The organisers have an obligation to ensure that the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline® is as safe as possible, but without diminishing the nature of the challenge... The nature of the challenge is very severe and there is a risk of serious injury or death whilst participating in this event.

The Salomon Glen Coe Skyline® follows in the finest tradition of the most prestigious skyrunning races, fusing mountain running and alpinism in a pure test of speed, endurance and skill on an uncompromising world-class course, which is designed to challenge the most experienced and competent mountain runners. 

Our route features long and sustained sections of scrambling terrain, which is roughly equivalent to ‘moderate standard rock climbing’. Be under no illusions that a slip or trip on these serious sections of the route could result in death.

If you do not explicitly understand the terms, or have no direct personal experience of ‘scrambling’ and ‘moderate standard rock climbing’ then the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline® is not suitable for you.

The proposed race route traverses high and remote mountainous terrain. Once committed to many sections of the race route it is impossible to retreat. The entire race route is subject to rapidly changing, highly variable and extremely severe weather. For this reason, competitors must be capable of ‘robust completion’ of the route in all but the most serious weather conditions.

The route is very rough underfoot with long sections of rock and scree-covered terrain. There will be an enormous amount of ascent and descent.

Parking
See our page on parking and bus options for more information.  

Registration
The registration marquee will be in the Event Village outside the Ice Factor in the centre of Kinlochleven. This is where registration, issuing of competitors’ timing chips, GPS trackers, race numbers & race maps will take place. Competitors should allow at least 1 hour to complete the registration process. Times as above in 'Dates & Schedule'.

The Route
The main Salomon Glen Coe Skyline® course is 52km with 4,750m of ascent and the Bad Weather course is 32km with 2,700m of ascent. 

We will make the decision on which course to use on the Saturday based on the best possible weather forecast and prevailing conditions. The confirmed route will be published at registration. The route will be fully marked and no navigational experience is required.  

There will be no fixed ropes to safeguard sections of the route and competitors must be confident to move safely over Moderate rock climbing terrain in all but the most severe weather conditions. More details in the section entitled 'The Route' below.

Checkpoints
There will be a series of 15 checkpoints around the course staffed by the event team (one of these [CP9] is the low-level feed station at ~33km in). Due to the remote nature of the route competitors will need to carry safety equipment, food and fluids as the checkpoints will be far apart. 

Family, friends and members of the public are welcome at any of the checkpoints.

The race route traverses high and remote mountainous terrain. Once committed to many sections of the race route it is impossible to retreat. Any competitor retiring from the race is likely to face a long walk back into the valley. Competitors should expect long sections of the route to have no marshals and where they will only find signs marking the route.

Mandatory Kit List
There will be a mandatory kit list for competitors and competitors will be kit checked before starting and / or at the end of the race. 

Cut-Offs
Please see 'The Route' section immediately below.

Curved Ridge
The route will ascend Stob Dearg (Buachaille Etive Mor) via the exposed Grade III scramble (a 'Moderate' graded rock climb) of Curved Ridge. 

Aonach Eagach Ridge
The route will complete a full traverse of the Aonach Eagach ridge, which includes exposed Grade II scrambling. The entire ridge is inescapable and once committed competitors must either complete the traverse or reverse back to Checkpoint 10 on the summit of Sgorr nam Fionnadh before returning to the valley bottom.

Fixed Ropes
There will be no fixed ropes to safeguard any sections of the route and competitors must be confident to move safely over Moderate rock climbing terrain in all but the most severe weather conditions.

Recceing the route?

• You are likely to encounter many other recreational users. Please remember that you have no more than an equal right of way.
• Please note that there is a risk of dislodging stones onto people below you on Curved Ridge - take care and be respectful at all times.

Bad Weather Route
The Bad Weather Route will only be used if the weather is forecast to be severe during the race. We must reiterate that competitors must be confident to move safely over Moderate rock climbing terrain in all but the most severe weather conditions. To be clear our expectation is that competitors can solo an exposed Grade III scramble in wet and windy weather.

 

Fly-through  

TIP: You may wish to set the speed to 32x

 

Cut-Offs
There will cut-offs at Checkpoints 1, 5 and 9. These cut-offs are based on a desire to have all competitors safely off the higher sections of the course before dark and finished by the Course Closure Time, which is 20:30. We are happy for slower competitors to be returning via the West Highland Way footpath into Kinlochleven as it gets dark. These cut-offs are based on a 07:30 start time. The cut-offs are:

Checkpoint 1 = 09:30
Checkpoint 5 = 13:30
Checkpoint 9 = 15:00

Competitors must have departed from these Checkpoints by the cut-off time. These cut-off times are based on approximately an overall 13-hour completion time for the entire route.

