Inside Britain’s most remote ultramarathon – the race accessible only by boat or foot

Inside Britain’s most remote ultramarathon – the race accessible only by boat or foot

Against the backdrop of Scotland’s dramatic Knoydart Peninsula, the Highland Ultra is one of the most remote ultramarathons in the UK

Published: May 6, 2025 at 3:40 pm

The Highland Ultra is one of the UK’s most remote ultramarathons, accessible only by boat or foot and set in the wilderness of Scotland’s Knoydart Peninsula.

The self-sufficient race covers 125km of trails and ascends 5,000m through landscapes that feature sea lochs, mountain passes, ancient woodlands and one of the UK’s most isolated beaches. Runners can celebrate with a drink at Britain’s remotest pub, the Old Forge Pub, accessible only by ferry or an 18-mile hike – and perfectly positioned at the end of the course.  

Runners with house in background approaching finish line
Runners approach the finish at the Highland Ultra (credit: Beyond the Ultimate)

There is the chance for competitors to see golden and sea eagles, red deer, otters, dolphins and even Minke whales while on the course. 

Runners along a road with a loch next time
The runners approach the finish line – and the remote pub – at the Highland Ultra (credit: Beyond the Ultimate)

This year’s Highland Ultra took place on 29 April, with three stages taking place across three days. In the men’s race, Benjamin Harrison arrived home first, with a combined overall time of 16 hrs 47 mins. In the women’s race, Ioana Barbu finished with the women’s title and finished 5th overall, in 18 hours 33 minutes. 

Kristian Valentin came in second place with a time of 17 hrs 23 mins, while Lily Canter was the second-fastest woman, finishing in 23 hours 31 mins. 

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Ben Harrison, winner of the men's race at the Highland Ultra
Ben Harrison, winner of the men's race at the Highland Ultra (credit: Beyond the Ultimate)
Runner with Scottish backdrop
Highland Ultra (credit: Beyond the Ultimate)
Runner with tent in backdrop
Runner sets up camp at the Highland Ultra (credit: Beyond the Ultimate)
Runner with flag in foreground and postbox behind
A runner approaches the finish line at the Highland Ultra (credit: Beyond the Ultimate)
Runners with mountainous backdrop
Captivating views at the Highland Ultra (credit: Beyond the Ultimate)
Runners with walking poles walk up hill with loch in background
Tackling the elevation at the Highland Ultra (credit: Beyond the Ultimate)
A sea loch with a road running alongside
Lochside views at the Highland Ultra (credit: Beyond the Ultimate)
Runner with walking poles with loch behind
Highland Ultra (credit: Beyond the Ultimate)
Ioana Barbu, winner of the women's race at the Highland Ultra
Ioana Barbu, winner of the women's race at the Highland Ultra (credit: Beyond the Ultimate)
Runner with scottish backdrop
Highland Ultra (credit: Beyond the Ultimate)

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