The Fawn begins in the heart of Gatehouse of Fleet, rolling out of Garries Park with a relaxed start. A flat 2km stretch of tarmac provides the perfect warm-up, leading riders northeast out of town and into the scenic countryside. But don’t get too comfortable—the road soon tilts upward at the 2km mark, signaling the start of a 4.8km climb with 165m of elevation gain. The steady gradient and smooth tarmac make for an enjoyable ascent, allowing riders to find their rhythm and take in the unfolding landscape.

As you climb, be sure to glance over your shoulder—the views of the Solway Firth open up dramatically behind you, and on a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the Isle of Man in the distance. Cresting the top, you’ll reach the first feed zone, a well-earned chance to refuel before rolling onto the first gravel section. A fun descent kicks things off, leading into a short but punchy 1km climb that keeps the legs working.

From here, the route finds its rhythm, sweeping along with dense forest on your left and the marshy shoreline of Loch Skerrow on your right. This is a stretch to enjoy—flowing gravel, stunning scenery, and the true essence of The Fawn’s adventure unfolding with every pedal stroke.

As you round the bend, Loch Grannoch stretches out to your right, a stunning reminder of the remote beauty of this ride. Beyond it, the rugged mountains rise—but luckily, your path stays this side of the water. With the final kilometres ahead, it’s time to gauge your energy and settle into a steady rhythm for the home stretch.

Now riding across a plateau, the gravel remains rough, with subtle undulations that keep the legs working. At 35km, the most demanding descent of the day begins—a 4km drop losing 150m on loose, chunky gravel. Staying in control is key here; watch for larger stones that could throw you off your line. Once at the bottom, a right turn leads over a narrow bridge, and soon you’ll spot the impressive Big Water of Fleet Viaduct—a sign that the toughest gravel is behind you.

From here, the final push begins. The gravel gives way to tarmac, offering a smoother ride but still with a few climbs left before reaching Gatehouse of Fleet. The first road section is fast and flowing, with enough space to ride your own pace, though the sweeping bends call for careful line choices. A sharp left-hand turn leads into a steep drop toward the river valley, followed by a gently rolling road back to town. The last kilometre is one to enjoy, take in the atmosphere and complete an unforgettable ride.n the views are spectacular and very Scottish, as is the road surface to start, but this is a fabulous bit of road. It’s never too steep, but it’s often exposed and if the wind blows this could be very tough. That open countryside gives you a good view of who’s ahead though, and committed rouleurs working together will have plenty to get back to the front and contest the win, though there are a couple of decent uphill digs.

After the super-fast descent into Blairgowrie - another good spectator spot - it’s wide roads all the way home, but positioning will be key in the last kilometre.