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Scotland Coast to Coast
The countdown is well and truly underway until you join us in Scotland for this legendary Coast to Coast journey! We hope your excitement is building as this is always a sensational weekend in our adventure calendar and we can't wait to see you hit the Highlands with us!
We want to make sure you’re fully prepared to tackle this adventure. This is our Essential Event Information guide, which contains a comprehensive round up of everything you need to know including timings, tracker collection, kit list, bag transfers, bike hire etc
Grab a brew (or something a little stronger!) and read on to find the answers to all your questions ahead of ticking this mighty adventure off your list!
If you have any questions at all after reading the below, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly customer service team on events@ratrace.com.
TRACKER COLLECTION
Tracker Collection is on Friday 11th September between 1000-2000 at Cawdor Castle. You must pick up your tracker between these times, there is no option to do so on the morning of the event. You MUST bring your running backpack to Tracker Collection so your tracker can be taped on when allocated.
Tracker Collection Postcode: IV12 5RD
Parking is available. Free shuttle buses will run from Nairn to Cawdor Castle from 10:00 to 20:00.
If you are flying to the event, Inverness International airport is the closest airport, local taxis will be able to bring you to Cawdor Castle. This journey takes approximately 15 minutes.
If you are hiring a bike from Cycle Hire Scotland you will pick this up at Cawdor Castle next to Tracker Collection. Please ensure you attend Tracker Collection FIRST before collecting your hire bike.
Tracker Collection Steps
1) Bib Number - You will receive your adventure pack which will contain your bib number and bike board etc through the post 1-2 weeks before the event. International participants will need to collect their race packs in person on 11th September from the International Pack Pick Up Desk at Tracker Collection.
2) Disclaimer - Attend Tracker Collection where your bib number will be scanned to show disclaimer completion and you will then receive your receive your Scotland C2C Rat Rag. You can complete the online disclaimer now HERE, it takes 2 mins and we encourage you to do this now and certainly well in advance of the event to avoid any delays for you on the day.
3) T-shirt collection - If you have pre-ordered a t-shirt, you will be able to collect this. The size you selected will be printed on your bib number.
IMPORTANT: Pre-ordered t-shirts must be collected at Tracker Collection. If you do not collect your t-shirt, you will need to pay for this to be posted out to you after the event.
4) Tracker Collection - You will be issued your tracker from Open Tracking. There will be a link available on the website closer to the event for you to share with friends/family so they can track your progress over the weekend. There is some important guidance on the trackers below so please do ensure you read this. You MUST bring your running backpack to Tracker Collection so your tracker can be taped on when allocated.
5) Rack Your Bike - Get your bike (and helmet and bike shoes if you wish) racked ready for your first transition the following day! If you have hired via Cycle Hire Scotland, you will be able to collect your bike from them at Cawdor Castle. Transition Bags will be available at Tracker Collection for you to use to attach your helmet/shoes to your bike.
Tracker collection complete!
ADVENTURE PACKS
These will be posted out in advance of the event. UK residents should expect to receive their adventure pack around 1-2 weeks before the event. International participants will be required to collect their adventure pack from Tracker Collection on 11th. Please ensure your address is up to date on your account by the 15th August.
Contents:
If you have not received your pack by the 8th September please email us on events@ratrace.com. Please do not email before this date as your pack may still arrive.
START & START TIMES
The start is at Nairn Links:
Please avoid parking on Cumming Street as we need the access for our large baggage vehicles. You can park on the streets of Nairn and walk down or in local pay and display car parks.
There are toilets available at the start.
Start Times (12th Sep)
One Day participants will start at 0615 please ensure you are ready at the start line no later than 0545.
Two Day participants will start at 0730 please ensure you are ready at the start line no later than 0700.
The first run involves a narrow track so we recommend faster runners start at the front to ensure an enjoyable run for everyone.
Day 2 Start Time (13th Sep)
For two day particpants, below are the timings for the start of day 2:
0630 – Invergarry Transition Bag Drop opens
0700 – Bus service from Fort Augustus main car park to Invergarry
0730 – START WINDOW OPENS Invergarry Transition
0745 – Invergarry Transition Bag Drop closes
0800 – START WINDOW CLOSES Invergarry Transition
KEY POSTCODES
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO TRACKER COLLECTION?
BAG MOVEMENTS & TRANSITIONS
What bags will we move?
For One Day participants we will move 1 bag each for you to the finish. This can be no bigger than 70L and not weigh more than 23kg due to vehicle weight restrictions.
