Ultra Tour of Arran 2027 Mini Event Guide

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 Ultra Tour of Arran.

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

ULTRA TOUR OF ARRAN WEBSITE

MANDATORY KIT LIST

DAY 1 - GPX FILE

DAY 2 - GPX FILE

KEY INFORMATION

TRACKER COLLECTION

Friday 9th April between 1500 - 2100 at the Event Village: Ormidale Park, Brodick, Isle of Arran KA27 8BY. 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.

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 event morning.

START TIME

Day 1 Start Time: 0830 / Day 2 Start Time: 0700

The event starts in the same location each day beside the beach at Fisherman’s Walk (next to Coop) in Brodick. Please find a google pin to the start location HERE. This is a 1 minute walk from the Event Village and will be signed.

The Finish: Both days finish at the Event Village in Ormidale Park.

KEY LOCATIONS

Tracker Collection: Ormidale Park, Brodick, KA27 8BY.

Start Line: Beside the beach at Fisherman’s Walk in Brodick.

Event Village/Camp Site/Finish Line: Ormidale Park, Brodick, KA27 8BY

FINISH LINE

Both days finish at the Event Village in Ormidale Park.

GETTING TO THE ISLE OF ARRAN

To reach the Isle of Arran, you can take a ferry from Troon to Brodick (80 mins crossing time) or Ardrossan to Brodick (55 minutes crossing time)

This means there are 2 key locations for this event:

1) SCOTTISH MAINLAND, ACCESS TO THE ISLE OF ARRAN FERRY CROSSINGS TO BRODICK

Either:

A. The Ferry Terminal, Ardrossan, KA22 8BZ, OR

B. The Ferry Terminal, Troon, KA10 6HH

2) REGISTRATION AND EVENT VILLAGE

Ormidale Park, Brodick, Isle of Arran KA27 8BY

When planning your travel, make sure you’re looking at the correct timetable; these vary seasonally. The Summer timetable will be in operation over April, this is usually released late in the previous year. Tickets can be booked via the Calmac website HERE once they go live.

We strongly recommend booking your ferry early, these can get busy and last minute availability is not a given. It is also our firm recommendation to avoid booking the last ferry of the day if you can to give yourself flexibility on any weather related cancellations etc.

FERRY BOOKINGS

OPTION 1: OUR RECOMMENDATION IS TO LEAVE YOUR CAR AT TROON OR ARDROSSAN AND BE A FOOT PASSENGER ON THE FERRY.

Car parking is available at both ferry terminals. Car parking charges apply. Please make sure to follow all guidance and be aware of restrictions which are displayed on signage. You can find further parking details under the Facilities section under each port on the Calmac website HERE.

The foot passenger return fare is much cheaper and can be booked on the Calmac website here. On arrival in Brodick, we will have a free on demand shuttle service operating for you and your luggage. Head for the Rat Race bus stop at the port and our free on demand shuttle it will take you to the Ultra Tour of Arran Event Village.

Alternatively, it is an easy, flat 1km walk, passing many shops, cafes and amenities.

OPTION 2: BRING YOUR CAR ONTO ARRAN

This is fine and the return fare is reasonable: £42.40 return for a standard car and £10.60 per person return for each passenger inside (2026 prices). When you get to the island, there is ample free parking in Brodick

PRE-EVENT SHUTTLE BUS TRANSFER

FROM THE FERRY TERMINAL TO EVENT VILLAGE AT ORMIDALE PARK

For those of you resting up before the adventure or have packed enough for a week away, we will have a free on demand shuttle bus providing transport from the ferry terminal to the Event Village in Ormidale Park.

Alternatively, it is an easy, flat 1km walk, passing many shops, cafes and amenities.

TRANSFER DEADLINE

The deadline is 9th March 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.

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.

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!

ROUTE

OVERVIEW

The routes of both days will be fully waymarked. We use white arrows on bright orange backgrounds approximately A5 size, as well as small blue flags. Even though the route will be well waymarked, you must pay close care and attention to the route to ensure that you do not go off course.

On Day 2 in particular, you are entering a truly mountainous environment which will require real care and attention to follow the markings and carefully choose the most appropriate route forward. This will be especially true if bad weather brings with it poor visibility. It is likely that you will be near to other runners for most of the day. Indeed, it can help to stay together at times. If you find yourself detached from the route and/or other runners on difficult terrain and poor visibility, then you should treat as priority getting back in touch with both route waymarking and runners, and not continuing onwards with no waymarking present. Therefore, we thoroughly recommend you keep your head up not only to see the signs and keep in touch with other runners but to also appreciate the magnificent views on Arran, nearby islands, and across both seas to the mainland of Scotland, which wraps around Arran!

WAYMARKING & GPX

GPX FILES:

DAY 1
DAY 2

IMPORTANT NOTE ON GPX FILES: A word of warning about downloading and using GPX files. The files currently available are as accurate as they can be now, however, once we are on the ground, there may be changes we need to make due to unforeseen or unexpected circumstances. In these cases, the waymarking will be amended to allow continued safe passage but the GPX files will not be updated. If this case arises, you should ALWAYS follow the waymarking and not your GPS device. The detour is very likely to be short and the waymarking and GPX file will soon get back in sync. To be clear: The on the ground waymarking overrides the GPX file.

PITSTOPS

Day 1 - The Day 1 route heads south to explore the fabulously rugged coastline and rolling, forested hills. Don’t be fooled that it is easy, as 28 miles and 3500ft of ascent will definitely test your legs.

