Two-Day West Highland Way Recce Weekend

May 9-10, 2026 | 56 miles across Scotland's most spectacular trail

Whether you're preparing for West Highland Way Race or chasing adventure, our weekend offers camaraderie, support, course insights and the chance to experience one of Scotland's most spectacular trails with the Wildheart Runners community.

Available to book from Friday 30/1/26 at 8am

Key Details at a Glance

When: Saturday, May 9 - Sunday, May 10, 2026
Where: Glencoe Mountain Resort (meet point and overnight base)
Distance: 56 miles total (Day 1: 30 miles | Day 2: 26 miles)
Price: £150 per person
Who it's for: Runners training for WHW Race or similar ultra events with cutoffs

Pace Guidance/Requirement

This adventure is designed for runners training for the West Highland Way Race or similar ultra events with strict cutoffs. You can run at your own pace, but you need to have the fitness to cover the distance and terrain. This is a running weekend rather than a walking experience - we want you moving with purpose and building your ultra fitness with support around you.

Navigation: The West Highland Way is waymarked but it's not always clear. Bring a map or load the route onto your watch.

What's Included

• Private bus from Glencoe to Beinglas Farm at 9am (day 1)

• Two-day parking at Glencoe Mountain Resort

• Overnight shared accommodation in eco lodges at Glencoe ski centre  (same-sex)

• Day pack transfer on day 2 so you've got warm clothes at the finish

• Return private bus from Fort William to Glencoe at 3pm (day 2)

• Pre-event Zoom to answer questions and chat through the details.

The Route

Day 1: Saturday, May 9 – Beinglas Farm to Glencoe (30 miles)

Meet: 8:45am at Glencoe Mountain Resort (Ballachulish PH49 4HZ)
Bus leaves: 9am SHARP to Beinglas Farm, Inverarnan
Run starts: Around 10am
The terrain: 1,400m (4,600ft) of climbing on mostly runnable trails and wide paths with some short climbs

Time to finish: Aim for 8 hours max - the café stops serving hot food at 7pm and you'll want that.

Refuel stop: Tyndrum (12 miles in) has shops and cafes if you need to grab something (not included in the price)

Evening: Café at the Mountain Resort until 7pm (food not included), then settle into your pod for the night. Coin-operated showers - bring £1 coins.

Day 2: Sunday, May 10 – Glencoe to Fort William (26 miles)

Group start: 8am (but see below)

The terrain: 750m (2,460ft) of climbing with more technical sections taking in the Devil's Staircase and the stunning Lairig Mor
Bag transfer: We'll move a small bag to Fort William Leisure Centre for you - pack warm clothes and whatever you'll want at the finish

About pacing on Day 2: Everyone runs at different speeds, so you can start earlier or later than the 8am group start time. Just plan to be done in time for the bus leaving at 3pm to take you back to the ski centre

Time to finish: 7 hours will give the majority of runners ample time to make the 3pm bus.

Bring breakfast: The café doesn't open until 8am

What to Bring (the essentials)

• Day pack for running 

• Sleeping bag

• £1 coins for the showers

• Map or the route on your watch

• Kit for Scottish mountain weather (which means be prepared for anything)

• Food and drinks for both days (including breakfast)

• Small bag for the finish line (warm kit, snacks, whatever you'll need). We can't transport big bags, suitcases or duffel bags.

Your car

Your car stays at Glencoe for the full two days, and you'll be back at it at the end of Day 1 before heading to your overnight accommodation. Pack it with all the comforts you need - fresh clothes, toiletries, your favourite pillow (Kaz will have her silk pillowcase - no judgement). If you don't have a car, the ski centre has storage facilities we can use, but again, this is at your own risk. Just leave valuables at home - we can't take responsibility for stuff left in cars or stored belongings.

Weather: It's Scotland in May. Could be gorgeous, could be midges, could be sideways rain. Pack accordingly.

Terms and conditions: Booking and payment: Full payment is required upon booking to secure your place. No refunds available, transfers by request only. Health and Safety: Participants must ensure they are medically fit to participate in running activities and ensure they bring the necessary kit for mountain terrain and conditions. You must inform organisers of any medical conditions before arrival. Emergency contact details must be provided in advance. Liability: Organisers accept no liability for injury, loss, or damage during the retreat, except as required by law. Participation is at your own risk. Injury or illness: If you need to stop and cannot continue, you will need to arrange your own pick-up or transport. Timing: The private buses will leave at 9am (May 9) and 3pm (May 10) sharp. No alternative will be made available for late arrivals. Programme Changes: The schedule and activities are subject to change due to weather, safety, or unforeseen circumstances. Conduct: Respect for other participants, staff and premises is expected at all times. The organisers reserve the right to remove any participant for unacceptable behaviour without refund. Personal Property: The organisers are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Photography: By attending, you consent to photography/videos for promotional use, unless you inform us otherwise. Complaints: Any issues should be addressed promptly with organisers during the event for resolution. Acceptance: Completion of your booking indicates acceptance of these terms.

Ready?

Grab your spot and come run the West Highland Way with Wildheart Runners.

Booking will be available on 30/1/26

Questions? Get in touch: wildheartrunners@gmail.com