For Two Day participants we will move 1 bag to the end of Day 1 for you, we will then move this to the finish of Day 2 for you. You may also give us a tent to transport weighing no more than 5kg per person and no more than 15kg in total.
Bag drop will be at the start line.
Transition Bags
Cawdor Castle Transition Bag - You will be given a transition bag at Tracker Collection. This can be used to leave your helmet and bike shoes with your bike. ALL other mandatory kit MUST be carried from the start. You must take all of the contents of this bag with you when you depart the transition point on event day, anything left behind will not be transported forward for you.
Fort William Transition Bag - You will given a transition bag upon arrival at FW. You will be able to leave your helmet, bike shoes and any other cycling kit in this bag. ALL other mandatory kit MUST be carried and will be checked before departing Fort William. All Fort William transition bags will then be sent to the finish for collection.
Any uncollected bags can be collected from Rat Race HQ, Hurstwood Business Centre, Thirsk Industrial Park, York Road, Thirsk, YO7 3BX from Thursday 18th September onwards. Please email events@ratrace.com ahead of travelling to the office so we can ensure there is a member of team at HQ to meet you.
If you need us to post your bags to you, this will incur a postage fee £20.00 (UK residents). International participants will need to arrange and pay for postage/collection from our offices.
PRE EVENT BUS TRANSFER
Places are limited no further capacity will be added, please log into your Rat Race account to see live availability. If the bus is not showing as available to book it is likely sold out. Please check back closer to the event as spaces may become available as people cancel/transfer out.
1) 11/09 FRIDAY 12:00 Pre-event transfer from Ballachulish to Cawdor Castle (arrival time 1500). The pick up location is the Harbour car park next to the Isles of Glencoe Hotel car park, weekend parking is included in ticket price. This parking is for pre-event bus ticket holders only. The buses will wait at Cawdor Castle for 1hr whilst you attend Tracker Collection and then transfer to Nairn.
There are two ticket types available for this transfer:
Please make sure you arrive no later than 1100 to allow time to park your vehicle, load your bike and board the bus ready for a prompt 1200 departure. The carpark will be open from 1000 so please do feel free to arrive from 1000 as it will allow us to make an earlier start on loading bikes.
Please note: You will need to take your pedals off your bike before handing this over to us to load so please do this before travelling to the event or factor in time to do so when you arrive.
To get to the Rat Race Car Park where you can leave your vehicle over the weekend, you will need to head towards the Isle of Glencoe hotel. Once you are in close proximity of the hotel, you will see our 'Rat Race Parking' signage and marshals who will then direct you to our car park. Please do not park in the hotel car park, instead follow our signage and marshals direction. Please note: This car park is strictly for pre-event bus transfer tickets ONLY.
POST-EVENT BUS TRANSFER
There are 4 post-event bus transfer options available to help you plan your adventure. Places are limited no further capacity will be added, please log into your Rat Race account to see live availability. If a bus is not showing as available to book it is likely sold out. Please check back closer to the event as spaces may become available as people cancel/transfer out.
1) 13/09 SUNDAY 12:00 Post-event transfer departing Isles of Glencoe hotel to Nairn (arrival time 15:00)
There are two ticket types available for this transfer:
2) 13/09 SUNDAY 12:00 Post-event transfer departing Isles of Glencoe hotel to Inverness Airport (arrival time 15:00)
There are two ticket types available for this transfer:
3) 14/09 MONDAY 12:00 Post-event transfer departing Isles of Glencoe hotel to Nairn (arrival time 15:00)
There are two ticket types available for this transfer:
4) 14/09 MONDAY 12:00 Post-event transfer departing Isles of Glencoe hotel to Inverness Airport (arrival time 15:00)
There are two ticket types available for this transfer:
TRAVEL & TRANSPORT LINKS
If you are planning to use public transport to get to and from the event here are some helpful links for your planning.
Nearest airport: Inverness
Nearest train station to Registration: Nairn
Nearest train station to Finish: Fort William
To look at train timetables and to book a train visit www.thetrainline.com
To look at bus timetables and to book a bus seat visit www.citylink.co.uk
To find and book a taxi please check out these local companies
IMPORTANT. This is a remote area of Scotland and taxis must be prebooked. There is no Uber or on-demand equivalent available, you must have your onward transport planned and booked from the finish.
Do not rely on being able to solve it locally on the day.
