A new multi sport festival is set to bring a big weekend of trail running and outdoor adventure to Dumfries and Galloway this summer. The South Scotland Outdoor Festival will take place from 26 to 28 June at the spectacular Drumlanrig Castle estate, with organisers promising a mix of racing, adventure and wellbeing in one of the country’s most scenic settings.

Delivered by Outsider Events, the team behind the popular Blair Castle Trail Weekender, the festival is designed to appeal to runners of all ages and abilities. The estate’s network of woodland tracks, parkland paths and rolling trails will form the backdrop for a series of off road races, ranging from a fun and inclusive kids run through to a challenging and scenic 21K trail race. Shorter 5K and 10K options across the weekend make it an accessible event for those new to trail running as well as experienced competitors.

The longest race, a 21K challenge on Saturday, takes in a wide sweep of the estate on a half marathon style course that showcases some of the best scenery in the region. A 5K race also takes place on the Saturday, while Sunday features a 10K event alongside the children’s fun run, with multi lap routes set close to the event village to create a lively and supportive atmosphere.

While trail running sits at the heart of the programme, the festival also offers mountain biking, gravel cycling and road sportives, making it an attractive option for those who enjoy more than one discipline. Every race entry includes access to the wider festival, which features an outdoor themed programme of talks and films from well known names in adventure and endurance sport, including Mark Beaumont, the Maclean Brothers and Elise Downing.

Away from competition, organisers are aiming to create a relaxed festival feel. Live music, yoga sessions and sauna experiences are all planned, giving participants the chance to unwind and socialise after their time on the trails. On site camping will also be available, allowing runners and supporters to stay in the heart of the action across the weekend.

Drumlanrig Castle lies within easy reach of much of central Scotland and northern England, around 90 minutes from both Edinburgh and Glasgow and about an hour from Carlisle, making the festival a convenient option for a wide range of runners looking to combine racing with a summer weekend outdoors. Early bird entries are available until the end of February, with organisers expecting strong interest for this new addition to the Scottish endurance calendar.

If you'd like to know more, visit the South Scotland Outdoor Festival website.

Image: Outsider Events