Cut-offs are designed to give people best chance to enjoy as much of the course as possible, whilst stopping people from entering the highest/most dangerous/most exposed ground if they will not be able to complete the course before the Course Closure Time.

Experienced but slower competitors are very welcome at the race but please note that the cut-offs will be strictly enforced. Any runner, at any point on the course, will be retired from the race, if they have no chance of finishing before the Course Closure Time, at 20:30. 

 

Course Closure Time: 20:30
Competitors can only competitively complete the course if they finish within the course opening times; finishing after 20:30 will result in competitors being timed out and therefore no medal or competitive result time will be issued.

 

GPS Course Data

This route is only roughly drawn to show the route! Competitors must follow the race signs on race day and NOT rely on their GPS for the route. The organisers retain the right to alter the race route at any time.

You can download the 2023 GPX file of the following route.

 

Checkpoints
The will be 13 marshalled checkpoints along the route. The two low-level ones are checkpoints 1 and 9. Food and water will be provided to the competitors at Checkpoint 9 ONLY. At all other checkpoints there will be no food or water available, but emergency aid from the event team will be possible. Due to the remote nature of the course competitors will need to carry safety equipment, food and fluids as the checkpoints will be far apart. 

Family, friends and members of the public are welcome at the Loch Achtriochian checkpoint (9) and hot drinks / cold drinks, food etc will be available for competitors.

The race route traverses high and remote mountainous terrain. Once committed to many sections of the race route it is impossible to retreat. Any competitor retiring from the race is likely to face a long walk back into the valley. Competitors should expect long sections of the route to have no marshals and where they will only find signs marking the route.

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Salomon Glen Coe Skyline® courtesy of ©Jeremy Ashcroft Maps - purchase a print here

 

Detailed Route Description
With a route that dances along the jagged and lofty mountainous horizons above Scotland’s most famous Glen and Pass, and with airy ridges to negotiate, there is no doubt that this race has a licence to thrill. Glen Coe has long held travellers in awe. It is described and known by the characteristic shapes of each individual mountain along its length, and by the essential and ancient passage of the roads below. The mountains dominate and tower over anyone that stands below them, or who passes along the present A82 road, necks craning to see the tops.

This skyrunning race is based at the village of Kinlochleven nestled at the head of Loch Leven (alt 0m… sea level), and incorporates the West Highland Way Long Distance Route as a conduit to and from the foot of these dramatic mountains.

The classic triangle of Stob Dearg (Buachaille Etive Mor) is a sentinel to the eastern entrance to the Glen, and the awesome sight that greets the runners as they crest the pass West Highland Way pass from Kinlochleven. The West Highland Way will take you to the settlement of Altnafeadh (alt 290m – Checkpoint 1), our divergence from The West Highland Way and onto the steepening open hillside. Summiting Stob Dearg (alt 1022 – Checkpoint 2) by the exposed Grade III scramble (a 'Moderate' graded rock climb) of Curved Ridge. At the summit, a vast view eastwards to Rannoch Moor is presented. The route then heads south-west along the multiple summits of the Buachaille Etive Mor massif before dropping rapidly into Lairig Gartain (Pass alt 370m - Checkpoint 4), crossing the River Coupall and immediately ascending the smaller Buachaille massif to the col.

Now passing through increasingly remote territory, it is time to descend to Lairig Eilde (Pass alt 490m – Checkpoint 5), and immediately then ascend onto the shoulder of Stob Coire Sgreamhach, before summiting at 1072m (Checkpoint 6). We are now on the highest and most complex terrain of the whole route, and soon reach the summit of Bidean nam Bian (alt 1150 – Checkpoint 8). A dog-leg to Stob Coire nan Lochan (alt 1115m - Checkpoint 7) will enable competitors to experience another stunning mountain spur into Glen Coe – it’s a stunning environment here. Returning to the summit of Bidean then enables descent using regular paths to the A82 road at 90m – the lowest point of the route in Glencoe.

Checkpoint 9 is where the path meets the A82 and there is a cut-off of 1500 at this location. Above us now, remains a stiff ascent to the famous Aonach Eagach ridge, an arête with occasional Grade II scrambling, and for us it extends west to east from Sgorr nam Fionnadh (alt 967m – Checkpoint 10), over Meall Dearg (alt 953m) to Am Bodach (alt 943m – Checkpoint 11). That is 3km of intricate ridge traversing, with distant views over the coastline and hundreds of mountains including Ben Nevis. The ridge continues over smaller summits and flowing ridges until descending a shoulder to the West Highland Way (Checkpoint 13). The superlatives don’t cease here though. Cresting the path brings us to a renewed view north towards the Mamores. The West Highland Way outward route is then reversed to return to Kinlochleven and the Finish.

