South Scotland Outdoor Festival | Discover South Sportive (Long)

Sports events

The South Scotland Outdoor Festival bursts with energy as adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts gather for a packed programme of sporting events:

• From trail running across rolling hills to gravel riding through forest single-track, participants of all levels can challenge themselves against the region’s breathtaking natural landscapes.
• Families can enjoy friendly competitions, guided fitness sessions, and watersport tasters, while seasoned competitors test their skills in organised races and endurance challenges.
• Whether you’re seeking adrenaline, fresh air, or simply a fun day outdoors, the festival’s sporting lineup celebrates the best of active life in South Scotland.

Festival

More than a race - your ticket unlocks the whole festival.

When you sign up for any of the sporting events, you’re not just getting a race number, you’re getting full, free access to the entire South Scotland Outdoor Festival programme. 

Across the whole weekend, your entry includes unlimited access to inspiring talks, adventure films, skills workshops, demos, and panel sessions, all hosted within the festival village at Drumlanrig Castle. Extra tickets can be purchased for family and friends who want to join the fun but not race. There are activities for the whole family!

Whether you want to learn from outdoor experts, discover new adventures, try hands-on sessions, or simply soak up the atmosphere with fellow enthusiasts, your sporting ticket opens the door to it all. 

One ticket. One weekend. Endless inspiration.

Highlights

• Wellness

  Unwind in the sauna, relax with some yoga or take a quiet moment with breathwork sessions.

• Talks and films

  Immerse yourself in the inspiring line-up of talks, films and adventurous tales.

• Live music

  Dance the night away to a range of live music, featuring a strong Scottish influence.

• Workshops

  Explore a vibrant lineup of hands-on workshops designed to spark creativity and curiosity.

• Local food and drink

  Sample the finest local food and drink that Dumfries and Galloway has to offer in the food village.

• Adventure playpark

  Perfect for kids! Drumlanrig Castle Adventure playpark has over 40 acres to play.

• Wild swimming

  Experience wild swimming with various stunning locations just a short trip from the festival.

• Camping

  Camp in the grounds of the castle, right in the heart of the festival and roll out for bed - to the startline.

Event HQ

Drumlanrig Castle & Gardens
Thornhill
Dumfries and Galloway
DG3 4AQ
UK

The venue

Drumlanrig Castle provides the perfect home for the South Scotland Outdoor Festival, combining centuries of heritage with some of the best outdoor terrain in the country. Set within the vast Queensberry Estate, the Castle’s 17th-century architecture stands proudly among forests, hills, and rivers that invite exploration and adventure.

Long celebrated for its exceptional network of trails, Drumlanrig is a hub for mountain biking, gravel and road cycling, walking, and trail running. The estate features miles of natural woodland singletrack, estate roads, and scenic paths—making it an inspirational backdrop for everything from family-friendly activities to elite-level outdoor pursuits.

During the festival, Drumlanrig transforms into a vibrant basecamp where history and the outdoors come together.

Visitors can discover the Castle’s rich Douglas family heritage while immersing themselves in a weekend of adventure, nature, and community in one of South Scotland’s most iconic landscapes.

A historic setting. A world-class outdoor playground. A perfect festival home.

Camping

Make the most of your festival weekend by staying right at the heart of the action.

The dedicated campsite offers a relaxed, friendly base surrounded by rolling hills, forest trails, and the wild beauty of southern Scotland. Wake up to birdsong, enjoy stunning sunrise views, and step straight into a day filled with outdoor adventure.

Whether you’re bringing a tent, campervan, or family-sized setup, you’ll find spacious pitches, clean facilities, and an inviting festival atmosphere. With food vendors, evening entertainment, and easy access to all activities, camping is the perfect way to experience the South Scotland Outdoor Festival from dawn till dusk.

Please note camping is not included in any sports tickets, please purchase separately.

Included

• Full access to a packed weekend celebrating outdoor adventure across Dumfries & Galloway
• Trail runs, guided hikes, gravel rides and family-friendly outdoor activities
• Expert-led workshops and skill sessions across multiple disciplines
• Inspiring guest speakers and outdoor industry presentations
• Exhibitor village with brands, kit demonstrations and local organisations
• Fully marked routes for all running, walking and cycling activities
• Support on course, including marshals and event team assistance
• On-site first aid and safety cover
• Event village with food, drink and social spaces
• Free festival parking
• A welcoming, inclusive atmosphere designed to get everyone outdoors and active

Optional extra

• Camping 

Just a well run event! Was not too busy with a great crowd of people! Will be back! Craig F

A perfect weekend organised by Cameron and his crew. Each year the weekender festival evolves a bit more as he adds new ideas and takes on board comments and suggestions. All ages and abilities catered for. Loved the in-depth results. We love the whole weekend. Susan M

Really excellent event. I felt comfortable taking on a more challenging race because I knew the course was waymarked and there would be feed and water stations should I run low. Ashleigh C

Cameron and the team have set the standard! I wish all event organisers were this good! Ben D

Loved every moment of this event! The atmosphere was great! Stuart B

This was one of the best races I’ve been to. The 32km trail was just the right distance and elevation. Plenty of treats and volunteers at the aid stations, and a great vibe at the event village with lots of food and drink options. Josie S

Amazing event, a really fun time for the whole family whether you are a runner or not. Fantastic scenery and a great event village with a good selection of food and incredible music! Will be back. Tenzin S

What a fantastic event — so enjoyable! Extremely well organised. Such a warm and supportive atmosphere. Great location amidst stunning scenery. We will be back next year! Christine L

Amazing course and support, everything was top-notch. Can’t wait to race again next year! Alan G

My wife and I loved the event. It was really well organised and the support was perfect when needed. The whole team were friendly and helpful. Ten out of ten — well done and keep up the good work. Bob T

This has been one of the best race events I have ever attended. Beautiful scenery on a well-thought-out route. Not too busy on the trails and a friendly, supportive team all the way round. I would highly recommend this event. Linda H

Amazing course and support, everything was top-notch. Can’t wait to race again next year! Louise S

First trail race and Outsider Events were great. Took all the stress out of planning and we had the best weekend! Thank you! Dani A

Best running weekend ever. Gillian M

Great event and beautiful course. A must-do for any serious athlete! Mr M

Excellent facilities, staff and route. Great vibes! Rachael R

Just a lovely family-friendly trail running event. Loved the camping area — great for kids ranging from 10 months to 6 years! Food options were great and the races were fab! Alice D

Beautiful course, relaxed atmosphere, great facilities and very well organised. Gillian R

Reviews thanks to RaceCheck

Entry fees