Above image © No Limits Photography
Day 1 - Fort William to Glenfinnan
Day 1 starts with a short ferry trip across Loch Linnhe sea loch onto the shore opposite Fort William. The running opens with a straight-forward warm up on a lovely road, headed South! But this is the key to accessing the remote western seaboard of Scotland, and on this day-end, the famous sights of Glenfinnan.
Cape Wrath Explorer?
Day 1 of the Cape Wrath Explorer follows the same route as the full course.
Tip
Click/tap on "Learn more" then expand the map to get more route details.
Please note
Our adjusted (real life) distance for day one is 37km. The adjusted (real life) elevation is 500m.
Cut-off times
- CP1 is at 11km - cut-off time in 2023 was 14:00
Get a step ahead with the official event map
Aspirant participants are invited to purchase a copy of last year's event map. An ideal companion for those who prefer a tangible map to spread out on the coffee table to pour over during the build up to the event. Glean extra information about the route (subject to small changes) and familiarise yourself with the layout and style of this bespoke map ahead of being issued yours at registration.
Following the route
Please see our guidance on following the route for information about how to best access the digital version of the route (including information about GPX files), and what to expect from the event map issued at registration
Day 1 Video - “Through Ardgour, The adventure begins!”
Day 1 Terrain Type
DAY 2
Above image © No Limits Photography
Day 2 - Glenfinnan to Kinloch Hourn
From the very start of Day 2 the route ascends into remote territory, and clips the end of Scotland’s two longest dead-end roads, both at remote sea loch heads. Even when you reach the overnight, you will be far, far away from civilisation.
Cape Wrath Explorer?
Start to checkpoint 1 (Strathan) – 15km | 550m
OR
Checkpoint 1 (Strathan) to finish – 42km | 1250m
Tip
Click/tap on "Learn more" then expand the map to get more route details.
Please note
Our adjusted (real life) distance for day two is 57km. The adjusted (real life) elevation is 1,800m.
Cut-off times
- CP1 is at 15km - cut-off time in 2023 was 10:45
- CP2 is at 32km - cut-off time in 2023 was 15:00
- CP3 is at 46km - guidance time in 2023 was 19:00
Get a step ahead with the official event map
Aspirant participants are invited to purchase a copy of last year's event map. An ideal companion for those who prefer a tangible map to spread out on the coffee table to pour over during the build up to the event. Glean extra information about the route (subject to small changes) and familiarise yourself with the layout and style of this bespoke map ahead of being issued yours at registration.
Following the route
Please see our guidance on following the route for information about how to best access the digital version of the route (including information about GPX files), and what to expect from the event map issued at registration
Day 2 Video - “Through Knoydart! Our first true wilderness”
Day 2 Terrain Type
DAY 3
Above image © No Limits Photography
Day 3 - Kinloch Hourn to Achnashellach
This day is likely to be the hardest - though it is not the longest. It departs from the edge of Knoydart, passes through the large mountain and glen groups of Kintail, and reaches the wide straths (flat glens with big rivers) characteristic of Wester Ross. The Falls of Glomach are the most voluminous waterfalls in the Highlands.
Cape Wrath Explorer?
Start to checkpoint 2 (Carnach) – 34km | 1350m
OR
Checkpoint 2 (Carnach) to finish – 34km | 1050m
Tip
Click/tap on "Learn more" then expand the map to get more route details.
Please note
Our adjusted (real life) distance for day three is 68km. The adjusted (real life) elevation is 2,400m.
Cut-off times
- CP1 is at 19km - guidance time in 2023 was 11:30
- CP2 is at 34km - cut-off time in 2023 was 14:50
- CP3 is at 52km - guidance time in 2023 was 19:00
Get a step ahead with the official event map
Aspirant participants are invited to purchase a copy of last year's event map. An ideal companion for those who prefer a tangible map to spread out on the coffee table to pour over during the build up to the event. Glean extra information about the route (subject to small changes) and familiarise yourself with the layout and style of this bespoke map ahead of being issued yours at registration.
