Support Points
The route and support points
Route choice: Clockwise/Anticlockwise
Anticlockwise was the original route choice culminating on Ben Nevis, but that is definitely the more difficult finish.
Clockwise is the by far the more preferred choice with most successful contenders favouring that option.
The choice is entirely that of the contender.
The Route
The route should be divided into reasonable manageable sections, with each section carefully managed by a selected support person who is comfortable and responsible for their section and all that it embraces.
Descriptions:
The following descriptions are related to anticlockwise contenders.
Support Point 1
Coire an Lochan Mamres
At the west side of Sgurr Eilde Mor which can be accessed from the B863 at Kinlochleven from the road leading to the Mamore Lodge Hotel. At the hotel you can leave your car and continue on foot using the well defined track leading to the lochan.
This location is ideal for contenders coming off the Mamores via Binnein Beag before climbing onto Sgurr Eilde Mor and onwards towards Loch Treig.
Approx. distance by road from the start to the car park at Mamore Hodge Hotel: 20 miles, with a further 4 miles on foot from the Hotel to the Lochan.
Support Point 2
Fersit Dam at the North end of Loch Treig is the ½ way point.
Accessed from the A86 (A82) north bound from Fort William follow the narrow road leading to Fersit and continue on foot approx 1 mile to the Dam head.
(You can seek permission to have the gate left open on the works access track allowing complete access to the dam head by road).
This location is ideal for contenders descending off Stob Coire Sgriodain before ascending onto Stob a Chorie Mheadhoin.
Support changeover at Fersit. (Picture supplied by Dark Peak Fell Runners)
Approx. distance by road from the start/finish to Fersit Dam head: 25 miles.
Support Point 3
The Bealach between the Aonachs and Carn Mor Dearg
This location is ideal for contenders coming off the Aonachs before starting the ascent onto Carn Mor Dearg leading to the arrret and ultimately onto the summit of Ben Nevis.
From the Start/Finish: Proceed to the car park at the top of Glen Nevis, continue on foot through the Nevis Gorge to the wooden bridge at the Steall ruin.
From there leave the trail and follow the burn northwards to the stone wall at the bealach, which links the Aonachs with Carn Mor Dearg.
Approx. distance from the Start/Finish to the car park at Nevis Gorge: 4 miles.
Approx. time from the Start/Finish to the car park at Nevis Gorge: 1 hour.
Approx. time from the car park at Nevis Gorge to the bealach: 2 hours.
Support supplies
The support sacks with the necessary support items for both the contenders and their pacers.
