Welcome to the Cape Wrath Ultra Explorer!
The Cape Wrath Explorer can be thought of as a ‘choose-your-own adventure’ in which participants can choose to do part of the route each day, typically either the first half or the second half.
The aim is to give more aspirant participants the opportunity to experience the Cape Wrath Ultra® adventure up through the Scottish Highlands, and enjoy the camaraderie of the overnight camps, the spectacular course, and the special finish line at Cape Wrath lighthouse.
Completing even half of the full route is an incredible achievement in itself and we want to officially welcome and recognise those participants who do so; a Cape Wrath Ultra® ‘lite’ if you will.
Whilst we expect many participants plan to complete the whole Cape Wrath Ultra® course, The Explorer options allow for those who pick up niggles, or simply just don’t want to cover that much distance per day.
“I can highly recommend the Explorer option. At no time were those who chose to be Explorers or had the decision made for them (I missed the last cut-off on day 3 for example) made to feel anything other than loved and supported. Some people chose the shorter or less technical options and had an absolute ball. I picked the most scenic and mountainous options but without the pressure of cut-offs. I completed over 315k and challenged myself beyond all my expectations. If you are thinking about it - do it!”
Overview
You must complete at least one checkpoint per day;
This is due to event logistics where we cannot manage participants during our camp break down and rebuild.
If you miss course closure time (10pm) you must start at the insertion point the next day;
Our experience shows that participants arriving after course closure (10pm) require the additional time and rest before taking on the second part of the next day’s course. This allows recovery time both physically and mentally.
Cut-off times apply, but do not impact your eligibility for the Explorer medal;
Cut-off times do not impact eligibility for the Explorer medal, and you will be able to continue in the event. However, please use the cut-off times for guidance and do not be purposefully later than necessary to a checkpoint, as this has a large impact on our event volunteers and response teams. If you are extraordinarily late because you have chosen to stop for non-emergency reasons, you may be disqualified from the event and will not be able to continue.
Expect café stops, sightseeing or periods of time waiting in an MPV;
Course timings are very important to the management of the event, and therefore there may be long periods between leaving camp in an MPV and before you start running. Please refer to daily schedules for more details, but be assured that our MPV drivers know some of the best spots to go to make these journeys as enjoyable as possible! The best-kept secret of the Explorer, is that you may get to experience your own café and sightseeing tour of Scotland!
Always ask the Information Point;
The Information Point in the main marquee is the key check-in spot. Whether you provide your early intentions or make a late change to your plans, please let us know. We use this information to respond to changing logistics and avoid delays where possible.
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Yes! It works equally well for those using it as a stepping stone to a full Cape Wrath Ultra® completion in a future year, or those who are uncertain about completing the full race but keen to experience it in more manageable chunks.
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Yes! When you enter the event you will be asked to share your intention to complete either the Explorer or the full race route.
This is flexible and you can change your mind at a later date, this information will simply help us with our planning.
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No, it’s best to think of it as a build-your-own journey north in which the building blocks are (typically) either the first or second halves of each day.
e.g. you might choose to run the first half of the first four days, but the second half of the next four, or any combination you like!
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Yes… If you arrived at the overnight camp on the previous day before the course closure time.
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Yes, at any point during the race, any participant is entitled to move onto the Explorer (e.g. if you embarked on the full race route but then miss a cut-off on day three, it’s not all over - you can continue to do part or full days and still be rewarded at the finish!)
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Definitely not! All but the leading runners on the full course are walking all the uphill sections. If you are able to walk strongly throughout the day that will be sufficient for completing the Explorer.
Whilst a little jog on the downhill and runnable sections will help take the pressure off if you are close to the cut-offs, many participants have completed the first or second half of the days just by fast-hiking.
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No. If you’re doing the first half of the day we’ll ensure we are ready to collect you when you finish at the relevant checkpoint.
If you’re doing the second half of the day, we’ll drop you off at the checkpoint for you to run to that day’s finish.
Consider your week in Scotland as an all-inclusive running holiday if you like!
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Yes, we will have a special Explorer category in the results. This will not be ranked by overall time, because participants will have completed different sections of the course.
