Advertisement
A two-stage 'ultra challenge run' on Scotland's original long-distance trail - incl Girls on Hills support crew & overnight stop half-wayThe West Highland Way is one of Scotland’s Great Trails and the country's first officially designated Long Distance Route (est. 980). Covering 156km (96 miles) from Milngavie to Fort William, the trail is on the tick-list of many a long-distance walker and ultrarunning enthusiast. Over 45,000 people complete the challenge every year with the same number again walking only part of the trail! You can learn more about the full route here.
The trails that make up the Way have a long history, as many sections are ancient routes, such as drovers' roads and military roads, dating back to the Jacobite uprisings of the 1600-1700s. It is usually tackled by walkers travelling from south to north (over 6-8 days), making it a journey from the Lowlands to the Highlands. It is also the race route of a number of ultra-trail marathons. The popular West Highland Way Race takes place each June and dates back to 1989. There are also two other 'half distance' ultras along it's length; the Highland Fling (each September) and the Devil o' the Highlands Footrace (each April). There is also the West Highland Way Challenge Race each May/June which is also open to walkers, and has less emphasis on competition. Our West Highland (My) Way supported run can serve as a timely 'recce' for those with race entires later in the year.
But not everybody wants to make this memorable journey as part of a mass-participation event. Many runners would prefer to go solo or take a fast-packing approach to this Great Trail, stopping at villages, quite literally 'along the way'! But some people find running alone (especially at night) intimidating and surely a journey is best measured in friends rather than miles!
West Highland (My) Way is a small and personal supported 'challenge run' with two stages and an overnight in Crianlarich:
LOGISTICS
Stage 1- 46 miles (approx. 75 km) with 2200m ascent. Get up early to meet your road support and sweeper in Milngavie. From here all runners will head north, along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, keeping in touch with the team along the way. Our destination will be Crianlarich...
Stage 2 - 51 miles (approx. 81km) with 2300m ascent. Head north in the direction of Tyndrum, then pass through the most scenic stretches via Bridge of Orchy, Rannoch Moor and Glencoe. Push-on over the famous Devil's Staircase and through the Lairig Mor on your way to Fort William. Finish through the high street and let us take that all-important finishing photo with the 'Rambling Man'!
Completing the full West Highland Way over two days is a HUGE undertaking and runners should have experience of long distance running and train accordingly, to improve their chances of finishing this celebrated Scottish challenge.
By joining our West Highland (My) Way event, you can expect the following advantages in being part of a team:
-Likeminded women to share your experience with (we will be a small team of 6)!
-Pre-event advice/support
-Baggage transfer
-Road support and transport should you decide to retire
-Supportive vibe with everyone 'checking-in' with each other along the way
-Company for night running sections and a 'sweeper' on the trail
-Overnight stay at Crianlarich Youth Hostel from our partners at Hostelling Scotland
-People to eat meals with and share (what is left of) the evening!
-You own on-hand tour guide with tales from the trails, points of interest and historical information
-Loud encouragement from Nancy (!!) and a HUGE sense of achievement on completing Scotland's ultimate long-distance challenge!
-Donation towards the West Highland Way management group that helps support and maintain the trail.
Not included: Accommodation in Milngavie or Fort William before/after the challenge run.
You will receive full itinerary and event details upon booking.
PACING
You don't have to run fast or keep running the whole time (as with any ultra there will be a LOT of walking involved!) - and we don't expet all our runners to stay together . The West Highland Way is fully waymarked and you will be responsible for yourself out on the trail (but we'll be waiting in the wings!) Run at your own pace and use the support offered as and when you need it. This is YOUR challenge afterall! Just knowing that we're all in it together, will help us keep moving onward and upward ,until we regroup at Crianlarich and again at the finish line!
Founders of Girls on Hills, Keri and Nancy are both running guides and live in Glencoe, close to the highest section of the West Highland Way. They have been guiding group runs on their local trails for over 7 years. Keri is an experienced ultrarunner and author of the guidebook Running Challenges (which includes the West Highland Way of course!) Girls on Hills are proud to call Glencoe home and they enjoy sharing the Highlands' beauty and history with likeminded women.
At Girls on Hills we pride ourselves on being 'approachable and relatable', so please do get in touch with any concerns or queries you might have now or nearer to the event. We look forward to having fun and showing you the incredible ultrarunning in our back garden!
For our standard T&Cs please visit: www.girlsonhills.com/terms-and-conditions
**Guiding will be with a Summer Mountain Leader qualified and/or Fell Running Association (FRA) accredited guide.
Advertisement
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Glencoe,Glencoe,PH49 4HN,GB, Glencoe House, Ballachulish, PH49 4, United Kingdom,Ballachulish, Highland, Cladich
Tickets