Following the route
Please see our guidance on following the route for information about how to best access the digital version of the route (including information about GPX files), and what to expect from the event map issued at registration
Day 3 Video - “Through kintail! Remote and stunning”
Day 3 Terrain Type
DAY 4
Above image © No Limits Photography
Day 4 - Achnashellach to Kinlochewe
On this day you will experience the mountains at their loftiest – all around you, with high rocky passes, and rough underfoot in the latter third. It is one of the only days where you will not be close to the sea.
Cape Wrath Explorer?
Start to checkpoint 1 (Ling hut) – 15km | 675m
OR
Checkpoint 1 (Ling hut) to finish – 20km | 725m
Tip
Click/tap on "Learn more" then expand the map to get more route details.
Please note
Our adjusted (real life) distance for day four is 35km. The adjusted (real life) elevation is 1,400m.
Cut-off times
- CP1 is at 15km - cut-off time in 2023 was 12:30
Get a step ahead with the official event map
Aspirant participants are invited to purchase a copy of last year's event map. An ideal companion for those who prefer a tangible map to spread out on the coffee table to pour over during the build up to the event. Glean extra information about the route (subject to small changes) and familiarise yourself with the layout and style of this bespoke map ahead of being issued yours at registration.
Following the route
Please see our guidance on following the route for information about how to best access the digital version of the route (including information about GPX files), and what to expect from the event map issued at registration
Day 4 video - “Torridon! Grand mountains and high passes”
Day 4 Terrain Type
DAY 5
Above image © No Limits Photography
Day 5 - Kinlochewe to Inverbroom
Despite the previous days of remote territory, climbing up out of Kinlochewe on Day 5 will not prepare you for the qualities of what lies ahead. Fisherfield’s mountains will steadily reveal themselves to you! And then you will work through great isolated mountain glens, eventually overnighting just short of the port of Ullapool.
Cape Wrath Explorer?
Start to checkpoint 2 (Corriehallie) – 34km | 900m
OR
Checkpoint 2 (Corriehallie) to finish – 10km | 500m
Tip
Click/tap on "Learn more" then expand the map to get more route details.
Please note
Our adjusted (real life) distance for day five is 44km. The adjusted (real life) elevation is 1,400m.
Cut-off times
- CP1 is at 14km - guidance time in 2023 was 11:30
- CP2 is at 34km - cut-off time in 2023 was 18:15
Get a step ahead with the official event map
Aspirant participants are invited to purchase a copy of last year's event map. An ideal companion for those who prefer a tangible map to spread out on the coffee table to pour over during the build up to the event. Glean extra information about the route (subject to small changes) and familiarise yourself with the layout and style of this bespoke map ahead of being issued yours at registration.
Following the route
Please see our guidance on following the route for information about how to best access the digital version of the route (including information about GPX files), and what to expect from the event map issued at registration
Day 5 video - “Through Fisherfield! Total wilderness and isolatioN”
Day 5 Terrain Type
DAY 6
Above image © No Limits Photography
Day 6 - Inverbroom to Inchnadamph
This day escalates into some very remote and rough high ground, but is preceded by significant distances on double-tracks in the glens, and through prime Salmon-fishing country. Day 6 is the longest day, but for all those that have made it this far, this day will unlikely defeat you. (Inchnadamph is the highest overnight camp, at 80m, and one of the few that are noticeably not near sea level).
Cape Wrath Explorer?
Start to checkpoint 2 (Oykel Bridge) – 37km | 775m
OR
Checkpoint 2 (Oykel Bridge) to finish – 35km | 625m
Tip
Click/tap on "Learn more" then expand the map to get more route details.
Please note
Our adjusted (real life) distance for day six is 72km. The adjusted (real life) elevation is 1,400m.
Cut-off times
- CP1 is at 18km - guidance time in 2023 was 11:00
- CP2 is at 37km - cut-off time in 2023 was 14:30
- CP3 is at 53km - cut-off time in 2023 was 17:15
Get a step ahead with the official event map
Aspirant participants are invited to purchase a copy of last year's event map. An ideal companion for those who prefer a tangible map to spread out on the coffee table to pour over during the build up to the event. Glean extra information about the route (subject to small changes) and familiarise yourself with the layout and style of this bespoke map ahead of being issued yours at registration.
