Are you signed up to tackle the epic Cape Wrath Ultra? Want to find out what it takes to run 400km on an 8-day adventure through some of the most remote areas of the Scottish Highlands? We’ve teamed up with the Cape Wrath Ultra to help you prepare for this epic race for those who have entered - or are thinking of signing up for - the 2023 and 2024 events.
Led by 2021 event winner Ian Stewart, this weekend will equip you with all of the technical skills required for success at the Cape Wrath Ultra. It’s also a great opportunity to meet future Cape Wrath’ers, share experiences and ask questions of likeminded people, and meet new training partners.
We’ll pack a lot into one weekend, including:
Navigation - Fundamental navigation skills are essential for efficient travel across the wild terrain on the route. We will build map and compass skills as well as looking at the best way to use gps technologies.
Running with poles - Many competitors choose to use poles for the first time at the event because of it's attritional nature. Learn how to get the most out of them when walking, running and descending.
Descending technique - There are 11,000 meters of climbing over the 8 days of the race, that means that there are also 11,000 meters of descent. Small improvements in downhill efficiency will therefore make a massive difference in your speed across the ground and the compound fatigue over the race.
Event Mindset - However well prepared you are physically for this event, how you approach the mental challenge of the event will have a huge effect on your race experience, we share some ways to structure your mental preparation and share personal experiences.
Strength and conditioning - A practical session showing you how to build yourself into a robust runner, minimising your chances of injury over 8 brutal days in the highlands.
| Dates | Venue | Price | Spaces | Booking | Your coach |
| 13&14 April | Aviemore | £200 | Places available | Book now | Ian |
| 28&29 September | Aviemore | £200 | Places available | Book now | Ian |
If you can't wait, get in touch to discuss some bespoke training
This course is specifically designed for competitors preparing for the Cape Wrath Ultra. Course places are only open to competitors with a confirmed entry to the next event or those who are planning on entering the event in the next 18 months. If you have realistic expectations of completing the event within the cut-off times, then you should manage the physical demands of this course without issues.
Over the weekend we will run together at a pace that keeps the team together at all times.
On both days we will be out on the trails for several hours at a time so we will have to be prepared to deal with everything that the Scottish weather can throw us. To ensure your safety the following kit list is therefore compulsory for each individual. Additional safety equipment will be carried by the guides.
On the trail
Please come equipped with the mandatory kit requirements for the race.
If you have your own running poles, compass or gps please bring them along. These can be provided otherwise.
Workshops
We also have indoor sessions each day, so please bring enough warm, dry kit and clean shoes for inside the venue.
Please also bring a clean set of gym clothes for the strength and conditioning session.
Food - Lunch is not provided
If you have any questions or need advice about any of the equipment please just ask.
We will be based at Badaguish Outdoor Centre in Glenmore. From the roundabout at the south end of Aviemore, take the road towards Glenmore & Cairngorm. After 4.2 miles the turning to Badaguish is on the left
Accommodation
Wigwam accommodation is available onsite at Badaguish at a discount of 15%. Just make a booking through their website and use the code TRS24BADA
We also recommend Hostelling Scotland hostels in Aviemore or Glenmore where you can get a 10% discount by using the code TRAILRUN
Alternatively Aviemore has a wide variety of accommodation options
Trail Running Scotland Ltd. Company registration number SC786843