The Explorer is about experiencing the amazing Cape Wrath Ultra® course and being part of the incredible camaraderie that makes participation in the event so memorable and special.
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Yes! If you complete part of the course each day, you will qualify for a special Explorer memento.
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Yes. We think it’s great value for money as you are provided with extra transportation!
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Yes, we will do our utmost to facilitate participants who have previously done for instance the first half of day two, to do the second half of day two in a subsequent year (subject to logistics).
This means that a participant could complete the full Cape Wrath Ultra® course, but over two editions of the event.
Complete the Cape Wrath Explorer course and earn yourself one of these awesome medals ©No Limits Photography
The route
Day 1
This day is full course only, enjoy the leisurely sail across Loch Linnhe and the serene run around to Glenfinnan.
Only one option today - same as THE full route!
Distance - 37km
Height gain - 500m
For mapping, cut-off times & more route detail, please see the route page.
Day 2
Our first pair of Explorer options offers very contrasting sections in distance and remoteness.
Option 1 - Start to Checkpoint 1 (Strathan)
A short 15km along River Finnan and through Gleann a’ Chaoruinn
The first section is great for those looking for a shorter distance and less stress with a view to a long week ahead, or those managing any early niggles.
There is flexibility on your start time from camp, but 7:30-8am would be our advice.
The guidance time at CP1 is 10:45 and our MPV driver’s will be there to welcome you and provide transport to the overnight camp in Kinlochhourn. Be aware that connecting these two long dead roads is a 62-mile car journey taking around 2hrs 30mins.
Expect to arrive in camp at Kinlochhourn around 2 or 3pm, with a chance for a stop along the way.
Distance - 15km
Height gain - 550m
Start time - 07:00-09:00
Travel time to the end - 2 hours 30 mins
For mapping, cut-off times & more route detail, please see the route page.
Option 2 - Checkpoint 1 (Strathan) to finish
A long and remote 42km through Knoydart, and a pair of sea lochs on route.
This is certainly the connoisseur’s choice of reduced course for Day 2 of the event. Many at this stage would aim for the full course, but those looking ahead to making the most of the week on the Explorer course may decide to tackle this remote and magnificent section, removing the somewhat less dramatic scenery of the first quarter.
You shall need to be ready early for a 7am departure by MPV, with a 1hr 30min drive to the start point in Strathan, to start running at 9am. This may be a short time ahead of the majority of full course runners, ensuring some company through the remote glens.
Please be aware that stopping at CP2 would be a last resort, as this requires boat extraction via Mallaig, and a very long journey back. Further along, CP3 is also a difficult extraction point, again on water taking Loch Beag towards Kinlochhourn.
Distance - 42km
Height gain - 1250m
Leave camp - 07:00
Travel time to start - 1 hour 30 mins
Start time - 09:00
For mapping, cut-off times & more route detail, please see the route page.
Day 3
Day 3 provides three options with a split of the first section possible if desired.
Option 1 - Start to Checkpoint 2 (Carnach)
1a. An incredible 18km passing the highest point on the route, and down into Shiel Bridge.
The easier choice of the day takes you out of camp in Kinlochhourn and through northern Knoydart up the high point with views of the five sisters of Kintail. This option ends at the Kintail Lodge Hotel, where you’ll find the ever-enthusiastic MPV drivers, and together can help support any other runners (or event team) through the checkpoint.
Leaving camp as normal between 7:00-8:30am would mean an expected arrival at Shiel Bridge around the guidance time of 11:30am. Here you can relax and enjoy a coffee and lunch at the Kintail Lodge before a 45 minute journey to the overnight camp. It is likely that arrival time at camp would be around 2 or 3pm to ensure set up is complete.
Distance - 18km
Height gain - 800m
Start time - 07:00-09:00
Travel time to end - 45 mins
Cafe stops
For mapping, cut-off times & more route detail, please see the route page.
