Cape Wrath Ultra
22nd-29th May 2016

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Richard Beard: Official Results
 Length (miles)Height gain (m)TimePosition
Day 1 23 500 4hr 23.39 51st
Day 2 35 1,800 9hr 53.39 35th
Day 3 42 2,400 12hr 26.16 31st
Day 4 22 1,400 6hr 23.55 21st
Day 5 27 1,400 6hr 49.49 32nd
Day 6 45 1,400 11hr 29.56 30th
Day 7 38 1,600 11hr 33.25 29th
Day 8 16 700 3hr 30.35 14th
Overall 248 11,200 66hr 31.14 23rd

Even before taking part in the Dragons Back race last year I had entered for this inaugural edition of the Cape Wrath Ultra. The lure of the journey through the glorious scenery of North West Scotland was irresistible.

A year later, after being piped ashore from a ferry ride across Loch Linnhe, 95 of us, representing fourteen countries, gathered with some trepidation outside the village hall at Treslaig wondering what lay ahead.  The weather forecast for the week looked good so the major worry that heavy rain would make river crossings on the route impassable could be put aside. (a coach was on standby for the duration of the event and a days worth of running videos had been laid in just in case!)

Richard BeardAn easy first day along road, track and path took us to the first nights campsite by the viaduct at Glenfinnan, where the volunteer team had the tents, kitchen and marquee set up ready.  It was an early finish so there was plenty of time to rest and feed before retiring early to bed in preparation for the more testing days ahead as the race got into its stride.

Over the next seven days we headed north through magnificent landscapes following a mixture of road, track, path and pathless wilderness which consisted variously of rock, boulders, bog, heather moorland and sandy beach – something for everyone.

Some of the estate/forestry tracks were a bit of a slog but elsewhere the stunning views more than compensated and the technical descents were a joy.  After the Dragons Back in 2015 with its consistently long days (finishing as it got dark) it was great to be arriving in camp in good time to relax in the sunshine and get to meet fellow competitors.All too soon the last day crept up with the final leg from Kinlochbervie to the lighthouse. My plan had always been to run conservatively for most of the race and perhaps open up a bit on the last day so I was pleased to feel as fresh as I left the start. Along the road/track to the magnificent Sandwood bay for a stretch across the sands and then it was up and down over low hills along the clifftop. It seemed no time before the lighthouse came into view and a final push along the rough road to the finish. Along with others I was puzzled by the lack of finish banners etc ahead but it transpired that the first few of us had beaten the finish team to the finish – their excuse that the ferryman hadn’t turned up.

A bumpy minibus ride followed by ferry took us to the final campsite at Durness. A very brief swim in Sango bay was followed by an evening of celebrations and buffet in the village hall.

Richard BeardMany thanks to all the event crew who worked tirelessly through the event moving the circus on each day and keeping us fuelled. There are plenty of inspiring photos to wet your appetite taken by Ian Corless and on the events website/facebook pages. The 2nd edition is planned for 2018 – next year they’re offering the Dragons Back again (already sold out).