There are 3 pitstops on day 1 at:

9.5 miles
14.5 miles
23 miles

Day 2 - The Day 2 route heads north and explores the high mountain massif which dominates the skyline. At 30 miles and nearly 6000ft of ascent this is one tough day, made harder by already tired legs.

There are 2 pitstops on day 2 at:

11.5 miles
20 miles

The reason for only 2 stops on Day 2 is simply because of the terrain making areas inaccessible by vans and therefore a Pit Stops can’t be operated effectively in any other locations.

CUT OFFS

Cut-off times are synonymous with events of this type and are essential for the safety management and risk assessment plans. Cut- off times are applied to your departure time from the cut off location. Therefore, in your planning you should aim to arrive at a Pit Stop at least 15 mins before the cut-off time in order to allow you to access the facilities and leave the Pit Stop before the cut- off time.

There are 3 cut off locations each day. On day 1 each Pit Stop has a cut-off time associated to it. On day 2, the 2 Pit Stops have a cut-off but there is a third mountain cut-off at The Saddle. If you miss this final cut-off, you will not be allowed to tackle the final ascent of North Goat Fell and Goat Fell and instead be directed to descend down Glen Rosa and return to the finish in the Event Village. This route will of course be fully waymarked for you.

DAY ONE CUT-OFF TIMES & LOCATIONS

Whiting Bay (Pit Stop 1) - 12:00
Kildonan (Pit Stop 2) - 13:30
Monamore FCS (Pit Stop 3) - 17:30
Brodick (Finish) - 20:30

DAY TWO CUT-OFF TIMES & LOCATIONS

Lochranza (Pit Stop 1) - 11:30
N Glen Sannox (Pit Stop 2) - 14:30
The Saddle - 16:10
Brodick (Finish) - 19:00

On day 2, the 2 Pit Stops have a cut-off but there is a third mountain cut-off at The Saddle. If you miss this final cut-off, you will not be allowed to tackle the final ascent of North Goat Fell and Goat Fell and instead be directed to descend down Glen Rosa and return to the finish in the Event Village. This route will of course be fully waymarked for you.

TOILETS

Those camping with us will have access to the Event Village toilets located in Ormidale Park which is our Registration venue.

Please see below on where to expect toilets along the course:

Event Village: Toilets available
Start line: Public toilets available
Day 1 Pit Stop 1: Toilets available
Day 1 Pit Stop 2: Toilets available
Day 1 Pit Stop 3: No toilets
Day 2 Pit Stop 1: Toilets available
Day 2 Pit Stop 2: No toilets (there is a public toilet just after the Pit Stop which our PS crew can direct you to). We will have pop up changing facilities for women to use at this pitstop with period products available.

Period Products

We’ve got your back—period! In our ongoing drive to increase female participation and inclusivity in our adventures, you will find disposable sanitary bins in designated 'female only' toilets and a box stocked with period products at every location where we provide toilet facilities. Whether you planned ahead or got caught off guard, we’ve got you covered so you can focus on what is important, enjoying the adventure ahead. If you ever reach a pitstop and cannot see these products, please ask a member of the crew who will be able to point you in the right direction!

MANDATORY KIT

Taking on Sea to Summit: Yr Wyddfa is no small feat and you need to ensure you are fully prepared and kitted up for the ascending adventure from the shores of Caernarfon to the highest point in Wales!

The weather in the Snowdonia, even in September, is notoriously unpredictable. Clear skies can quickly turn into heavy rain, strong winds, and low visibility. Temperatures can drop significantly at higher altitudes and underfoot conditions may include slippery rock, bog, or loose scree. For context, we had hail and freezing conditions on the summit in 2024, this could well re-occur in 2026. It is essential that you are prepared with the right kit and you should not go light on layers!

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.

Spot checks will be carried out throughout the event at pitstops. 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 various pitstops, with a particular focus at Pitstop 2/3, where we will be checking for waterproofs before you head for the summit. 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

Rocky, mountainous terrain with sparse patches of green

SUPPORTER INFORMATION

START

Caernarfon Castle is a cool place to start an event from. Spectators are allowed inside to cheer the runners. It has some great spot up the walls inside to cheer from. Just go exploring. Alternatively, you can cheer them on outside the castle as they exit the town. The best parking is on the harbourside at LL55 2PB. This has a 2.1m height barrier but there are many other car parks around Caernarfon. It’s a small place so nothing is ever far away. Everyone must leave the castle once the event has started.

PS1 - SNOWDONIA SLATE TRAIL CAR PARK

There is no supporter access to Pit Stop 1. It is located at the end of a 3-mile section of single lane country road, much of which is weaving and potholed. This road is also part of the event route, and it will be busy with runners. We want to avoid the additional congestion that would be caused by supporters driving this road so supporters are not permitted to visit PS1.

PS2 - Rhyd Du car park

All supporters are welcome to visit PS2. It is located in a public car park with many spaces and public toilets. Please obey all local rules / restrictions, parked within marked bays and pay any required parking charges. You can find the car park HERE.

PS3 - Llynd Isaf

Supporters are welcome to visit PS3 on foot. Supporter parking for PS3 is located at Nant Gwynant car park, a 400m walk from the Pit Stop. You can find the car park HERE and you will find the Pit Stop by walking back along the route.

ALONG THE ROUTE

There is a good opportunity to offer support between PS1 and PS2 in Beddgelert at 17.5 miles.

Please note, we don't have a designated support point at this location. Please park responsibly and be courteous of residents.

FINISH - Private Field near Llan Cwellyn

Supporters are welcome to access the finish. All vehicles require a parking pass, you can purchase these via your RR account

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