Day Two – Glenfinnan to Kinloch Hourn: The Last Great Wilderness
From the very start of Day Two, the Cape Wrath Trail leaves behind any lingering sense of civilisation. The route ascends quickly into remote, rugged terrain, brushing the ends of Scotland’s two longest dead-end roads - both of which fade out at the heads of isolated sea lochs. It’s a landscape that grows wilder with every step, edging into Knoydart, often described as the last great wilderness in Britain.
After easing into the journey yesterday, the participants got their first taste of waking up and getting back out there, a feeling which will no doubt become oh so familiar as the days go on. The day was hot, but offered some respite with intermittent cloud cover, staying hydrated and cool would be a challenge our runners today. Water sources are available but they are lower than in previous years with the recent spell of hot weather. As they traverse the edges of the beautiful Sea Loch after a 35 mile mountain day, they are greeted to the picturesque sights of Kinloch Hourn, only accessible by one long road, this wildlife haven is the spot for our Day 2 overnight Camp.
Brazilian competitor, Bruno Spellanzon said the landscape is like no other, “The Dragon’s Back Race® is beautiful, but it’s nothing compared to this.” If Bruno gets to the Cape Wrath lighthouse on Day 8, he’ll be among a handful people to ever have completed the Ourea Triple Crown - the Northern Traverse®, Dragon’s Back Race and Cape Wrath Ultra.
The last bounds of Knoydart | ©No Limits Photography
Bruno on the Cape Wrath trail | ©No Limits Photography
For those at the back of the pack, it was a tough day balancing the heat and making it into Kinloch Hourn before 10pm, our Day 2 course cut off. For those who didn't make it in time, the journey is far from over. With the unique option to move onto our Explorer course - with shorter distances to cover each day and the same Camp experience - our competitors can still witness the beauty Cape Wrath beholds at a more leisurely pace.
Day 3 is notoriously tough on the Cape Wrath Ultra as runners depart from the edge of Knoydart and pass through the mountain and glen groups of Kintail. With the weather forecast set for more of the same, staying hydrated and cool will be key to keeping them moving well across these remote trails. We will also welcome our Cape Wrath 100 finishers into Camp 3 at Achnashellach to complete their epic 100-mile feat.
The beauty of Scotland’s Sea Loch’s | ©No Limits Photography
Race Update
The leading ladies had a close race on Day Two of their Cape Wrath Ultra journey, with Nicola Dawson securing the top spot with a minute lead on fellow competitor Emma McCahill. Florence Kinney who led the race yesterday over the flatter, faster terrain, finished strong in third.
Nicola, who lives near Loch Lomond said she’s running Cape Wrath to prove to other women they can have adventures and do hard things, “As a running coach and Mum of two, I want to show them it is possible”.
Nicola Dawson, our fastest female across the two days | ©No Limits Photography
Marcus Scotney had a scorcher of a day, taking 25 minutes off his own course record set in 2016, cruising into Camp to secure first place in the mens race. Jon Shields followed shortly after in second. SCARPA runner Jon Shields exclaimed “His body wasn’t cooperating today”, but that “It’s early days and the views are just incredible”. Both runners looked strong out on course. David Siska completed the Day Two podium in 10 hours 28 minutes, another smoking fast time on the Cape Wrath trail!
Marcus Scotney, our Cape Wrath Ultra course record holder | ©No Limits Photography
Cape Wrath Ultra Results Day Two
Times listed are the accumulated times across both days.
1. Marcus Scotney | Scotland | 08:45:51
2. Jon Shield | England | 09:20:05
3. David Siska | Czechoslovakia | 10:28:03
1. Nicola Dawson | Scotland | 12:37:26
2. Emma McCahill | UK | 12:38:35
3. Florence Kinder | UK | 12:59:55
Our Cape Wrath 100 leading ladies | ©No Limits Photography
Cape Wrath 100 Results Day Two
Times listed are the accumulated times across both days.
1st Male | Simon Tootell | UK | 15:31:55
1st Female | Nicola Di Rollo | Scotland | 13:17:49
Day Two on the Cape Wrath Trail | ©No Limits Photography
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