The Gralloch is the UKs first UCI World Gravel series event and a qualifier for the Gravel World Championships held in Italy later this year. The inaugural edition to be held in Scotland will criss-cross the stunning Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere climbing 1845m and taking in 113km of the areas finest gravel tracks.

When it comes to gravel tires for riding in Scotland, you will want to look for a tire that can handle a variety of terrain and weather conditions, potentially including wet and muddy trails, rocky sections, and loose gravel while not losing too much speed on smooth road sections.

Some key features to consider include:

1. Tread pattern: Look for a tire with a versatile tread pattern that can handle a range of terrain types, including both hardpack and loose gravel. A tire with larger knobs or lugs may provide better grip on muddy or loose surfaces if the weather turns ‘Scottish’, while a more continuous centre tread will offer lower rolling resistance on hardpack when speed is your priority.

2. Width: Gravel tires typically range in width from 30-50mm, with wider tires providing more stability and grip on loose surfaces. For Scottish terrain, a tire in the 40-45mm range may be a good balance of comfort and speed.

3. Puncture resistance: Gravel riding can be tough on tires, so consider a tire with a strong puncture-resistant layer to help prevent flats.

4. Tubeless setup: Tubeless tires will self-seal small punctures or cuts in the tire casing, helping to prevent flats and allowing you to keep riding without having to stop and repair the tire. They can also be run lower tire pressures so can provide better traction on loose or rough terrain, and the lack of an inner tube allows the tire to deform and conform to irregular surfaces more easily, providing better control and handling resulting in increased confidence and speed.