Preparation
Preparation for a journey of this calibre cannot be taken lightly; any success is invariably a consequence of a lot of meticulous planning, training and sound preparation, supplemented by a number of carefully selected good pacers and an excellent support team.
NavigationThe recently released Harvey’s map entitled “Charlie Ramsay Round” (map scale 1:40,000. 2.5cm to 1km) is consistent with the maps they already produce for the Bob Graham and the Paddy Buckley rounds. |
|
![]() The main advantage is that one will only require 1 map which will cover the entire round, whereas with previous maps you had to rely on 2 maps for complete round cover. |
|
![]() |
|
Start and finish point
|
|
Supported attempt![]() Bobby Shields Mel Edwards & Charlie Ramsay 1978 Opinion falls heavily in favour of the use of a support team and carefully selected pacers. |
|
Solo/Unsupported attempt![]() There is evidence that this round can be completed unsupported. Additionally, you must carry all of your food, drinks, foul weather clothing and other personal essential items for use on the hill.It is not recommended as an option worthy of favourable consideration, as the sack will have to be pretty full and heavy before departure, to include all of the necessary fuel for 24 hours of energy output, required to facilitate moving on the hill continuously. Due to there being so many interpretations of Solo/Unsupported attempts e.g. A specific definitive interpretation of Solo/Unsupported is difficult to define and manage, therefore provided a contender completes the round within 24 hours, all that will be recorded on the finishers page of this website will be their finishing number, finishing date, name, finishing time and direction C or AC. The Solo/Unsupported column was removed in 2014. Any additional text they wish to use to support their achievement can be reflected in their own Summary Report, their Facebook or Blog. |
|
Food Drop
|
|
This is a reasonable option although some purists would have difficulty in defining this option as being unsupported.
Night Section
|
|
Round attempt: time of year |
|
Ideally May, June or July are good options to take advantage of maximum hours of daylight for travel during the night section. Consideration should also be given to the full moon to facilitate enhanced visibility during the hours of darkness. | ![]() |
There may be some remaining snow on the high tops even during May, which may restrict early attempts during that month. | ![]() |
PacersGood pacers are an essential part of the team; they must be carefully selected for their suitability and good knowledge of their designated section. Commitment to proceed
|
|
Equipment to be worn or carried |
|
Part of the preparation process is the planning and selection of what must be worn or carried throughout the journey. | ![]() |
Footwear
|
|
Clothing |
|
Contenders, Hill support and Base support must be mindful that they may be operational during the day or during the night, at heights ranging from Sea level to in excess of 4,000 feet.
To that end, the following attire is recommended to be worn or carried: Base Layer, Mid Layer, Outer Layer, Hat, Gloves and full Waterproofs to include a Hood. |
![]() |
Additional support options |
|
Mountain Bike The use of the mountain bike has recently proved popular with support teams getting into key rendezvous locations at agreed times to refuel, restock or pacer change over as required |
![]() |
Train ServicesThe use of the train has also been used to facilitate support options. For example a train from Fort William to Corrour followed by a few kilometres walk jog or cycle to the south side of Loch Treig, |
![]() |
an excellent changeover point or refuelling stop, prior to the ascent or following the descent of Beinn na Lap, depending on direction choice (clockwise/anticlockwise) | ![]() |
The use of train will be determined by the contender’s start time from Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, their arrival time at the South end of Loch Treig and ScotRail train timetables.
See Useful Contacts page |
![]() |
Corrour Station House has excellent eating facilities and accommodation.
However due to the remoteness of this location, pre-booking is highly recommended. Retiring pacers and support team can either return to Glen Nevis youth Hostel via a long Westbound trek to Glen Nevis or by train, from Corrour to Fort William, train timetable permitting. |
![]() |
![]() |
|
The use of the Gondola at Aonach Mor![]() This facility has also proved popular with a bit of a novelty thrown in.To gain access to or escape from the Aonachs for either supporting or route familiarity within the area Nevis Range Gondola facilities are open every day from 10 00 until 17 00 with variations during July and August.Access to Nevis Range from Fort William is via the A82 Northbound for approx 5 miles miles, turn right and continue for a further mile to the Nevis Range car park situated at 100 metres.At the reception area you can purchase a single or return ticket for the Gondola taking you to the Ski and Mountain Centre at 650 metres.Depending on the time of year (during the ski season) you can walk a short distance to the chair lift and continue to 900 metres, leaving a comparatively short walk/climb onto the summit of Aonach Mor 1220 metres and onto the main route. |