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IN PICTURES: Aviemore Sled Dog Rally returns as huskies hit the Cairngorm trails

Aviemore Sled Dog Rally
Competitors taking part in The Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain's 39th Aviemore Sled Dog Rally on forest trails around Loch Morlich, in the shadow of the Cairngorm mountains. Image: Paul Campbell/PA Wire.

Dozens of huskies hit the Highland forest trails today as the popular Aviemore Sled Dog Rally made a grand return to the Cairngorms.

Teams of canines and their “mushers” once again went head to head in a heated race around the beautiful Loch Morlich, in the shadow of the mountains.

It was the first time they got to experience the thrill of weaving their way along Glenmore Forest tracks after event organisers were forced to skip a year due to Covid.

Organised by the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain, in conjunction with Forestry and Land Scotland, the event has been an all-time favourite for spectators since 1984.

While it is normally held in more wintery conditions to suit the dogs’ Arctic nature, this year’s course was snow-free following a recent thaw.

Race dogs – including Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and Greenland Dogs – pulled three and four-wheeled rigs along the route in the first day of the competition.

Here are some of the best pictures from the first round of the rally:

Aviemore Sled Dog Rally
Aviemore Sled Dog Rally is the biggest dog race in the UK. Image: Paul Campbell/PA Wire.
Teams of cannies put their resilience to the test in a heated race. Image: Paul Campbell/PA Wire.
Teams gathered in the Glenmore Forest for the first time since 2021. Image: Paul Campbell/PA Wire.
aviemore sled dog rally
An owner taking some time to chill with his dogs after taking part in the Aviemore Sled Dog Rally. Image: Paul Campbell/PA Wire.
The competition has always been led by the owners’ love for their brave pooches. Image: Paul Campbell/PA Wire.
aviemore sled dog rally
Dozens of teams took part in the 39th Aviemore Sled Dog Rally. Image: Paul Campbell/PA Wire.
Snoop! Why is this camera looking at me? Image: Paul Campbell/PA Wire.
Six year old Gracie-May Evans gives a husky dog a cuddle for encouragement ahead of rally. Image: Paul Campbell/PA Wire.
aviemore sled dog rally
The howls of huskies pierced the Cairgnorm mountain once again. Image: Paul Campbell/PA Wire.
Teams of between two and eight dogs pulled their musher on a sled around a four to seven mile trail. Image: Paul Campbell/PA Wire.
Regardless of how intense the race may be, there is always time for a hug. Image: Paul Campbell/PA Wire.
aviemore sled dog rally
The trail is a designated cross-country ski course and is clearly defined. Image: Paul Campbell/PA Wire.

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