2 DAY CAMPING
We operate a campsite at the finish of Day 1/start of Day 2 in Invergarry. You can purchase camping passes via your RR account.
The camp site is open on SATURDAY NIGHT ONLY, open to those taking on the 2-day event with valid camping passes.
This campsite has no vehicle access and it cannot accommodate campervans, tent boxes or cars next to tents. Please take care and follow marshal instructions.
We will have a caterer onsite on Saturday evening so you can purchase a bite to eat, you can also use the shuttle bus to go into Fort Augustus for food, this runs until 9pm. Please note there is no catering on Sunday morning. There will be hot water available for you to make your own breakfast & hot drinks. Please be prepared and bring breakfast!
There are communal changing areas and showers available in the small sports club onsite.
All campers will require a camping pass. These are needed per person and not per pitch. The campsite is pitch your own tent only. There are no pre-pitched or glamping options available. We will transport a tent for you from the start please see bag info.
Free Shuttle: service for Two Day Participants who have booked accommodation in Fort Augustus. This will run between the end of Day 1 location in Invergarry and Fort Augustus until 9pm. It will run again from 0700 on Sunday morning to get you to the startline for Day 2. No booking required.
TRANSFER DEADLINE
The transfer deadline is 11th August 2026. You can find more information on our transfer policy HERE and submit a request via your RR account. We are unable to process any transfer requests or make any exceptions after the deadline has passed.
Please note that event credit is non transferable and is exempt from this process. Any transfer requests made via email after this date will not be considered.
All entries are non refundable as standard for any reason. If you purchased Refund Protect as part of your entry and you believe you have a qualifying reason preventing you from attending Coast to Coast you can start a refund request with them here. Please note that this is a 3rd party service and Rat Race cannot influence their decision.
FINISH LINES NOT FINISH TIMES
At Rat Race we are all about finish lines not finish times, our events are not races they are adventures designed for everyone to come and have a go at. We will provide an overall finish time but it will not be split by gender or age category and there are no podium positions.
They will be displayed by Open Tracking in alphabetical order, you can then download and reorder how you wish.
VOLUNTEER
Do you have a supporter who would love to get involved?
We are currently on the look out for some final hi-vis heroes to volunteer in various roles and help build the incredible atmosphere #ratracers know and love!
As a volunteer they will receive:
£50 cash travel contribution
£150 event credit or a Rat Race kit bundle
A crew Rat Rag
Access to hot drinks/snacks/food
A fun day out!
Available shifts
Available shifts can be viewed here and the Rat Race team will be in touch ahead of the event to answer any questions you may have and provide your briefing docs. You can also contact the volunteer team on staffing@ratrace.com if you have any questions ahead of signing up!
MERCH
BIKE HIRE
HOW TO GET YOUR BIKE TO TRANSITION ON FRIDAY
If you are bringing your OWN bike and driving to Registration:
If you are HIRING a bike and driving to Registration:
If you are HIRING a bike and on the RAT RACE BUS TRANSFER from the finish:
If you are HIRING a bike and using public transport to come to the event:
If you are bringing your OWN bike and using public transport to come to the event:
RACKING AT CAWDOR
When you rack your bike at Cawdor Castle, please follow the signage and use the top-to-tail method. To maximise the available racking space, please alternate the direction of your bike so that the handlebars sit alongside the saddle of the bike next to it, rather than all bikes facing the same direction.
HOW TO RACK YOUR BIKE AT THE END
At the Fort William Bike - Run/Trek transition, you will leave your bike and depending on whether it is your own bike or a hire, the following onward logistic will occur:
This is only the case for CHS hire bikes, if you hire through any other provider the bike will be treated as your own, taken the finish and you will be responsible for onward return of the bike.
Bikes that are not collected will be delivered to you by courier at a cost of £300.
You will be supplied at Fort William transition, with a plastic kit bag which can be used to stash your cycling kit and it will transported to the finish line bag collection area. Please write your runner number on this bag with the pens provided. If you have a hire bike we will move this kit bag onwards to the finish for you too.
Bikes will be available to collect from the compound near the Isles of Glencoe hotel once you finish. Supporters cannot collect your bike for you, you will need to show you bike compound access band (you will receive this in your adventure pack).
HOW IS YOUR BIKE TRANSPORTED?
We mainly move bikes using articulated lorries. This is supplemented with cage trailers towed by 4-wheel drive vehicles at the busy times at the Fort William transition. Bikes are stacked alternately, in an upright position, and secured with straps. The risk of damage to your bike is no more than most back-of-car carriers or what you will put the bike through while riding it along the route. This is the method we have used for the 15+ year history of the event. Rat Race will not be liable for any damage alleged during transit.
