Cairncastle Classic Fell Race 2026

The Cairncastle Classic Fell Race begins at Cairncastle Primary School in Ballygally, a coastal village north of Larne in County Antrim. This Saturday morning fell race, supported by the Northern Ireland Mountain Running Association, covers approximately 10 miles with about 2,200 feet of ascent, placing it in the medium-distance category that requires capable hill running ability and navigation skills. The course ascends Cairncastle Road for the initial mile, passing Matties Meeting House, before diverting from the road onto a farm track leading up Knockdhu and the edge of the Sallagh Braes. Participants descend to a valley checkpoint, a site used for Game of Thrones filming, then ascend towards the Antrim Hills Way. The route turns back through Linford Car Park for the final climb to Scawt Hill, followed by a descent towards the coast road at The Half Way House. The finish is a level run back to the school, passing Ballygally Castle, said to be Ireland’s oldest continuously inhabited building. Most of the course is unmarked, except for road junctions and a few safety-flagged sections. Runners must carry a full fell kit, including waterproofs, a map, compass, phone, foil blanket, and emergency food.