Day two on the 2024 Cape Wrath Ultra – Runners enjoy Knoydart at its finest
Today participants ventured into the rough bounds of Knoydart on the second day of the epic Cape Wrath Ultra®. While yesterday was a shorter introductory day, today is the day that runners realised the full scale of the challenge they have undertaken. A journey through Knoydart requires complete commitment from the runners. Known as the last true wilderness in the UK, Knoydart is completely inaccessible by road. The only option for our Response teams to reach runners in need is by boat. What’s more, the terrain is famously gnarly.
The terrain was a challenge today ©No Limits Photography
The runnable start through remote Glen Dessary may have lulled runners into a false sense of security, as rugged mountainous terrain and deep bogs awaited the runners as they drew ever further into the wilderness.
However, the runners were rewarded with some of the most spectacular views in the Scottish Highlands, inaccessible to all but the most adventurous of explorers. And what a day it was for it! The warm and sunny weather of the last couple of days continued into today, showing Knoydart in all its glory.
The spring flowers in full bloom ©No Limits Photography
Many runners were keen for an early start
While runners have the choice to start any time between 7 and 9, with a long day ahead, many runners opted to get out at 7 on the dot to maximise their chances of meeting the cut offs and making it into the finish.
At the start line this morning we spoke to Scottish deerstalker and gamekeeper, David Fergusson. David is taking part having been inspired by watching the race go through the land he works on for the last few years. Today is particularly special for him, as he is going through the area he lives.
“I'm pretty excited to be passing through home, so that's pretty cool. I know this bit pretty well, I've had a chance to recce it quite a few times. I've usually done from Loch Nevis to Glen Finnan, or I've done the bit from Kinloch Hourn, but I've never done it all as a oner, so it's quite nice to just be able to piece it all together.”
“After the last couple of years of seeing everybody coming through, I thought it'd be pretty cool to get stuck into it. It’s a long winter up Loch Nevis, so there was plenty of time to get training for it. I seem to have chosen the right year for the weather!”
Elly Paterson is an ultra-runner based in the Lake District. We asked if she was looking forward to her day. She said, “Yes. I'm saying that with an air of optimism.”
“I am looking forward to getting out into the hills and seeing more of this gorgeous countryside. And the sun coming out and the midges going away.”
The final stretch into camp ©No Limits Photography
The final run into camp was spectacular
Usually famed for its mud, the final five kilometers into camp today were a real treat for runners, who were enjoying the drier conditions and the spectacular scenery (although there were definitely a few disappointments from runners expecting camp to be just round that next corner… or the next one… or the next one!)
Edward Booker was one of the runners we spoke to as he came running into the finish. He said, “There were ups and down. And those weren’t just the hills.”
We asked what was keeping him motivated, he said: “Thinking about what my friends would say about me wimping out!”
Adam Holloway is returning for the second time to complete the Cape Wrath Ultra®, and was powering up the climb when we spoke to him.
He said, “That middle section through Knoydart is great. It’s a lot easier when you know where you can put a bit of speed in and where you can take it off and protect your legs. I can remember going along here a year ago.”
“It’s just a great 8 days. Just focusing on one thing for 8 days and not getting distracted by emails or the internet. The people are just friendly. The crew are so friendly and giving up their time so it’s great!”
Henry Gurney was finding the day tough when we caught up with him. He said, “I’m just feeling very tired and running out of steam. It’s been a fabulous day but I’ve really run out of energy now. About an hour ago, I’ve gone into that grim mode!”
However, he is currently in fourth place and certainly seemed to have picked up on the final run in.
A secluded run along the bay ©No Limits Photography
We spoke to Bridget as she came flying down the final hill into camp. She looked incredibly strong and had a huge smile on her face.
“It’s a hot and sweaty one. I’m a bit hot – I’m so looking forward to that Loch. It’s been a great day. I’ve really enjoyed the terrain.”
Bridget is no stranger to multi-day challenges, having placed 2nd in the Dragon’s Back Race® in 2022. “It’s got it’s own challenges. I think I preferred the constant hills of Dragon’s Back Race – it’s easier than all this running! I don’t know Scotland, so it’s really good fun! I’m two years older than at Dragon’s Back Race – I’m just hoping to finish.”
Bridget is currently in first place in the women’s field. “Pressure or what?!” she joked.
She has been enjoying the typical Scottish terrain. “I’ve fallen in two bogs today – the first one just my thigh went down, but the second one was a full body immersion. It was funny!”
Elsa Morgan was looking strong when we caught up with her today. She’s had a brilliant day, moving up into second place. “I’m feeling hot! It’s been lovely –we’ve been lucky with the weather but there’s a couple of savage hills in there!”
Elsa Morgan looking ©No Limits Photography
Lewis Taylor and Bridget Glaister are still in the lead
Tonight’s overnight camp is arguably the most spectacular. At the head of a secluded sea loch, and at the end of the longest dead-end road in the UK, it is far beyond where most people will venture to, so the runners were able to enjoy the
If runners were looking for a wash, they were spoilt for choice with a sea loch or a beautiful river pool to choose from.
At the end of Day 2, Lewis Taylor has extended his lead and is now twenty minutes ahead of second place runner, Swiss runner Ludwig Antilli. In third place is German runner Jan Fischer.
Meanwhile, in the ladies’ field, Bridget Glaister has also retained her position in first place. However, there has been a shake up for second and third place, with Elsa Morgan moving up into second place, while Charlotte Hurst is now in third.
However, while the frontrunners were into camp early enough to sun themselves while enjoying a bowl of chips, for many runners this has been a tough day. The gnarly terrain meant that many runners were chasing down the cut offs, and the Event Team are expecting to welcome runners into the finish until late in the evening.
Tomorrow, runners will face arguably the toughest day of the race so far, and it will take every ounce of strength and resilience to make it over the rugged terrain and steep climbs of Kintail.
Bridget Glaister is leading the women’s field ©No Limits Photography
Results
Overall
Men
Lewis Taylor (10:40:53)
Ludwig Antilli (11:03:58)
Jan Fischer (11:21:46)
Women
Bridget Glaister (12:25:20)
Elsa Morgan (12:50:32)
Charlotte Hurst (13:04:47)
On Day 2
Men
Lewis Taylor (07:35:38)
Ludwig Antilli (07:56:55)
Jan Fischer (08:03:46)
Women
Bridget Glaister (08:50:58)
Elsa Morgan (08:58:06)
Erin Smith (09:22:32)
Elsa chasing down Bridget ©No Limits Photography
BE THE DOT TO FOLLOW IN 2025!
HAS ALL THE EXCITEMENT INSPIRED YOU FOR YOUR OWN CAPE WRATH ULTRA® JOURNEY?
Sign up for the 2025 Cape Wrath Ultra or the shorter Cape Wrath Explorer and join us for 8 unforgettable days in the Scottish Highlands.
Sign up before 7th June to save £100 with the early bird price! In 2025, we are limited to 200 spaces, many of which will already be taken up by those who’ve registered interest in the event.
SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE JOURNAL ‘WILDERNESS: UNBOUND’
We are creating a beautiful journal celebrating the 2024 event. For a limited time only, we are offering you the chance to sign up for a FREE copy!
