Every year, deep in the highlands of Scotland, they hold the biggest event on the British Sled Dog calendar.
On the last weekend of January 1000 sled dogs descend into the tiny town of Aviemore (pop. 3000). The event, which has been running for 34 years has been growing in popularity with sled dog owners but still remains little known to the general public.
Unlike the famous Iditarod in Alaska which runs 1000 km from Anchorage to Nome, the dogs in Scotland run a 7 mile circuit through the woodlands of Cairngorm National Park.
Organised by the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain the race allows Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed, Canadian Eskimo Dogs and Greenland dogs to compete. Though these dogs are associated with different countries, all breeds did originate in Siberia.
These beautiful dogs have been used for 1000 years in the arctic and subarctic to herd reindeer and pull sleds.
To find out more about the Aviemore Dogs Sled Rally - or just to look at the pictures of pooches - scroll through the slideshow.
AVIEMORE DOG SLED RALLY
WHEN: The Last Week of January
WHERE: Glenmore State Forest Park, just outside of Aviemore, Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands
HOW TO GET THERE: Scotrail trains and Citylink buses stop at Aviemore. From Aviemore the Cairngorm Mountain Bus leaves from Aviemore Railway Station and passes the rally.
ARE THERE SLED DOGS OTHER TIMES OF THE YEAR?: On the Grampian Road, between Aviemore and Glenmore Forest park, is the Cairngorm Sled Dog Centre, where you can find out more about sled dogs, how they train and maybe even cuddle one up close.
NOT JUST THE DOGS: Glenmore Forest Park, and Cairngorms National Park generally is renowned for hiking, biking, paddling, snow and mountain adventures.
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