Ramsay's Round
The Classic 24 Hour Scottish Challenge

Tranters Round involves a journey of 36 miles with 20,600 feet of ascent; it has been successfully completed many times in recent years. No details are retained of successful round completions. Scottish Hill Runners however, can confirm that the fastest known traverse of the round was completed in 1990 by Mark McDermott in 12 hours and 50 minutes. The fastest lady, Dawn Scott got round in 2000 in 15 hours and 57 minutes.

Historical Meeting: Charlie Ramsay and Blyth Wright

Blyth Wright and Philip Tranter collectively planned and put together what is now known as Tranters Round.

Blyth also accompanied Philip for most of the journey before returning to their rendezvous point in Glen Nevis.

Charlie and Blyth going through one of Philips hand written
diaries, highlighting excellent and detailed accounts of their
many mountaineering ventures together.

After over 30 years of sporadic phone calls, letters and e-mail communication Charlie finally caught up with Blyth at his home in Aviemore in November 2008, where they shared an interesting, informative and enjoyable afternoon reflecting on big days in the Scottish mountains.

Sadly after a long illness Blyth passed away on Sunday 24th May 2009. He will be remembered for his invaluable knowledge and expertise in avalanche forecasting and relentless work towards safety in the Scottish mountains.

Many including myself have followed Tranter’s footsteps and successfully completed his circuit within the 24 hour time scale. Whilst on the round one day I wondered if one could extend the round by including the 5 munros that surround Loch Treig: Beinn na Lap, Chino Dearg, Stob Coire Sgriodain, Stob a Choire Mheadhoin, and Stob Coire Easain, making it into a journey that would involve 24 munros within 24 hours, a distance of 56 miles with 28,000 feet of ascent.

Bob Graham Round

Charlie and family following his completion of the B G round
Picture supplied by Stan Bradshaw

Having completed the Bob Graham Round in 1977 (Number 82) I used their model to prepare for my attempt.

Details of preparation and planning can be seen on a separate page under these headings.

I also decided to raise money for Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team (£500.00).

With all of the training complete and support in place, I was ready to go at 12 noon on Friday 8^th July 1978, I left Glen Nevis Youth Hostel and proceeded anticlockwise heading onto the Mamores.

I returned to the Youth Hostel having completed the circuit at 11 58 on Saturday 9^th July with only 2 minutes to spare.

Ramsays Round was a reality.

Chris Brasher

The round acquired a comparatively low profile for over 10 years…

Until 1986 when Chris Brasher called into my office during a business trip to Edinburgh, seeking more detail and information about Ramsay’s Round.

I assisted in supporting Chris, Paddy Buckley and George Rhodes during their Bob Graham attempt in 1977.

Chris Brasher’s name is synonymous with such achievements as:

• 1954 Assisted by Chris Chataway they facilitated the 1st sub 4 minute mile achieved by Roger Bannister
• 1956 Olympic Gold Medal for the Steeplechase in Melbourne
• Instrumental in raising public awareness in competitive orienteering both nationally and internationally
• 1981 Original organiser of the now infamous annual London Marathon

Following that meeting Chris returned south where using his many networking skills within fell running circles, he increased awareness, interest and enthusiasm about the round resulting in a steady flow of successful attempts each year from both north and south of the border.

47 have gone clockwise starting with Ben Nevis and 12 have gone anticlockwise finishing with the Ben.The fastest time recorded is that of Adrian Belton from Baslow in Derbyshire. He recorded a time of 18 hours 23 mins.

Winter attempts

Whilst I only retain record details of those who have completed the round starting and finishing at Glen Nevis Youth Hostel within 24 hours. It is noteworthy that the round has been completed in both directions in winter conditions (October / March) as shown.
1 2002 Glyn Jones: anti clockwise in 53 hours 34 minutes
2 2003 Garry Tompsett: anti clockwise in 33 hours 48 minutes
3 2006 John Fleetwood: anti clockwise in 47 hours 55 minutes
In 2003 John completed the round within 24 hours: No 31, 23 hours 53 minutes
4 2008 Shane Ohly: clockwise in 29 hours 59 minutes

Four remarkable achievements in Lochaber winter conditions

Well done.

Sub 24 hours Solo Winter Attempt

We wish him well.

Ultra–Distance Challenges

Ramsay’s Round is recognised by Ultra–Distance Challenges as one of the UK’s big 3 mountain challenges, which include:

1 The Bob Graham Round: England

2 The Charlie Ramsay Round: Scotland

3 The Paddy Buckley Round: Wales

Having successfully reccied the round during the summer of 2009, she was ultimately denied the opportunity to proceed in August due to foul weather.

Good Luck & Fingers Crossed.