Day 7: Wild weather on the penultimate day
135 brave participants set off this morning, 95 of whom are still competitive, with the remaining 45 doing the Explorer Course. These incredible runners have now been running for an entire week on their epic journey to the most northwesterly part of mainland Britain.
At 61km, today was the final ‘long’ day of the race, with the shorter final day often being termed as a ‘Victory Lap’. Runners continued their journey today through Assynt, heading over the tops before dropping down into the valley following the tracks alongside some stunning and inaccessible sea lochs. Another tough section over the higher ground led runners to a final road section alongside Loch Inchard into the camp in Kinlochbervie.
Along the way, the runners were treated to views of the tallest waterfall in the United Kingdom Eas a' Chual Aluinn. Only accessible by boat or by a long hike over boggy ground, this is a landmark that few are lucky enough to see.
It was a tough day for many, with the famous Cape Wrath weather finally rearing its head. However, upon reaching the finish, the end is now in sight, with the beautiful Sandwood Bay and the iconic Cape Wrath Lighthouse finally seeming within touching distance.
Wild weather on day 7 ©No Limits Photography
Participants were focused on the goal ahead on the start line
The glorious weather earlier on in the week today made way for more traditional Scottish weather of light drizzle and a strong breeze as participants dropped off their overnight bags and readied themselves for their penultimate day on the Cape Wrath trail.
There was a general air of optimism and trepidation today on the start line. While in the last few days, the runners seemed to have settled into more of a routine, this morning it felt like the nervous excitement of the first day was back, with the runners now finally beginning to realise that they may just achieve that incredible and slightly outlandish dream of reaching the lighthouse.
We spoke to a few of the runners before they set off this morning.
Matt Walker is back again having dropped out in 2021 and having volunteered in 2022. He was looking forward to putting this final long day behind him. He said, “I went a bit hard yesterday because I was enjoying myself, and I might regret that today. All I've got to do is get to the end today - keep pushing up the climbs, keep moving on.”
As with anything this epic, there had certainly been highs and lows. “I had a bit of a low moment on day 5 – a bit of a dip in mood but nothing too bad. I just really want to see that lighthouse.”
It’s certainly true that the lighthouse for many has become a symbol of their achievement. It is something tangible to visualise while they push themselves through the challenging terrain of northwest Scotland.
Jane Williams was also feeling confident, although like many other runners, she was struggling with fatigue. She dropped out on Day 3 last year, so is determined to make it to the finish this time. She said, “I just want to get it done really. I'm looking forward to it, but it was tough getting up this morning.”
Swedish runner Emelie Selberg also had a look of determination in her eyes. She was worried today about the cut-offs, having been chasing them for much of yesterday.
Her tent mate was keeping her going.
She said, “I'm just going to try to keep the yellow backpack in sight so I know where I'm going. We share a tent - we are still all here and on the full course.”
Having come this far, there was a real impression that participants today were on a real mission.
Many runners were on a mission ©No Limits Photography
The weather was wild at Loch Glendhu
The section of trail along Loch Glendhu is spectacular. A good track takes you deep into the heart of the valley where ancient rock formations rise up from either side. Lucky participants today may have even spotted the seals and sea otters that frequent the area.
Today it was a wild place to be, with a strong sea breeze picking up in strength round every corner. While the runners were getting battered, many of them looked joyful, relishing the experience of being alive in this awesome landscape.
We ran out to see some of the runners as they made their way to the first checkpoint of the day.
Enjoying spectacular loch trails! ©No Limits Photography
Jamie Lawler was one of those who was enjoying the more bracing conditions. He said, “That was an awesome leg – awesome running. It was gnarly - great views down the Loch as well!”
We asked him what was keeping him motivated. “Tea and chips!” was his first answer.
He then expanded: “I'm just trying to enjoy it. It's just being out here on an adventure - it's like being kid again!”
Adam Holloway was also in high spirits when we caught up with him. He said, “it’s only been a fast walk so far - I quite like that. It's stunning scenery up there. I'll get to camp in good time. I haven't had a really low moment so far. I thought I would be in a dark place.”
Sarah Perry was also going well in the face of the weather. She said, “It's nice with the weather, even if it is a bit wild. I think it's just pacing it. I didn't want to wake up and think ‘how am I gonna get through today?’ I’ve run to how I felt. Pacing yourself is the aim of the game.”
She has been really struck by the camaraderie of the event. “It's a really good mix of people. You can always find people to chat to. More so than a usual ultra. The volunteers and staff are amazing!”
Sarah Perry has paced it well ©No Limits Photography
John Farris was in good spirits, knowing the end is now so close. He said, “There's no stopping me now! I can smell the lighthouse. I'm just taking it all in. It's hard to believe I've run for 7 days. It's probably one of the most mentally taxing races I've ever done.”