Bad Weather Route Statistics
40km / 3,000m

 

Bad Weather Route
The Bad Weather Route avoids all of the exposed scrambling terrain but it will only be used if the weather is forecast to be severe during the race. The bad weather route is still a very significant and challenging mountain run and should not be underestimated especially if conditions are poor.

 

Bad Weather Cut-Offs
There will be cut-offs at Checkpoints 1, 4 and 7. These cut-offs are based on a desire to have all competitors safely off the higher sections of the course and finished by the Course Closure Time, which is 20:00. These cut-offs are based on a 10:00 start time. The cut-offs are:

Checkpoint 1 = 12:00
Checkpoint 4 = 15:00
Checkpoint 7 = 17:00

Competitors must have departed from these Checkpoints by the cut-off time. Any runner, at any point on the course, will be retired from the race, if they have no chance of finishing before the Course Closure Time, at 20:00. 

 

Bad Weather GPS Course Data
This route is only roughly drawn to show the route! Competitors must follow the race signs on race day and NOT rely on their GPS for the route. The organisers retain the right to alter the race route at any time.

The 2023 version is available to download as a GPX file.

 

Bad Weather Checkpoints
There will be 8 marshalled checkpoints along the route. These will be a combination of low-level (Checkpoints 1 and 7) and high-level checkpoints. Food and water will be provided to the competitors at Checkpoint 7 ONLY. At all other checkpoints there will be no food or water provided, but emergency aid from the event team will be possible. Due to the remote nature of the course competitors will need to carry safety equipment, food and fluids as the checkpoints are far apart. 

Family, friends and members of the public are welcome at the 'Bee Hive Cairn' - Checkpoint 7 where hot drinks / cold drinks, food etc will be available for competitors.

The race route traverses high and remote mountainous terrain. Once committed to many sections of the race route it is impossible to retreat. Any competitor retiring from the race is likely to face a long walk back into the valley. Competitors should expect long sections of the route to have no marshals and where they will only find signs marking the route.

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Detailed Bad Weather Route Description
This skyrunning race is based at the village of Kinlochleven nestled at the head of Loch Leven (alt 0m… sea level), and incorporates the West Highland Way Long Distance Route as a conduit to and from the foot of these dramatic mountains.

The classic triangle of Stob Dearg (Buachaille Etive Mor) is a sentinel to the eastern entrance to the Glen, and the awesome sight that greets the runners as they crest the pass West Highland Way pass from Kinlochleven. The West Highland Way will take you to the settlement of Altnafeadh (alt 290m – Checkpoint 1), our divergence from The West Highland Way and onto the steepening open hillside. Summiting Stob Dearg (alt 1022 – Checkpoint 2) by path in Coire na Tulaich. At the summit, a vast view eastwards to Rannoch Moor is presented. The route then heads south-west along the multiple summits of the Buachaille Etive Mor massif before dropping rapidly into Lairig Gartain (Pass alt 370m - Checkpoint 4), crossing the River Coupall and immediately ascending the smaller Buachaille massif and summiting Stob Coire Raineach (alt 925 - Checkpoint 5).

It is now time to descend to Lairig Eilde and turn north east to Checkpoint 7 on the A82. 

Above us now, remains a rough ascent, hand-railing the Allt Coire Meannarclach, to join the ridge at the summit of Sron a Choire Odhair-bhig (no checkpoint). with distant views over the coastline and hundreds of mountains including Ben Nevis. The ridge continues over smaller summits and flowing ridges until descending a shoulder to the West Highland Way (Checkpoint 8). The superlatives don’t cease here though. Cresting the path brings us to a renewed view north towards the Mamores. The West Highland Way outward route is then reversed to return to Kinlochleven and the Finish.

Please arrive in good time for the start as there will be a kit check as you enter the start pen. Remember, “No Kit, No Go”.  Anyone in a position of note at the end of the race will be kit checked, and anyone found without the mandatory kit will be disqualified. 

The kit requirements for the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline are summarised here. However, for more detail on each item, please refer to our overarching clothing and equipment guidance article on the Ourea Events website. This contains important detail on each specific kit item, for example, the exact requirements of your waterproof jacket having taped seams.

