Britain’s Biggest Sled Dog Rally

Late January is when The Aviemore Sled Dog Rally takes place. This is not only Britain’s largest sled dog race, but definitely one of the Winter’s highlights in the Scottish Highlands.

The Rally is run by the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain, and sees about 200 teams (and over 1,00 sled dogs) race along trails in the Glenmore Forest beside Loch Morlich in the scenic Cairngorms.

Whilst snow is always hoped for, the weather in the UK doesn’t always cooperate (even in the Cairngorms), so when the snow isn’t sufficient racers use dry-land rigs – which are like tricycles where the musher stands rather than sits. This also means races are faster than when on snow.

Whether the race is run on snow or on dry-land rigs, this is a fantastic spectator event. You can get close to the action at many spots along the course. There are various classes of races with teams ranging from 2 dog sleds, right up to 6 or more dogs. Huskies are most often used, but other breeds an also participate in various classes.

Aviemore is just a short drive from Inverness and this event is highly recommended.