Ninety five runners yesterday set off on a 248-mile challenge on the toughest long distance trail in Britain.
They were taking part in the inaugural Cape Wrath Ultra which started at Treslaig and will finish in Cape Wrath, in Sutherland – the most northwesterly point of the British Isles.
The racers will be crossing rough, rocky and boggy terrain and will involve participants running across boulders, heather, peat bog.
Walkers are normally expected to take around 20 days to complete the trail, but these runners have just eight days.
The competitors set off from Fort William before crossing Loch Linnhe on Souters Lass yesterday morning. They were then expected to start the first leg of the journey – a 23-mile run from Treslaig to Glenfinnan.
And today they will be running 35 miles from Glenfinnan to Kinloch Hourn.
The route has been modified for ultra running by Shane Ohly, of Ourea Events.
Last night he said: “Everyone has finished the first day, which is great.
“It was a successful day. Everyone was in good spirits and looking forward to their next adventure.”
Mr Ohly said the route, which has towering mountains on one side and the ocean on the other, travels through stunning scenery and remote wilderness with every step north.
He said: “Winding through the beautiful lochs, glens and mountains of the Scottish Highlands, the Cape Wrath Ultra is an ultra-running expedition through some of the world’s most inspirational landscapes, including Morar, Knoydart, Kintail, Torridon, Assynt and Sutherland.”
The total ascent will be 36,745ft, but this figure does not fully take account of the toll the constant ups and downs and difficult foot placement will take.
River crossings could also be a particular hazard
The runners will have camp and canteen set up for them each night.