Mandatory items

All competitors must carry or wear the following:

1. Running rucksack/vest/bumbag
2. Fell/mountain running shoes* 
   We recommend:  Salomon S-Lab Cross 2 Unisex or Speedcross 5 Men's / Speedcross 5 Women's
   (road trainers or running shoes without a deep enough lug are NOT acceptable)
3. Waterproof top with hood 
   We recommend:  Salomon S-Lab Gore-Tex Shakedry Unisex  or Salomon Bonatti Gore Tex Shakedry Jacket Unisex or Salomon Bonatti Trail Jacket Mens / Salomon Bonatti Trail Jacket Women's
4. Waterproof trousers/pants
5. A long sleeve base layer
6. Spare synthetic warm top (minimum 300g) suitable for the weather conditions. Spare means unworn at the start – this must be kept in a waterproof bag.
   We recommend: A technical midlayer (see Men's / Women's) / insulated garment
7. Hat, gloves/glove-mittens suitable for the weather conditions
   We recommend: Salomon Beanie, Salomon Bonatti WP Mitten 
8. Survival bag (not a blanket)
   These can be purchased with your entry for collection at registration
9. Headtorch (with sufficient light to be able to navigate in the darkness)
   We recommend: the SILVA Trail Runner Free ULTRA 400 Lumens (This model is AAA & Rechargeable Battery Operated. Carry Spare Batteries)
10. Water bottle and / or hydration system (must have the capacity to carry 1,000ml)
    We recommend: Salomon Soft Flask or Soft Reservoir
11. Whistle
12. Sufficient food**
13. Mobile phone
14. GPS tracker (supplied)

Recommended items

1. A pack in which to carry the above
   We recommend: Salomon ADV Skin 5 Running Vest
2. Helmet
3. A smart-device (waterproof [or kept waterproof] with plenty of battery power) - likely a smartphone and watch combination, capable of displaying a compass, grid-reference, altitude)

Clothing and Equipment Clarifications

• The use of trekking/hiking poles up Curved Ridge (CP1-2), and on the Aonach Eagach (CP10-11) is strictly prohibited.
• It is not possible to leave surplus equipment with event staff at the checkpoints.
• *Trail running shoes may be appropriate but they usually don’t have sufficiently deep lugs to provide a reassuring grip in a wide variety of situations.
• **Relying entirely on support point food is not acceptable. The support point food should be regarded as more of a bonus to your core nutrition.

Entry Process

If at any point (up to and including the day of the race) the Organiser believes that the aspirant competitor's experience is unsuitable, they may decline and refund their entry. If there is any attempt to mislead the Organiser about a competitor's experience, the entry will be cancelled and no refund issued.

It is important to note that just because a competitor has been offered a place at the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline® that this is no guarantee of their ability to complete the event.

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Pre-Requisite Experience

This is crucial. There will be no benefit of doubt: We will not reply to you to ask for further details if you haven't been clear and thorough with your experience - you will simply not get a place. Please take your time.

It is important to note that just because an aspirant competitor has been offered a place at the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline®, this is no guarantee of their ability to complete the event.

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Declaration

Each aspirant competitor must agree to the following Declaration when completing an application form:

I am an experienced mountain runner, capable of 'robust completion' of the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline® and declare that:

1. I have experience of running in a similar mountain environment to the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline®;
2. I have experience of scrambling on similar mountains to those featured in the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline® and confirm that I am capable of safely negotiating Moderate rock climbing terrain in all but the most severe weather conditions;
3. I can competently cross the ground in the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline® without experiencing debilitating fear and without causing delay or distress to other participants or members of the public;
4. I can apply sound mountain judgement at all times even if it means compromising my overall race result;
5. I know how to be aware of others around me, both above and below me, and can take care with my footfall on the mountain to minimise the hazard of rockfall, slips and trips;
6. I can diligently concentrate and follow waymarking;
7. I can understand and interpret a pre-event route map and elucidate the main features and passage points, such as marshalled support locations, road crossings and time cut-offs (this does not mean map-memory and full navigational competence – this is a waymarked route);
8. I accept full responsibility for my own safety and any injury sustained during the event. These are not the responsibility of the event organiser, their agents or the landowners;
9. I know my limitations and I am experienced enough to make a reasoned decision whether or not to start the event and/or to retire from the event rather than jeopardise my own or other people’s safety;
10. I understand that there is a risk of serious injury or death whilst participating in the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline®.

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We will award the following prizes, finisher's medals and trophies:

Finisher's Medal 
All finshers completing the course (within the cut-offs and course opening times) will receive a Salomon Glen Coe Skyline® finisher's medal. This will be presented on the finish line.

Prize Ceremony
The Salomon Glen Coe Skyline® winners' trophies will be awarded at the prize giving ceremony at approx. 16:30 on the Sunday afternoon. 

 

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2022 Prize Fund

1st Male - £200.00
2nd Male - £100.00  
3rd Male - £50.00 

1st Female - £200.00  
2nd Female - £100.00 
3rd Female - £50.00