John has travelled all the way from Texas, and while he has done many races before, the terrain in Scotland has presented a very different challenge. He said, “The terrain was a bit of a smack in the face, I didn't know what to expect - we don't have anything like this in Texas. But I’m getting used to it now!”
The rough and mountainous terrain is also a very different challenge for Taz de Page, who has travelled from Belgium. He is another participant who is back for a second time. He said, “I am really proud to be here. This is my second time. The first time I had to pull out on day 4, so now is a bonus.”
Elaine Bisson, who has had a consistently strong performance this week and is second in the women’s field, was looking strong and resolute against the wind. She said, “Today's been really good. A bit wild, but it's amazing. I quite like it when it's a little bit wild. I really, really want to get to the end.”
Having come this far, many runners were determined not to let the Scottish weather get them down.
The remote, inaccessible sea lochs are a route highlight ©No Limits Photography
The atmosphere at Kinlochbervie was joyful
The wilder weather of the morning made way for a stunning afternoon at the camp in the small village of Kinlochbervie.
The atmosphere in camp this afternoon was electric. Runners on both the full Cape Wrath Ultra course and the Explorer route were both ecstatic to cross the finish line in the knowledge that they would now likely make it to the lighthouse.
An extra mood enhancer for the participants was finding out that there were showers at this site! After 7 days of relying on sea lochs and rivers to have a wash, the promise of a warm shower was certainly a very welcome perk to this camp.
Many participants have now formed close friendships with their tent mates and the other runners who they’ve now spent a whole week out on the trail with, and the finish line was full of runners waiting to cheer in their new friends after another hard day out.
However, there was no denying that today was a tough day.
Denise Axelsen reflected on having made it through day 7. "It was really tough. I'm very emotional. There's been highs and lows. It's been awesome."
The finish line was a joyful place to be ©No Limits Photography
Meek looks set to break the record while Parrish is still going strong
David Parrish once again continued to strengthen his lead, with 2 and a half hours on Fernando Alvarez in second place.
He enjoyed the Scottish weather today. He said, “It’s been nice and wet and windy. I thought I'd go back to my friends and they'd say oh it was a fair weather Cape Wrath Ultra, but we've had a day now!
David has impressed participants and Event Team alike with his positive attitude throughout. “I've just enjoyed it. I've had ups and downs where I've thought someone's chasing me down, but I've not had any really low moments. I'm just happy to be here.”
David Parrish has had a smile on his face throughout ©No Limits Photography
Meanwhile, Meek continued with a phenomenal performance, coming in as fastest woman of the day. However, the last few days have been tougher for her; on Day 6 a watch malfunction led to her making a navigational error, and today she struggled in the more severe weather. While she still has a very comfortable lead in the women’s field, she has dropped from 4th place to 5th place overall.
She said, “I was quite battered today. I was really swept off my feet on the tops. Survival mode just kicked in!”
However, she still looks set to break the record. If she can keep up her phenomenal pace on the final day tomorrow, we may have a new women’s record for the Cape Wrath Ultra, an honour currently held by Sally Fawcett.
Jo Meek is still going strong ©No Limits Photography
While the end is now so close, our participants still have one final push before they reach that lighthouse. With 26km to go, including a stretch over the sweeping golden sands of Sandwood Bay, participants this evening will be resting as much as possible to have the strength to take them over those final few miles.
All the training, tears and strife have brought our participants to this point, with their dream within reach.
It will certainly be an emotional final day for many.
Participants must save their strength for one final day ©No Limits Photography
The Leaderboard so far:
FASTEST 3 MEN:
David Parrish (42:36:08)
Fernando Alvarez (45:04:45)
Sam Hill (46:14:43)
FASTEST 3 WOMEN:
Jo Meek (48:48:44)
Elaine Bisson (52:03:43)
Jana Szczepaniak (54:42:09)
Jana has had a phenomenal run ©No Limits Photography
FASTEST 3 MEN on Day 7:
David Parrish (07:49:13)
Fernando Alvarez (08:01:20)
Sam Hill (08:22:15)
FASTEST 3 WOMEN on day 7:
Jo Meek (08:52:35)
Elaine Bisson (08:55:14)
Jana Szczepaniak (09:37:26)
It was wild but beautiful on the tops today ©No Limits Photography
TAKE THE JOURNEY IN 2024
Has all the excitement inspired you for your own Cape Wrath Ultra journey?
Sign up for the 2024 Cape Wrath Ultra or the shorter Cape Wrath Explorer and join us for 8 unforgettable days in the Scottish Highlands. Over 50% of entries are already gone, so enter now to secure your spot!
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We will send everyone who signs up for the Cape Wrath Ultra this May an exclusive invitation for 50% off the 2024 SCARPA Great Lakeland 3Day.
Join the epic challenge ©No Limits Photography