A gravel-enduro and festival weekend built around Traquair House and the Tweed Valley's forestry roads and trails. Founded in 2022. By Outsider Events.
Reputation: A small, highly rated Scottish gravel festival with a timed-segment format.
[01]
Course Overview
Two days of Scottish Borders gravel, timed enduro stages, and festival recovery at Traquair House.
93.2 mi
Distance
--
Elevation
Traquair House, Scotland, UK
Location
May 1-2, 2027
Date
~400
Field Size
£110
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Two consecutive gravel-enduro days from Traquair House, with approximately 75 km per day, timed segments, and untimed transfers.
Signature challenge: Recovering at the festival village well enough to race Sunday's timed stages instead of merely surviving the second 75 km day.
MILE
Saturday Restraint
The first 75 km day is substantial even when only selected stages are timed; avoid spending Sunday's legs in the opening transfers.
47
MILE
Festival Turnaround
The event village is the recovery checkpoint: feed, rehydrate, reset the bike, manage wet kit, and protect sleep before day two.
70
MILE
Sunday Timing
Return to the timed segments on accumulated fatigue and spend effort on the clock rather than racing every transfer.
[04]
From the Field
Mock is at Traqua House in Ethan, and it's really lovely. The event does look very very cool, and it's really quite a nice setting.
Life Without Number · 126 views
So Mock is at um Traqua House. I think that's how you say it. In Ethan, I'm really hoping you can hear me cuz I haven't got my uh microphone on. So hopefully you can hear me. Um and yeah, it's really lovely.
Life Without Number · 126 views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Muck n Mac Fest? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
May 1, 2027 MUCK N MAC FEST
[08]
Train for Muck n Mac Fest
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
4
Climbing
3
VO2 Power
3
Threshold
7
Technical
4
Heat
0
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
4
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Edinburgh (EDI) 90 minutes
Lodging
Traquair has limited lodging. Consider Peebles.
Food
The festival village advertises local catering, coffee, and bar service; carry the nutrition required between official support points.
Packet Pickup
Race sign-on is based at the event village; final 2027 hours are pending rider notes
Parking
Parking is included and based at the event village
[10]
Tire Picks
40mmMIXED
1
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
2
Panaracer GravelKing SK
Affordable all-rounder. Light knobs add grip without killing speed.
3
Vittoria Terreno Mix
Graphene versatility. Mixed-terrain grip with reasonable rolling speed.
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 44mm / Specialized Pathfinder Pro 40mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
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Similar Races
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Muck n Mac Fest?
May dates in the Scottish Borders carry weather uncertainty, and the event name "Muck n Mac" explicitly references mud conditions. The terrain includes "muddy forest trails" and "remote forest roads" that would amplify weather impacts. No historical weather data available, but organizers clearly design around wet Scottish spring conditions. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[1]
How are the logistics for Muck n Mac Fest?
"extremely well organised" and Mark praises "clean toilets and hot showers" in the event village. Free camping is included with weekend tickets, but the research provides no airport access, parking details, or packet pickup information. Multiple riders return annually, suggesting the basics work despite thin logistical transparency.[1]
How adventurous is Muck n Mac Fest?
Riders explore "remote forest roads, flowing gravel descents, and hidden singletrack" around Scotland's oldest inhabited house with 900-year history. The grounds include ancient yew trees, Bear Gates closed since 1745, and access to the UK's oldest operating brewery. Lorna M loved the "wonderful chilled and friendly atmosphere" at this historic venue.[1]
How prestigious is Muck n Mac Fest?
The sixth edition in 2027 is established enough to have a repeat community but remains a regional Scottish festival rather than a destination pro race. No elite field or notable winners are promoted, and full-weekend riding is capped at 400 entries.[9]
Should I race Muck n Mac Fest?
Race it if a social two-day gravel enduro and festival is more appealing than one continuous mass-start sufferfest.
[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: Muck n' Mac Fest (2025) - Day 2 Longridewithgps.com/routes/50611662
- Other Sources Outsidereventsoutsiderevents.eventrac.co.uk/e/muck-n-mac-fest-13569
- Other Sources Racecheckracecheck.com/races/muck-n-mac-fest/
- Other Sources Racecheckracecheck.com/races/muck-n-mac-fest/review/
- Other Sources Roadroad.cc/tag/muck-n-mac-fest
- Other Sources Finisherswww.finishers.com/en/event/muck-n-mac-fest
- Other Sources Outsidereventswww.outsiderevents.com/muck-n-mac-fest
- Other Sources Timeoutdoorswww.timeoutdoors.com/events/muck-n-mac-fest
- Community mucknmacfest.co.uk: Gravelridingwww.mucknmacfest.co.uk/gravelriding