The Route
The Cape Wrath Ultra® is based on the Cape Wrath Trail, which is considered to be the toughest long distance backpacking trail in the UK. It crosses rugged landscapes and winds through genuine wilderness spending significant time away from civilisation. Hikers usually take at least 20 days to complete the trail. The Cape Wrath Ultra is an ultra running expedition that takes a similar route to the Cape Wrath Trail, but with our expert local knowledge the race route has been tailored for runners.
The 400km route is completed over 8 days and it offers a compelling ultra running challenge. Participants will have none of the complex logistical worries that hikers traditionally encounter when embarking on the Cape Wrath Trail or other long distance footpaths, such as the Pennine Way.
Participants are welcome to walk large sections of the route, however, the Cape Wrath Ultra is ultimately an ultra running race; on the longest days participants will not be able to exclusively walk, in order to complete the route within the cut-offs.
The Cape Wrath Explorer
Completing even half of the full race 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.
NEW for 2025! Looking to experience the wilderness of the Cape Wrath Trail but not ready to embark on the full journey? Join us for the Cape Wrath 100 – New for 2025. Following the established multi-day format of the Ultra route, this unique 100-mile race is staged over 3 days and takes in the scenery, camaraderie and adventure that Cape Wrath is famous for, travelling from Fort William – Achnashellach.
“WITH TOWERING MOUNTAINS ON ONE SIDE AND THE CRASHING OCEAN ON THE OTHER, THE CAPE WRATH ULTRA® TRAVELS THROUGH STUNNING SCENERY AND REMOTE WILDERNESS WITH EVERY STEP NORTH.”
Explore day by day of the cape wrath ultra
the cape wrath 100 follows the first three days of the ultra route, see the cape wrath explorer route detail here.
Day by day
© 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.
All distances and height gain data are for guidance only. The route is subject to change.
Cape Wrath Explorer?
Day 1 of the Cape Wrath Explorer follows the same route as the full course.
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 2024 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!”
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ITRA POINTS
The Ultra course is worth 5 ITRA points and 4 mountain points - find out more here.
CAPE WRATH ULTRA COURSE RECORDS
FEMALE - Jo Meek, 2023, 52:09:56
MALE - Marcus Scotney, 2016, 41:40:50
Complete the Ultra course and earn yourself one of these awesome medals! ©No Limits Photography