1b. An extension of the above
Or extend the 18km to a 34km journey taking in the highest point on the event, but also one of the highest waterfalls in the UK too. The Falls of Glomach provide a stunning finale before the drop down to the checkpoint at CP2 (Carnach) where we shall also have MPVs ready for the (slightly longer) journey to the overnight camp. The cut-off time here is 2:50pm, so it would be a direct drive back to the overnight camp.
Distance - 34km
Height gain - 1350m
Start time - 07:00-09:00
Travel time to end - 1 hour 15 mins
For mapping, cut-off times & more route detail, please see the route page.
Option 2 - checkpoint 2 (Carnach) to finish
Another remote second option for this day too.
Wanting another break from civilisation? This may be the option for you! This is a 34km section past Loch na Leitreach, Calavie and an Laoigh, with a final climb up and above the overnight camp, with an amazing final descent and a refreshing crossing of the River Carron.
You will leave camp promptly at 8:00am ready for a 2hr 30min MPV journey to the start, so pick your car buddies wisely (they’re all great really!) and start running shortly after arrival at 11:00am.
Distance - 34km
Height gain - 1050m
Leave Camp - 08:00
Travel time to end - 2 hours 30 mins
Start time - 11:00
For mapping, cut-off times & more route detail, please see the route page.
Day 4
At 35km, Day 4 is one of the shortest days of the week and many people on the Explorer course may consider doing the full day. However, don’t underestimate some of the terrain difficulties in the second half. Furthermore, the convenience of transport to the overnight camp allows for a very restful afternoon if you look to do the reduced course.
Option 1 - Start to Checkpoint 1 (Ling hut)
A relatively easy 15km to Glen Torridon with a climb up to 650m altitude.
The first half offers one of the easier options of the week, but it does pass through sunning scenery and climb through the col of Sgorr Ruadh and Beinn Liath Mhor, before the long descent to the Ling Hut and Glen Torridon. From there, it is a mere 10 mins by road to the overnight camp. As such, we will enforce a later start (9am), to ensure we have time to prepare the camp in Kinlochewe. Furthermore, we may take those finishing in Glen Torridon to a nearby café in Torridon to afford the event team more time to set up camp.
Distance - 15km
Height gain - 675m
Start time - 09:00
Travel time to end - 10 mins
Cafe stops
For mapping, cut-off times & more route detail, please see the route page.
Option 2 - Checkpoint 1 (Ling Hut) to finish
A stunning 20km half loop of Beinn Eighe and it’s National Nature Reserve.
This is one of the most wondrous areas of the route, passing between the huge mountains comprised of Lewisian Gneiss and Torridonian Sandstone – this includes the triple buttresses of Coire Mhic Fhearchair, which is also topped with white quartzite to create a dramatic backdrop. Whilst this section is not too long at 20km, and has a moderate height gain of 725m, it does include some of the more difficult terrain of the route. You would be leaving camp at 9am, with a 45 minute drive around to Glen Torridon to start running around 10am.
Distance - 20km
Height gain - 725m
Leave Camp - 09:00
Travel time to start - 45 mins
Start time - 10:00
For mapping, cut-off times & more route detail, please see the route page.
Day 5
Once again, two contrasting options make Day 5 another welcome opportunity for a short day, or a chance to take the longer option and nip off the tail of the day’s route, if necessary.
Option 1 - Start to Checkpoint 2 (Corriehallie)
A 34km journey through more incredible mountains and on into Fisherfield.
The first section of 34km and 900m height gain takes a winding route through the impressive peaks and remote lochs, with a final stretch under the Fisherfield range and the stunning An Teallach ridge lines. A normal start time (7-9am) and a short 20 min journey to the overnight camp make a well-balanced day, with the option to carry on over the final section and down into the overnight camp available, courtesy of a generous cut-off time at CP2.
Distance - 34km
Height gain - 900m
Start time - 07:00 - 09:00
Travel time to end - 20 mins
For mapping, cut-off times & more route detail, please see the route page.
Option 2 - Checkpoint 2 (Corriehallie) to finish
The final 10km from Dundonnell to Inverbroom
This is very much the restful option, although you will still be able to make the most of the stunning views of Fisherfield. Leaving camp by 9am, the journey by road to CP2 is around 1 hour 15 minutes. However, with a start time of midday, there will be a café or possible sightseeing opportunity in the morning too.