At Fort William we do not do any preparation of the bikes before stacking. There will be bike lagging and tape available should you wish to protect your bike prior to them being loaded. We request that all pedals are removed and stored in your kit bags to assist with stacking the bikes efficiently.
Taking on Scotland Coast to Coast is no small feat and you need to ensure you are fully prepared and kitted up for this cross country traverse!
The weather in the Scotland, even in early September, is famously unpredictable. Sunshine can give way to wind, rain, or even hail in a matter of minutes, especially in the Highlands.
The mandatory kit requirements are in place not only to give you the best chance of taking on the adventure but ultimately for your safety. Should you be unable to continue the event and require assistance, the correct equipment will help ensure you remain as safe, warm, and dry as possible while waiting for help. This is particularly critical in remote or exposed areas where delays in reaching you may be unavoidable.
Checks will be carried out at the start line and throughout the event. Any #ratracer found without the mandatory kit will not be permitted to continue. These rules are non-negotiable and are designed to protect both you and our event staff.
Please review the full kit list carefully and ensure you carry every item. Your preparation could make all the difference, not just for finishing the challenge, but for staying safe while doing so.
KIT CHECK
We have outlined why carrying each item of the mandatory kit is essential for your safety and success during the event within the document above. Please be aware that there will be random kit checks at the start.
There will also be a Mandatory kit check at the Fort William transition to ensure you have all your required run/trek kit with you for this mountain run in remote terrain. Do not be tempted to put mandatory items in your cycling kit bag and leave them behind. You won’t be allowed to continue without passing this kit check.
Bare minimum items to be checked are:
We reserve the right to check any item of mandatory kit during the event and you will be unable to continue should you not have required kit.
RAT RACE STORE
As a #RatRacer you now have a 15% discount in our store so you can get kitted out for your next adventure. Use the code RATRACE15 to save 15% on full priced kit only, excludes event specific merchandise and bundles.
WAYMARKING & GPX FILES
This route is fully waymarked using orange signs and tape which will always have the RR logo on, please do not follow any signage that doesn't.
You may download the GPX files below but it is important to remember the orange waymarking arrows always take precedence over the GPX file. If the two are ever in conflict, follow the arrows as it may have been necessary for the event team to make small live dynamic changes on the route .
WATER AND SNACKS
Coast to Coast is designed as remote true adventure experience and we do not have large Rat Race Pit Stops that you may have experienced at other Rat Race events. We recommend carrying a good supply of snacks and real food with you to keep you fuelled. We have outlined below where you can access water top ups and additional grab and go snacks.
Here’s what you can expect at every Pit Stop:
We will endeavour to provide something suitable for all dietary requirements, however this cannot always be guaranteed. Please make sure that you have your own suitable options with you if you have allergies or dietary requirements.
ROAD SAFETY
Running Safety: When running on public roads you should face oncoming traffic and travel in single file (on the right hand side). However, should you be approaching a blind bend or rise, carefully move over to the other side of the road temporarily. Our signage and marshals will occasionally direct you to do this too, please follow their instructions. Should there be two-way traffic we ask that you stop to allow the car to pass you, ensuring you do not force the car behind you into the path of oncoming traffic. If there is a path available you must use it.
Cycling Safety: This event takes place on ‘Live’ public roads, private roads, and shared access trails. You must courteously give way to other users on these routes. Despite pre-event cautions these ambient users may not know that the event is coming through, so slow down, give polite and clear instructions, and take safe passage around them.
CUT OFFS
Cut offs are enforced and they are applied to your departure time not your arrival time into the location. If you are cut off you will be transported forward on the course using our sweeper vehicle. If you have supporters they can pick you up if you wish.
One Day Participants start time 0615
Trek/Run 7 miles
Cawdor Castle Transition
Road Cycle 44 miles
Off Road Cycle 20 miles
Road Cycle 14 miles
Fort William Transition CUT OFF 1600
Mountain Trek/Run 14 miles - You need to pass through Lundavra (91 miles total/7.5 miles into run) by 17:30 to have the best chance of making the kayak. Lundavra cut off is 18:30. Runners will be transported to the kayak stage, if operating, or directly to the finish if not.
