Scottish 6 Days

Welcome to Royal Deeside 2025

The Scottish 6 Days Orienteering Event returns to the delights of Royal Deeside from Sunday 27th July 2025 until Friday 1st August 2025.

To celebrate the 25th Scottish 6 Days Orienteering Event we are taking the event back to Royal Deeside where the fourth Scottish 6 Days Event was held back in 1983. The area is well known to be an orienteering jewel with copious amounts of contour detail and glorious forested hills which offer spectacular views out over the River Dee for those who raise their heads from their maps.

Entries are now open…

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Day 1 – Glen Feardar East

Hilly mix of plantation, natural pine/birch woodland, heather and fast open moor.

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Day 2 – Glen Feardar West

Hilly mix of plantation, natural pine/birch woodland, heather and fast open moor.

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Day 3 – Creag Choinnich

Fast orienteering and steep slopes bring the first half of the week to a close.

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Rest Day – Sprint Race

A sprint race through Ballater in the heart of Royal Deeside

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Day 4 – Balfour Forest

Classic orienteering with good opportunities to run some true classic-distance style courses

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Day 5 – Glen Dye

A final day in the idyllic Glen Dye

Something for all the family...

Royal Deeside 2025 will have five days of forest competition beginning on Sunday 27th July 2025 then continuing on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and ending on Friday 1st August.

As usual, the Central Organising Team is already working hard to ensure you enjoy a variety of terrain with something for everyone and a few new challenges. There will be competitive age-class courses, colour-coded courses and string courses for the young and the young at heart! The event centre will be based in Ballater and there will be rest day activities for those who need an orienteering-based activity on their day off. We are also planning a full social calendar with a ceilidh, quiz and whisky tasting already in the pipeline.

It is, however, a holiday based event and when not orienteering there are plenty of local attractions to keep you entertained. There are castles from Braemar in the west to Dunnottar on the coast, Lochnagar and many other Munros to climb, as well distilleries to visit, golf courses to play on, and wildlife to watch. There is lots to keep every member of the family entertained!

We look forward to welcoming you to Royal Deeside in 2025 for a week-long orienteering holiday.

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Image Caption: West Glen Feardar

Image Caption: East Glen Feardar

Image Caption: Creag Choinnich

Image Caption: Moray 2023

Image Caption: Creag Choinnich

Image Caption: Lochaber 2021

Image Caption: Ballater

What are the 6 Days?

The Scottish 6 Days Orienteering event is a must-attend festival of orienteering, and the largest of its kind in the UK. Held every two years, this event is the perfect opportunity for both seasoned orienteers and families looking for an exciting outdoor adventure. Often attracting over 3000 competitors and their families and friends attending each event, this event not only offers an amazing experience but also a significant economic boost to the local area.

At the Scottish 6 Days Orienteering event, you’ll find a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, making it a popular choice for orienteers from all over the world. With a reputation for being an accessible and family-friendly multi-day event, you’ll have the opportunity to explore stunning locations while challenging yourself both physically and mentally. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible event, where you’ll create unforgettable memories and be part of an amazing community of orienteers.

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Entries

Entries will open from 1st December 2024, but start planning ahead for another great experience brought to you by the Scottish Orienteering 6‑Day Event Company.

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