The route itself climbs steadily to a vantage point of 400m above the overnight camp where a short and steep descent awaits before more time to rest in the open (and ‘probably’ midge-free) campsite.
Distance - 10km
Height gain - 500m
Leave camp - 09:00
Travel time to start - 1 hour 15 mins
Start time - 12:00
Cafe stops
For mapping, cut-off times & more route detail, please see the route page.
Day 6
The longest full day of the route takes us into the remote landscapes of Sutherland. The options for the Explorer course are relatively similar in distance and height gain, although be aware that the terrain is more difficult on the second section.
Option 1 - Start to Checkpoint 2 (Oykel Bridge)
37km mostly on forestry tracks and reasonable running terrain.
This section starts with lovely forestry tracks and, whilst the terrain is not always completely straightforward, the second half of the section takes more lovely runnable tracks all the way through to Oykel Bridge. A 45 minute drive awaits from Oykel Bridge to the overnight camp.
Distance - 37km
Height gain - 775m
Start time - 07:00 - 09:00
Travel time to end - 45 mins
For mapping, cut-off times & more route detail, please see the route page.
Option 2 - Checkpoint 2 (Oykel Bridge) to finish
35km – good tracks turn to rough moorland as you trace your way towards the source of River Oykel.
The first 13km of the second section offer more nice tracks alongside the River Oykel. This leads to CP3 which does provide an extraction opportunity if necessary. From here the tracks and the river get smaller almost all the way to the river source and some amazing scenery in the shadows of Ben More Assynt and Conival before the beautiful final descent to Inchnadamph where you may find a few friendly event team members giving you a final cheer as you near the overnight camp.
Leaving camp at 9am it is around 1hr 15 minute to drive to Oykel Bridge where you may have chance to enjoy the hotel facilities before an 11:30am start.
Distance - 35km
Height gain - 625m
Leave camp - 09:00
Travel time to start - 1 hour 15 mins
Start time - 11:30
For mapping, cut-off times & more route detail, please see the route page.
Day 7
If you still have 40km in your legs now, the first section offers up another incredible route passing the highest waterfall in the UK and astounding sea loch views. If not, shorter options (and cafés) are available, albeit there’s still some classic bog-hopping required.
One of our favourite moments from the previous races are Explorers making this full day their new objective – it’s a big one but, with a short and celebratory final day, realigning your goals in this way can provide a finish line moment to remember!
Option 1 - Start to Checkpoint 2 (Lochstack Lodge)
The first section is a 41km journey of incredible beauty.
This section looks beautiful on a map, let alone in person. After climbing up out of Inchnadamph and just over 600m, the land starts to open up, and the descent takes you down past the highest waterfall in the UK. The route continues round the sea lochs of Glencoul and Glendhu, before cutting back inland slightly and taking in the modest summit of Ben Dreavie, before heading down towards Loch Stack, where you will finish for the day.
Distance - 41km
Height gain - 1400m
Start time - 07:00 - 09:00
Travel time to end - 25 mins
For mapping, cut-off times & more route detail, please see the route page.
Option 2 - Checkpoint 2 (Lochstack Lodge) to finish
A scenic drive, café stops and just 20km and 200m height gain – but there’s a catch!
The second section is much shorter at 20km and with a leisurely start time of 1pm from Loch Stack Lodge, allowing for a journey via cafés and the coast. However, the terrain here does bite back, with a pathless route alongside a loch, before the final 7km on road down to Kinlochbervie.
Distance - 20km
Height gain - 200m
Leave camp - 09:00
Travel time to start - 1 hour
Start time - 13:00
Cafe stops
For mapping, cut-off times & more route detail, please see the route page.
Day 8
You’ve only one choice here! Enjoy the 26km to coast, across Sandwood Bay and on to the lighthouse at Cape Wrath.
Only one option today, but it’s a good one!
Distance - 26km
Height gain - 700m
For mapping, cut-off times & more route detail, please see the route page.