The Isles Ultramarathon

Day One: Thursday

Arrive in Tyndrum for our rendezvous at 1030, where the Rat Race team will meet you and the adventure officially begins. From here, we’ll transfer westward through spectacular Scottish scenery before continuing onward to the Outer Hebrides and the island of Barra, your gateway to the journey ahead. Expect to arrive in Barra around 1800. 

This evening, we’ll settle into our accommodation in Castlebay, Barra’s charming main village, where you can get checked in, meet your fellow adventurers and soak up the anticipation before the challenge begins.  

• Route: N/A, Travel only  
• Meals: You provide Breakfast & Lunch. We provide an evening meal.   

Day Two: Friday

After an early breakfast, we transfer to the southernmost island of Vatersay to begin the adventure at the official terminus marker of the Hebridean Way, set beside the stunning sands of Vatersay Bay. 

From here, the route heads north across the causeway onto Barra, weaving through rolling island roads and coastal scenery before passing the famous beach runway at Traigh Mhòr en route to Ardmhor ferry terminal. 

A ferry crossing over the Sound of Barra provides a brief chance to refuel and regroup before landing on Eriskay and continuing north across causeways, coastal roads and low-level trails through South Uist. Expect stretches across the beautiful machair, a unique mix of grassland, sand and hard-packed beach depending on the tide. 

The day finishes deep in the Hebrides before a transfer to our accommodation in Daliburgh for a well-earned rest. 

• Route: 59km / 37 miles, 650m ascent & descent  
• Meals: All meals provided (Pit Stop lunch).  

Day Three: Saturday

The day begins with more stunning coastal running before turning inland to navigate a wild maze of lochs, waterways and peat tracks. Crossing the causeway from South Uist to Benbecula, the route weaves between coast and moorland before climbing Rhuabhal, Benbecula’s highest hill, for spectacular 360-degree views across the Outer Hebrides. 

From here, the journey continues north via a series of causeways through Grimsay and onto North Uist, with more remote peat paths, moorland trails and sea loch scenery leading towards Langass. At the end of the stage, we’ll transfer back to accommodation in South Uist for rest and recovery. 

• Route: 59km / 37 miles, 500m ascent & descent   
• Meals: All meals provided (Pit Stop lunch).  

Day Four: Sunday

The shortest day of the trip, but not without adventure. From Langass, the route follows quieter old roads before heading west onto increasingly remote off-road terrain, skirting hills and crossing classic Hebridean peat tracks en route to Berneray. 

From here, we board the ferry across the spectacular Sound of Harris, weaving through a maze of islands and skerries before landing at Leverburgh. 

The adventure then continues into the wild landscapes of South Harris, climbing through a shallow mountain pass before descending towards the stunning sands of Scarista Beach. After the day’s stage, we’ll transfer forward to accommodation in Lewis for a well-earned rest, where you’ll be able to settle in for 1 of 3 nights in your new base.  

• Route: 33km / 21 miles, 350m ascent / descent  
• Meals: All meals provided (Pit Stop lunch).  

Day Five: Monday

This is one of the toughest and most spectacular days of the journey, beginning with a challenging off-road section across rough, steep terrain with incredible views over Luskentyre’s world-famous beaches. 

Once through the wildest ground, the route eases along the historic Coffin Road before reaching the dramatic east coast landscapes of the Golden Road, with its surreal, lunar-like rock scenery. Passing through Tarbert for a valuable support stop, the route then heads north through remote glens, trails and roads above Loch Seaforth, marking the transition from Harris into Lewis. 

On completing the day, you have a relaxed evening to look forward to as you will run to the accommodation for your finish line, so no transfers to wait for today – directly to shower, rest and recharge!  

• Route: 49km / 30 miles, 1,500m ascent & descent  
• Meals: All meals provided (Pit Stop lunch).  

Day Six: Tuesday

Setting off from the accommodation, you will soon reach one of the Hebrides’ rare forests. After that, the route follows quiet roads and peat trails through the heart of Lewis, passing through Balallan, Scotland’s longest village, before striking out across remote moorland towards Achamore. 

From here, quieter roads lead us towards Stornoway, with a final woodland approach through the grounds surrounding Stornoway Castle to reach the official Hebridean Way terminus marker near the harbour. 

For those with more in the tank, there may be the option to push beyond the official finish and add an extra mile or so by heading into town for a quick visit to Stornoway centre before the return transfer to accommodation in Scaladale for the third and final night here.  

• Route: 49km / 30 miles, 900m ascent & descent  
• Meals: All meals provided (Pit Stop lunch).  

Day Seven: Wednesday

The grand finale sees start the day with a transfer back to the Hebridean Way terminus in Stornoway before heading north through the wild landscapes of Lewis, following a mix of quiet roads and remote coastal terrain as we make our way towards the very northern tip of the Outer Hebrides. 

Passing crofting communities, open moorland and dramatic Atlantic coastline, the final miles build towards an unforgettable dramatic finish at the iconic Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, standing at the edge of the ocean, having completed an extraordinary foot traverse of the Outer Hebrides from Vatersay to the northernmost point of Scotland’s western isles. 

• Route: 47km / 28 miles, 700m ascent & descent  
• Meals: All meals provided (Pit Stop lunch).  

Day Eight: Thursday

The only bad thing about the Caladh Inn, is that we will be leaving it all too soon! It’s a very early alarm call this morning, as we need to depart at 0600 to get to the ferry in time. It’s a short walk from the accommodation, so we’ll collect your bags at the accommodation, and then you will walk over to the ferry.   

The ferry crossing is around 2.5 hours. After that, it’s a 4 hour~ drive from Ullapool to Tyndrum. We will make a quick comfort break stop somewhere along the way (probably Inverness), so there’s the option to purchase food and use facilities along the way. If you’re travelling away via public transport, there is the option to be left in Inverness, instead of going back to Tyndrum.   

• Route: N/A, just a short walk to the ferry!  
• Meals: We provide a (very!) early breakfast at the accommodation before leaving. You provide (optional) 2nd breakfast and / or lunch on the ferry, and any snacks or lunch on the journey back to Tyndrum.