other Sources Gravelunionwww.gravelunion.cc/article/ride-report-photo-essay-from-t...
- Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/xbiking/comments/df004k/surly_dunoon_dir...
- Community youtube.com: Watchwww.youtube.com/watch?v=_dsE55VYQcg