Kayak Transition CUT OFF - Darkness
Kayak 1 mile
Course closes 2000
Two Day Participants start time 0730
Trek/Run 7 miles
Cawdor Castle Transition
Road Cycle 44 miles
Off Road Cycle 8 miles
Road Cycle 1 mile
OVERNIGHT STOP
Road Cycle 1.5 miles
Off Road Cycle 11 miles
Road Cycle 14 miles
Fort William Transition CUT OFF 1230
Mountain Trek/Run 14 miles
Kayak Transition CUT OFF 1800
Kayak 1 mile
Course closes 1900
WITHDRAWING FROM THE EVENT
Once you have started, if you wish to drop out of the event at any point you must contact the Race Team to inform them and return your tracker to a member of staff, even if you do not need further support from us. If you do not have your own pick-up option (eg a support crew with you) we will arrange to collect you and move you forward along the course. We cannot move you backwards.
BAD WEATHER CONTINGENCY
With the safety of our participants as number1 priority, we may have to make dynamic changes to how the event progresses to take account of prevailing weather and wind conditions. Unfortunately, an accurate picture of what measures will be in place cannot be given until much closer to the event. If the thresholds are met where it becomes unsafe to operate the kayak leg we will redirect the run leg to Kinlochleven (approximately an extra 2 miles).
We will operate a bus transfer from the secondary, smaller finish location to the Isles of Glencoe Hotel for participants.
SUPPORTER GUIDANCE
Bringing a supporter with you will help the logistics massively. This is a one-way adventure in a very rural location.
It is the responsibility of participants to ensure that their Spectators are aware of the event information rather than relying on event staff on the day. Our marshals can be deployed in numerous locations across the route. The event crew members that supporters interact with can be GPS tracking staff, paid agency marshals, volunteers, hired paramedics and mountain safety staff, hired drivers, production crew etc. All are briefed for specific roles and some may not be local. While all will aim to be as helpful and cheery as possible, they may not have much general information about the event beyond the EEI document and their specific role.
While the Highlands have incredible areas of wilderness and wide-open space, it does also have areas where traffic is very concentrated. Care is needed, and some areas of the route are off limits to supporter vehicles. Please follow our advice in the driving guidance section further on.
Driving Guidance
Whether you are a spectating family member or friend there is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON to rush or speed. You will have plenty of time to make it through the Great Glen before your participating friend or family member. Please park with care and do not block road users or participants.
Nairn to Fort Augustus: Please DO NOT use the event route from Nairn to Fort Augustus. You should follow the main A96 from Nairn to Inverness then the A82 to Fort Augustus.
Invergarry Overnight is open to supporters to access the catering & toilet facilities whilst waiting for their participant to arrive. The bike compound and camping areas will remain wristband controlled throughout the event.
Fort William Transition: An Aird Park is in the heart of Fort William and adjacent to several pay and display parking options.
Fort William to Isles of Glencoe Hotel: Spectators can travel straight to the Isles of Glencoe Hotel via the A82.
Isles of Glencoe Hotel: Limited parking is available at the Isles of Glencoe Hotel and it may take a little while to get you in. Please be patient and follow the marshal’s instructions. Parking at the hotel is of course limited but there are a couple of local car parks in Ballachulish too as well as street parking. If you do need to part on surrounding streets, please make sure you do so respectfully being mindful of local residents. Ballachulish is only a small place so most parking places are only a short walk to the finish.
LITTER
Please help us leave this beautiful part of the country litter free by ensuring you have a pocket ready for your on the move rubbish which you can dispose of in Transition.
COURSE ETIQUETTE AND LIVESTOCK
Please ensure all gates are closed behind you and never climb over locked gates. This is to ensure livestock do not escape fields so please do not leave it open for the next runner unless they are right behind you.
ENVIRONMENTAL
The landscapes that we will pass through are exceptionally beautiful and all are delicate in some way. It is everyone’s duty to do what we can to protect them. In all cases, everyone needs to follow the countryside code as a minimum: Respect. Protect. Enjoy.
Respect other people
Consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors. Take great care when passing near other tourist walkers, not to cause them to take hurried steps to avoid you. Leave gates closed and property as you find it and follow paths unless wider access is available.
Protect the natural environment
Where there are footing options on the ground do not tread on the more sensitive vegetation, flowers, or mosses.
If you detect that you are near a nesting or agitated bird, then take a very wide berth, sticking to a path where possible.
Leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home.
Follow advice and local signs.
On completion of the event, please ensure that you wash thoroughly all your kit that has been in contact with water when you return home, especially before using it elsewhere.