Following the route
Please see our guidance on following the route for information about how to best access the digital version of the route (including information about GPX files), and what to expect from the event map issued at registration
Day 6 video - “Into Assynt! Escalating commitment”
Day 6 Terrain Type
DAY 7
Above image © No Limits Photography
Day 7 - Inchnadamph to Kinlochbervie
One of the longer days, Day 7 gives a great contrast of moor, mountain, and deep inaccessible sea lochs. Eas a' Chual Aluinn is the highest waterfall in the UK. At the end of this day is a rare section of road for this journey – but you will remember it as a road that is taking you somewhere amazing, due to the achingly beautiful seaward views.
Cape Wrath Explorer?
Start to checkpoint 2 (Loch Stack Lodge) – 41km | 1400m
OR
Checkpoint 2 (Loch Stack Lodge) to finish – 20km | 200m
Tip
Click/tap on "Learn more" then expand the map to get more route details.
Please note
Our adjusted (real life) distance for day seven is 61km. The adjusted (real life) elevation is 1,600m.
Cut-off times
- CP1 is at 26km - guidance time in 2023 was 13:45
- CP2 is at 41km - cut-off time in 2023 was 18:00
- CP3 is at 54km - cut-off time in 2023 was 20:45
Get a step ahead with the official event map
Aspirant participants are invited to purchase a copy of last year's event map. An ideal companion for those who prefer a tangible map to spread out on the coffee table to pour over during the build up to the event. Glean extra information about the route (subject to small changes) and familiarise yourself with the layout and style of this bespoke map ahead of being issued yours at registration.
Following the route
Please see our guidance on following the route for information about how to best access the digital version of the route (including information about GPX files), and what to expect from the event map issued at registration
Day 7 video - “Beyond Assynt! Spectacular and remote landscapes”
Day 7 Terrain Type
DAY 8
Above image © No Limits Photography
Day 8 - Kinlochbervie TO CAPE WRATH
So. This is the day that takes you along the glorious beach of Sandwood Bay, to The Atlantic Sea proper and on to Cape Wrath and the Lighthouse, the most north-westerly point in the UK: A day to savour. It’s a deliberately shorter day. After finishing here, there will be a gradual minibus and ferry evacuation back to civilisation in the village of Durness, 15 miles away, and a fitting sea loch coastal symmetry with the start, 8 days earlier. Once based in Durness, we hope that you have time to visit the beautiful beach just below the campsite, and nearby Smoo cave. In the evening, it’s time to celebrate, and in the morning, time to climb onto coaches and wave goodbye to the far north of Scotland.
Cape Wrath Explorer?
Day 8 of the Cape Wrath Explorer follows the same route as the full course, and it's a good one!
Tip
Click/tap on "Learn more" then expand the map to get more route details.
Please note
Our adjusted (real life) distance for day eight is 26km. The adjusted (real life) elevation is 700m.
Cut-off times
- CP1 is at 6km - guidance time in 2023 was 11:15
- CP2 is at 14km - guidance time in 2023 was 13:30
- CP3 is at 19km - guidance time in 2023 was 15:00
Get a step ahead with the official event map
Aspirant participants are invited to purchase a copy of last year's event map. An ideal companion for those who prefer a tangible map to spread out on the coffee table to pour over during the build up to the event. Glean extra information about the route (subject to small changes) and familiarise yourself with the layout and style of this bespoke map ahead of being issued yours at registration.
Following the route
Please see our guidance on following the route for information about how to best access the digital version of the route (including information about GPX files), and what to expect from the event map issued at registration
Warning
If you plan to explore the Day 8 route, please be aware that the northernmost section is owned by the Ministry of Defence, and they have a tendency to drop bombs fairly frequently. You are welcome to cross the area, just make sure you check to see if they have any activities planned first! If you see any red flags, that means you should not enter. There is usually information available on their planned activities at the Sandwood Bay car park, and online here. Feel free to contact us for more information.
Day 8 Video - “Sandwood Bay! The North Atlantic”
Day 8 Terrain Type
All distances and height gain data are for guidance only. The route is subject to change.