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Cyclists riding down winding road

Scotland Coast to Coast

2027 MINI EVENT GUIDE

This does not replace our full Essential Event Information pack which is released in July with detailed, year specific information.

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This document is designed as a planning aid for you to dial into the logistics, the in-event support available, the kit list and general training advice for Scotland Coast to Coast 2027.

This does not replace our full Essential Event Information pack which is released in July with detailed, year specific information. 

SCOTLAND C2C WEBSITE

MANDATORY KIT LIST

TRACKER COLLECTION & BIKE DROP OFF SITE MAP

KEY LOCATIONS MAP

KEY INFORMATION

Bike Hire via our partners Cycle Hire Scotland - LAUNCHING SPRING 2027

Finish Line Accommodation at The Isle of Glencoe Hotel - LAUNCHING SOON

TRACKER COLLECTION

Tracker Collection is on Friday 10th 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 Bus Station 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. 

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 10th. Please ensure your address is up to date on your account by the 15th August 2027

 

START & START TIMES

The start is at Nairn Links: 

  • Postcode: IV12 4NQ
  • Google Pin: HERE

There are toilets available at the start.​

​Start Times (11th 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 (12th 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

  • Nairn Bus Station (free shuttle to Tracker Collection): IV12 4BQ
  • Cawdor Castle (Tracker Collection): IV12 5RD
  • Start line: IV12 4NQ
  • Invergarry Campsite: PH35 4HG
  • Fort William (Bike to Run Transition) PH33 6XZ
  • Finish location: PH49 4HL

KEY LOCATIONS MAP

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.

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) 10/09 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: 

  • Person Only £75
  • Person + Bike £85

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) 12/09 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: 

  • Person Only £75
  • Person + Bike £85

​

2) 12/09 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: 

  • Person Only £75
  • Person + Bike £85 (Your bike must be packaged in a bike box for transportation on the coach)  - If you book this transfer we will transport your bike box/bag from the start to the finish line. Please note this service is ONLY for this airport drop off ticket type.

​​​​​

3) 13/09 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:

  • Person Only £75
  • Person + Bike £85

 

4) 13/09 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: 

  • Person Only £75
  • Person + Bike £85 (Your bike must be packaged in a bike box for transportation on the coach) - - If you book this transfer we will transport your bike box/bag from the start to the finish line. Please note this service is ONLY for this airport drop off ticket type.

 

 

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 and Sunday morning 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. There will also be hot water available on Sunday morning if you would prefer to bring and make your own breakfast & hot drinks. 

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 10th August 2027. 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 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!

BIKES

BIKE HIRE (Spring 2027 launch)

 

Bike hire via our provider partner, Cycle Hire Scotland, will launch in Spring 2027. 

If you are entered into the event, you will receive any email when this goes live. 

HOW TO GET YOUR BIKE TO TRANSITION ON FRIDAY

If you are bringing your OWN bike and driving to Registration:

  • 1 - Complete Registration at Cawdor Castle.
  • 2 - Attach your bike number to your bike.
  • 3 - Rack your bike, including your helmet and bike shoes if you wish to.

If you are HIRING a bike and driving to Registration:

  • 1 - Complete Registration at Cawdor Castle
  • 2 - Head to the Cycle Hire Scotland bike pick up station. 
  • 3 - Attach your bike number to your bike.
  • 4 - Rack your bike including your helmet and bike shoes if you wish to.
If you are bringing your OWN bike and on the RAT RACE BUS TRANSFER from the finish:
 
  • 1 - Arrive at the bus pick up location. You and your bike will be taken to Cawdor Castle to Register.
  • 2 - Complete Registration at Cawdor Castle.
  • 3 - Attach your bike number to your bike.
  • 4 - Rack your bike, including your helmet and bike shoes if you wish to.
  • 5 - Catch the free shuttle from Cawdor Castle to Nairn.

If you are HIRING a bike and on the RAT RACE BUS TRANSFER from the finish:

  • 1 - You will be taken to Registration at Cawdor Castle.
  • 2 - Complete Registration.
  • 3 - Collect your bike from Cycle Hire Scotland and attach your bike number to your bike and rack it, including your helmet and bike shoes if you wish to.
  • 4 - Catch the free shuttle back to Nairn.

If you are HIRING a bike and using public transport to come to the event:

  • 1 - Catch the free shuttle from Nairn to Cawdor Castle.
  • 2 - Head to the Cycle Hire Scotland bike pick up station. 
  • 3 - Attach your bike number to your bike.
  • 4 - Rack your bike including your helmet and bike shoes if you wish to.
  • 5 - Catch the free shuttle bus back to Nairn.

If you are bringing your OWN bike and using public transport to come to the event:

  • 1 - Cycle to Cawdor Castle from Nairn.
  • 2 - Complete Registration.
  • 3 - Attach your bike number to your bike.
  • 4 - Rack your bike including your helmet and bike shoes if you wish to.
  • 5 - Catch the free shuttle bus back to Nairn.

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: 

  1. If it is your OWN bike, it will be transported to the finish line for you to collect.
  2. If ​you have hired via Cycle Hire Scotland hire, they will collect your bike from the transition and you do not need to do anything else.

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.

MANDATORY KIT LIST

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.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD MANDATORY KIT LIST

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:

  • Head torch
  • Survival Bag
  • First Aid Kit
  • Waterproof tops and trousers
  • Water bottle
  • Some food/snacks (there is NOT a pit stop on the run)

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.

VISIT RAT RACE STORE

Woman crossing stream, surrounded by greenery

ROUTE

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 .​

1 DAY GPX 

2 DAY (DAY 1) GPX

2 DAY (DAY 2) GPX

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.

  • One & Two Day participants: One & Two Day participants: Water, sweets and fruit available at 38 miles into the cycle section of the event. This is 45 miles from the start.
  • One Day participants: Pit Stop at 62 miles and the Fort William Transition (85 miles) with hot drinks/water/small snacks. 
  • Two Day Participants: Hot drinks/water/small snacks at Fort William Transition (85 miles) only on Day 2.

Here’s what you can expect at every Pit Stop:

  • Drinks: Water, squash, hot drinks.
  • Salty options: Crisps, nuts etc
  • Sweet options: Fruit, sweets, flapjacks.
  • Toilets

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.

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

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.

Participants running under start arch