Ring of Steall Skyrace route — Kinlochleven

The Ring of Steall Skyrace route near Kinlochleven is a difficult jogging challenge, covering 17.8 miles (28.7 km) with an impressive 7284 feet (2220 metres) of elevation gain. You will experience exceptionally rough and varied terrain, including rock, scree, and boggy sections, alongside thrilling scrambling over ridges like the Devil's Ridge. The route offers dramatic Scottish Highland scenery, with panoramic views of Ben Nevis and the Mamores, and passes the famous Steall Waterfall. Expect a demanding journey that typically takes around 6 hours and 1 minutes to complete.

This route demands a high level of fitness, sure-footedness, and mountain experience. The terrain is technical, with about 95% unpaved surfaces, and includes significant scrambling sections that require comfort with exposure. Be aware that weather conditions in the Scottish Highlands can change rapidly and become severe, so you must be prepared for all eventualities. Once you commit to certain sections, especially the ridges, retreating can be difficult, so plan your journey carefully.

The Ring of Steall Skyrace route is notable for embodying the tradition of skyrunning, an uncompromising style of mountain running over technical terrain. It incorporates two lofty ridges within the Mamores, including the famously exposed Devil's Ridge, and summits four Munros. This classic skyrunning event is renowned for its inherent difficulty and the significant physical and mental demands it places on participants, making it a true test of endurance and skill.