The Legendary

Scott Trial

One day. Over 80 miles of Swaledale moorland. Dozens of observed sections and a clock that never stops. Run by Richmond Motor Club, this is the toughest one-day trial in the world.

Latest Scott Trial News

Since 1914

More Than a Trial

The Scott Trial is one of the great events in motorcycling. Every autumn, riders from across the country head to Swaledale in North Yorkshire to take on a course that tests skill, fitness, machine and nerve in equal measure.

Unlike most trials, the Scott is scored on time and observation. Riders lose marks for every dab or failure in the sections, and for every minute they finish outside standard time. Clean riding alone won't win it, and neither will speed. You need both.

Whether you're thinking about entering, coming to watch, or just want to follow the action, this is the place to start.

Rider tackling a Scott Trial section in Swaledale

1914

First Ridden

80+

Miles of Moorland

1

Epic Day

1991

Run by RMC Since

Time & Observation

How the Scott Works

Observed Sections

Spread around the course are dozens of observed sections: rocky becks, steep banks and slippery moorland. Observers score every rider on each one, from clean to a five for a failure.

Against the Clock

Here's what makes the Scott different. Riders also lose a mark for every minute they finish outside standard time, so riders have to keep moving between sections all day.

Lowest Score Wins

Section marks and time penalties are added together and the lowest total takes the win. The best riders balance clean riding with serious pace across the whole day.

Swaledale Terrain

The course runs across private moorland and farmland in Swaledale, opened up for the day thanks to the kindness of local landowners, estates and farmers.

A True Test

It's a long, demanding day for rider and bike. Just reaching the finish is something to be proud of, and plenty of riders come back year after year to try to beat their last result.

Powered by Volunteers

The Scott only happens because of our volunteers: observers, marshals, course crew, timekeepers and helpers who give up their day to make it happen.

Scott Trial riders in the 1920s

Where It Began

Born in the Dales

The Scott Trial began with a challenge. In 1914 Alfred Scott, founder of the Scott Motorcycle Company, sent his factory workers off from Shipley to ride across the moors to Burnsall. It was rough, wet and hard going, and only a few of them reached the finish.

The event outlived its founder. Scott's workers kept it going, then local motor clubs took it on, and over the years it moved across the Yorkshire moors before settling in Swaledale. Richmond Motor Club has organised it since 1991. The spirit Alfred Scott started still runs through every event.

Legends of the Scott

Where Greats Are Made

Some of the biggest names in the sport have made their mark here. Sammy Miller once described a mud-soaked Scott as the greatest trial he ever rode. World champion Dougie Lampkin, multiple winner Graham Jarvis and centenary-year winner James Dabill are all part of the story, along with Emma Bristow, one of the leading riders in women's trials.

Every year club riders line up next to the stars on the same course and in the same conditions. That's what makes it special.

Sammy Miller riding the Scott Trial

Silverware

The Scott Trophies

Some of the oldest awards in the sport are presented at the Scott. These are the main ones, and there are plenty more class and team awards handed out on presentation night.

Alfred Scott Memorial Trophy

The main prize. It goes to the overall winner, the rider with the lowest combined score for time and observation.

Raymond Bailey Trophy

Awarded to the runner-up, often decided by a handful of marks after a full day on the moors.

Raspin Challenge Bowl

Presented to the rider finishing third overall.

Folbigg Cup

Presented to the rider finishing fourth overall.

Frank Fletcher Trophy

Recognising the best performance on observation, for the rider who loses the fewest marks in the sections.

MHT Trophy

Awarded to the best-placed female rider, celebrating the growing number of women taking on the Scott.

Be Part of It

Ride, Watch or Help

Ride It

Think you're ready for the toughest day in trials? Entries open ahead of each event and places are limited. Check the events page for entry details, regulations and closing dates.

Events & Entries

Watch It

The Scott is a great day out. Pick a section, bring a flask and watch the best riders take on Swaledale. Please follow marshals' directions, park considerately, keep dogs on leads and leave gates as you find them.

Spectator Updates

Help Run It

No volunteers, no Scott. We need observers, marshals and helpers every year, and you don't need any experience. It's one of the best seats in the house. Get in touch and we'll find you a role.

Volunteer With Us

Giving Back

Riding for the Dales

The Scott supports the community that hosts it. Since Richmond Motor Club took over the event, it has raised well over £150,000 for local charities and good causes across the Dales, with donations made every year at the presentation evening.

Looking for

Scott Trial Results

Full results, award winners and fastest times are published after each event. You'll find them on our results page, along with the latest results from every Richmond Motor Club trial.

View Results

Latest

Scott Trial News

Entry announcements, course updates, reports and photos, all in one place.

Scott Trial 2024 – Entries now OPEN

Entries for this year’s Iconic Scott Trial to be held Saturday 12th October 2024 are now open.  This year we have a new Clerk of the Course in Andrew Swainston and a few new Assistant Clerks of the Course joining our experienced team and they have already been out and...

SCOTT TRIAL UPDATE:

Richmond Motor Club, would like to thank Nathan Stones for being Clerk of the Course for the Scott trial for the past few years and for his continuous support of Richmond Motor Club as a Director of the club. We would like to welcome Andrew Swainston the current...

Scott Trial Rider and Programme Updates

The countdown to this years Scott Trial has really begun with only 4 days to go!  Please dont forget to read your final instuctions as these have changed slightly from previous years - especially re petrol and the amount of cans you need.  Scott Trial Final...

Scott Trial 2023 – Entries now OPEN

Entries for this year’s Iconic Scott Trial to be held Saturday 14th October 2023 are now open.  Entries are via email or post and NOT via the ACU entry system. Entry Form’s and Reg’s are available to download here: Scott Trial 2023-Regs         Scott Trial 2023-entry...

All Scott Trial News

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