The Speyside Challenge returns for its fifth year this September, encouraging people to leave the car behind and explore more of the area on foot, wheels or by bike.

Running from 1 to 30 September, the free challenge covers the Speyside Way between Craigellachie and Cragganmore, with prizes available for people making everyday journeys under their own steam.

A new Strava integration has been introduced for 2026, allowing participants to connect their account and automatically import eligible walks, runs and cycle rides into the Speyside Challenge website.

Anyone who would rather keep things simple can continue to record their journeys manually.

The challenge is open to everyone using the Craigellachie to Cragganmore section of the Speyside Way, whether they are travelling to work, heading to school, visiting the shops or simply getting out into their community.

Organisers hope the month will encourage healthier lifestyles, cut carbon emissions and give people another reason to appreciate the landscape sitting on their doorstep.

There are prizes across walking and cycling categories, including Moray Loves Local Gift Cards, while this year’s special challenge prize offers two £500 vouchers for Skedaddle Speyside in Fochabers.

Participants need to record 10 journeys and upload a photograph during September to enter the draw for the special prize.

Moray Council leader Councillor Kathleen Robertson said:

“The Speyside Challenge has become a fantastic annual event that encourages people to make active travel part of their everyday lives while enjoying everything our beautiful area has to offer.

“As we celebrate five years of the challenge, it’s wonderful to see how many people have embraced walking, wheeling and cycling for local journeys.

“Whether you’re looking to improve your health and wellbeing, reduce your carbon footprint or simply explore more of Speyside, the challenge offers a fun and rewarding way to get involved.

“With free registration, exciting prizes and the new Strava integration making it even easier to take part, I would encourage everyone to sign up and give it a go this September.”

Sally Bruce from Skedaddle Speyside added:

“We’re so pleased to have been asked to be a part of the Speyside Challenge again this year.

“Having a personal love and connection to the Speyside area, it’s important we never take for granted how lucky we are to have such incredible trails and landscapes right on our doorstep.

“Whether you regularly walk the Speyside Way, you’re just starting your running journey, you enjoy exploring gravel tracks by bike, or you’re simply looking for an excuse to spend more time outdoors, the Speyside Challenge is for everyone.”

Registration is now open for anyone wanting to take part, with the month long challenge beginning on Tuesday, 1 September.

Anyone interested in taking part can register now by clicking here