Ultra X Scotland

Day one is a point-to-point route. The race starts from Queen’s Park Athletics Track in Inverness. From there, the course joins the Great Glen Way, climbing up through the woodlands of Inverness West and offering stunning views over the Moray Firth. The route then weaves south along the Great Glen Way through the ancient Caledonian pine trees of Abriachan Forest, from where the mythical Loch Ness can be glimpsed for the first time. Heading further south, the spectacular ruins of Urquhart Castle can be seen on the approach to Drumnadrochit, after which the route climbs up and over Meall Fuar-mhonaidh, the highest point of the course at 699m. The final stretch offers breathtaking views over the Great Glen and the Caledonian Canal, passing waterfalls and picturesque streams on the way to Fort Augustus and to the campsite at the very southern shore of Loch Ness. Day two is a point-to-point route. The second stage starts from the southern shore of Loch Ness, offering striking views down the Great Glen to the finish line in Dores. The course heads north from the campsite, turning inland along the stunning South Loch Ness Trail. The day starts with a sharp climb through the woodlands, offering breathtaking views over the idyllic Loch Tarff, one of the region’s best kept secrets. From the lake, a single-track trail winds its way through Whitebridge Plantation towards Suidhe viewpoint. The route then passes the magnificent Falls of Foyers waterfall, after which runners ascend The Corkscrew and head north to Fair Haired Lad’s Pass, offering another glimpse of Urquhart Castle across the water. The final stretch of the race follows the Trail of the 7 Lochs all the way to Dores, before descending sharply down towards Loch Ness Beach, where the finish line awaits. There are checkpoints stationed approximately 10km apart where competitors can access water, shelter, and, if necessary, medical support.