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often without the benefits of pace notes or recces. Crests, dips, and surfaces change without warning and visibility can become quickly compromised by mud, gravel, dust and the incline in front of you.
Precision and car control are key, as is complete commitment from both crew and machine. In some cases, making progress can be more important than outright speed, but more sympathetic terrain can pay dividends to the quickest. It’ s a true test of all-round driving skill and having slid, bumped and fought your way around the stage, you’ re left with the adrenaline still running— and one thought: can we go again? Hill rallying has attracted several well-known competitors over the years, including double British Touring Car Champion John Cleland, alongside respected figures from across the cross-country and rally community such as the Simmonite sisters. For many, the appeal has always been simple: it’ s a discipline that combines challenge, variety and a sense of adventure rarely matched elsewhere in UK motorsport.
The appeal of hill rallying has seen a recent and welcome trend of new multivenue events. Crews can now compete in Wales, Yorkshire and the Isle of Man as the sport grows, broadening the calendar and opening new challenging and picturesque landscapes.
Momentum continues into this anniversary year as the Scottish Hill Rally Club prepares to run the fourth edition of the Scottish Summer Hill Rally on 5th-7th June alongside a new central Scotland event in November. These will be joined by the inaugural Isle of Man Hill Rally( 17th-19th July), together forming six rounds of the 2026 Motorsport UK British Cross Country Championship.
UK hill rallying is experiencing a longoverdue resurgence and 2026 represents an exciting moment for the sport, with two new events and the prospect of further growth in the years ahead. It offers strong value, exceptional variety and is a uniquely demanding form of motorsport.
40 Revolution Magazine