Please note: discussions are underway regarding changes to the route so don’t assume this is the final version.
GPX route here
Final Details for 2025 will be here
Tracking Link: The tracking site is at
Live Timing Results will be available from
or use the QR code
Stage 1 Machrihanish to Southend
16 miles
Starting from Machrihanish, head west on the road through the village and south up to High Lossit, then follow the track to Ballygroggan. From there the route follows a single track path southwest along the top of the cliffs, rounding Beinn na Faire as it turns east to the col at the head of Innean Glen. The path then returns on the south side of the glen, to the gateway to Largiebaan estate. Bear left, uphill, and then continue on the path that follows the contours before rising steeply to Binnean Fithich, then cutting left and east through a tree belt to a forestry track just west of Largiebaan.
This is the most exposed and dangerous section and, if you don’t have GPX, may require map and compass skills should the mist roll in from the sea (as it is known to do in these parts). We have put out a lot of extra posts to keep you on track. (Neither the OS sheet nor any other published map is up to date yet, so if you do want to take an actual map, we recommend printing one out using our GPX route.)
Turning right and south, follow the track all the way down to the river crossing at High Glenadale. Note that the Kintyre Way leaves this track to contour along to Amod Hill. We will have signs out on the day to keep you on our route. Cross Glenadale Water and climb towards Corr nan Long. Follow the marked zig zag track through Carskiey Farm.
Note this route is only available on the day of the race when it has been agreed that animals will be secured and gates manned. Please do not attempt to follow this route when carrying out any recces. Instead follow the agreed Kintyre Way to Low Glenadale and Amod or you may jeopardise access that has been negotiated for one day only.
From Carskiey you will be on the minor road to the bridge at Lephenstrath and the minor road south to Keil Point and east to the turn off to historical Dunaverty. From Dunaverty Point turn north to the B842, turning right for the village hall checkpoint and relay changeover point at Dunaverty Hall in Southend (below).
From Southend take the B842 north for approximately 1 km where you take the right turn for Mill Park and Dunglass. After a further kilometre, turn left towards Kilbride but just after the turn to Blasthill, take a right turn to Kilmashenachan and follow the path along the beach to Macharioch and the camp site at Polliwilline. Follow this track back to the minor road to Campbeltown.
At various points along here you will be able to see Davaar Island, Ailsa Craig and Ayrshire. From Kildalloig Bay, you will see the start of the causeway linking Davaar Island to the mainland which is accessible only at low tide. This section may look easy but as you can see from the profile below, it is surprisingly undulating!
A few more miles round the harbour will bring you on to the A83, past the Aquilibrium Centre, keeping left until directed to cross Millknowe Road to the finish at the Glengyle Distillery courtyard.
