Skye Trail Ultra

Skye Trail Ultra

Skye Trail Ultra is a 79-mile ultramarathon across the Isle of Skye, with approximately 3,780 m of ascent. Entry is by application only, limited to 100 places, and an entry fee of £245 applies. The event has an overall cut-off of 27 hours.

The route follows the unmarked Skye Trail from end to end. A permanent low-level alternative around Elgol is used due to coastal erosion and increases the course distance to about 79 miles. The race includes seven checkpoints that provide water, snacks and, at some village halls, hot food. Runners are expected to be self-sufficient between checkpoints.

Participants must be at least 20 years old on race day, have prior mountain or ultrarunning experience and be competent at self-navigation with map and compass. Applications are vetted. Pacers are not permitted. Support crews are allowed at specified checkpoints but are subject to parking limits and venue rules.

Mandatory kit must be carried at all times and is subject to random checks; examples include a hardcopy Skye Trail map, waterproof coat with sealed seams, compass, headtorch with spare batteries, water (minimum 1 litre), emergency food rations, survival/bivvy bag and a fully charged mobile phone. A GPS tracker is provided by the organiser. Dropbag limits are enforced: Dropbag 1 (CP4) max 40 x 35 x 20 cm (approx 30 L) and Finish bag max 55 x 39 x 20 cm (approx 50 L).

Start is at Duntulm and the finish is at Broadford Village Hall. Further route amendments or checkpoint diversions may be made for safety or environmental reasons. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.