Scotland Gravel Camp 2024

11 - 15 July 2024

Once again we’re teaming up with bikepacking legend and expert guide Annie (@a_girl_outside), to host a four day/four night weekend exploring some of the finest and wildest gravel that Scotland has to offer.

Everyday will feature two ride options that return to our secluded basecamp, so no bikepacking gear required. You can just concentrate on enjoying some of the most unforgettable riding in the Cairngorms National Park. In fact, you can upgrade from camping to one of our glamping options including the Shepherd’s Hut, Bothy or the Log House.

£360/£345 early bird

Event Info

From our beautiful secluded basecamp close to Aviemore, we'll spend four days exploring the local trails on day-ride loops that showcase some of the best off-road riding in the UK.

Each day, we'll provide a couple of specially curated gravel routes to choose from, and you an choose what and how you want to ride. There'll be full day epics for those who seeking a challenge, and a more mellow route for those still finding their gravel legs. Choose to ride with a guided group, alone, or with buddies. Wherever and however you ride, you'll be taking in some of the UK's most gorgeous landscapes and we'll all regroup back at basecamp to share dinner, skills sessions, and stories of the day,

Expect the usual Sisters In The Wild vibes at basecamp - communal meals, campfires, and chances to share and build some new skills. This weekend is as much about building community and sharing the experience with good people as it is about epic rides.

We'll have a few subsidised spots available for under-represented groups, or who face financial barriers to joining. Drop us an email.

We hope to see you there!

Who's this for?

Women, trans, non-binary people with some off-road experience who want to share a weekend exploring by bike and camping in a wild area of the UK. You should be comfortable riding self supported off-road for 30 miles per day with some climing thrown in. There'll be couple of ride options on every day - one a bit longer and more epic.

What's included?

• Four nights at basecamp on Thursday to Sunday. Campervan/van spot possible with add on.

• Camping gear loan available (limited add when booking)

• Optional upgrade to the incredible Insraich glamping options at a subsidised cost (20% discount vs Canopy & Stars). A bargain - these are usually booked up all summer.

• 3 dinners and 4 breakfasts. One night we’ll stop in Aviemore on the way home for dinner (on you).

• Access to a selection of ride routes for the weekend - shorter and longer routes available.

• Guided group rides (if you want them!)

• Free Komoot map bundle for the Cairngorm

• Navigation device loan if you need it (limited - add on when booking)

• Optional skills chats at basecamp - basic bike mechanics; bikepacking tips and tricks; route planning.

What's not included?

• Bike hire (available locally for a fee)

• Lunch/snacks

• Transfers to/from basecamp

FAQs

What are the rides like?

The routes are majority (70-80%) off road. Most of the tracks will be fairly smooth and fast rolling, with short sections of linking singletrack that might be a wee bit challenging in places. Some routes may have steeper sections where we may be taking our bikes for a short walk! There will be some climbing, though expect less than you might find in an average day in hilly parts of England. Our ride route options will offer up between 30 and 50 miles per day, and 500 - 1000m of elevation per day depending on your route choice.

How do I book the glamping options?

These can be added to your booking via the booking link in Ticket Tailor.

Log House - £400 (2 person in double bed + 1 sofa bed)

Shepherd’s Hut - £250 ( 2 person in double bed)

Bothy - £290 (up to 2 people in a double bed)

Can I come alone?

Absolutely! We find the majority of people come to our events solo (and usually leave with a gang of new riding buddies!). We'll have guided group rides heading out on both routes on all days.

How many spots are there?

We'll have around 50 spots available.

Do I have to ride with a guide?

Nope! We'll share all the routes and route information everyday and you are free to choose whether you want to ride self-supported or with a led group. If you choose to ride with a guided group, we'll be riding at a pace that suits that whole group. We’ll have a group whatsapp set up for regrouping at scenic picnic stops, cafes and pubs along the way.

What kind of bike do I need?

A gravel bike or hardtail MTB works. We'll be riding a mix of gravel-y terrain and recommend tyres of no less than 38mm upwards. You can rent an offroad beast from backcountry.scot if you haven’t got the right bike just yet.

What is basecamp?

We‘re taking over the grounds of the gorgeous Insraich House, an easy 30 minute cycle from Aviemore. You can pitch your tent or campervan, or opt for one of the INCREDIBLE glamping options available. Basecamp will be our simple but lovely home in nature for the weekend, complete with fire pits, a rustic sauna, access to the river for a dip, and a communal stretch tent where we can shelter from any Scottish weather that we are blessed with. There are toilets, showers and running water on site.

How do we get to basecamp?

There are good train connections to Aviemore, including an overnight train from London. Basecamp is about a 30 minute cycle from the train station. Please ensure you book a spot for your bike on the train - these are limited and should be checked before booking a ticket (or consider bike hire instead!).

There are no buses between Aviemore train station and basecamp, however we’ll set up a whatsapp group which has worked well in the past to arrange lift shares!

The closest airports are Inverness or Glasgow/Edingburgh (more flights but further away). Train connections would then be available from the cities main train station.

Parking is limited on site, so we’ll ask that people drop their stuff at the camping field, then move cares to areas around the site.

Can I hire a bike?

Yes. There are several hire places in Aviemore where you can hire a bike that will work well for the weekend. Our pals at https://backcountry.scot/ can offer delivery and collection to basecamp if needed. Get in touch with them directly to sort out.

What do I need to pack?

We'll share a full kit list in advance, but you'll need an off-road suitable bike and stuff to fix it, and all the things you'd need to go camping. We’ll have a bunch of camping gear to loan out too. Add on to your ticket when buying.

Are there subsidised spots/financial support available?

Yes. If you are facing financial barriers to joining, especially if you consider yourself to be from an group under-represented in bikepacking, we have some financial assistance available. Please drop us an email at hello@sistersinthewild.com.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes, you can pay a £150 deposit now, and the balance up to 60 days before via Ticket Tailor. We’ll share a link so you can pay you’re balance at any point up to 60 days before the event.

Refund policy

Cancellation is available up to 60 days before the event, at which point you’ll get a refund of the monies paid, less the booking fee. Cancellation between 60 days and 28 days, you’ll forfeit you’re deposit, but get any additional balance paid back. Cancellation within 28 days is non-refundable, but you can transfer your booking to another person should you find one. View the full  booking terms and conditions here

Still have questions?

Great! Drop us an email at hello@sistersinthewild.com.

See our booking T&Cs for full booking conditions.