Races
West Highland Way
Milngavie to Fort William. Scotland in June. Midges optional. The Devil's Staircase still decides pacing.
- Start2,159 ft
- High2,159 ft
- Low883 ft
- Finish883 ft
Geometryderived
The cruxMoorland bogs, steep fells, and night navigation on unmarked paths (near mile 62)
Course DNA
The Course
West Highland Way runs 95 mi through Scotland. +21,177 ft gain and -22,454 ft loss. Surfaces skew 70% trail / 20% path / 10% road. Moorland bogs, steep fells, and night navigation on unmarked paths. High point near 2,159 ft. Low near 883 ft. June temps run 40°F to 70°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 48.
The Work
Train for 21,177 feet of climbing across 95 mi. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 35 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 62.
Kit
June in Scotland: plan for 40°F to 70°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 35 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 24. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 70% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 48.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 24. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 48. Moorland bogs, steep fells, and night navigation on unmarked paths near mile 62 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 31 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
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