Ramsay's Round Ultra Run
The Ramsay Round is an extremely challenging long-distance mountain endurance route in the Scottish Highlands and represents the Scottish leg of the 'Big Three' mountain rounds. First completed by Charlie Ramsay in 1978, the route covers 57 miles (92.5 km) and requires summiting 23 Munros—Scottish peaks over 3,000 feet—in the rugged Lochaber region. With a demanding elevation gain of 8,500 meters, the route also includes Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.
The Ultimate Guide to Ramsay's Round: Scotland’s 'Big Three' 24 Hour Challenge
The Ramsay Round is one of the most iconic mountain endurance challenges in Scotland, a 24-hour test of endurance, navigation, and resilience. Situated in the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, this long-distance route is part of the renowned "Big Three" mountain rounds, alongside England’s Bob Graham Round and Wales’ Paddy Buckley Round. Known for its breathtaking views, wild terrain, and high Munro's, the Ramsay Round is a monumental challenge for mountain runners and ultra-endurance athletes worldwide.
What is the Ramsay's Round Ultra Run?
The Ramsay Round is a 57-mile (92.5 km) circular loop that takes in 23 Munros—Scottish mountains over 3,000 feet. The round takes individuals through the mountainous Lochaber region, including the UK's highest peak, Ben Nevis, the Aonachs, the Easain's, the three Munros to the east of Loch Treig, and the rugged Mamores and Grey Corries ranges. Created by legendary Scottish runner and endurance athlete Charlie Ramsay in 1978, the goal is to complete the full circuit within 24 hours, a feat that places successful individuals among an elite class of mountain athletes.
History of Ramsay's Round
When Charlie Ramsay set out to extend Philip Tranter's original endurance route in 1978, he was motivated by a vision to push the boundaries of mountain running in Scotland. Tranter’s Round, established in 1964, was already a formidable 36-mile circular loop that traversed 19 Munros (at the time) in the Lochaber region, but Ramsay believed there was potential for an even more demanding route. By adding more Munro's and extending the distance to 57 miles, Ramsay increased both the physical challenge and the sheer magnificence of the route, ultimately creating what would become known as the Ramsay's Round.
On his successful completion attempt, Ramsay faced unpredictable Highland weather and a rugged and rough 8,500 meters of elevation gain. Against all odds, he finished in an astonishing 23 hours and 58 minutes, leaving himself just two minutes to spare before the 24-hour limit. Ramsay's achievement instantly set a new standard in British mountain running. It wasn't until almost a decade later when Charlie Ramsay saw the first sub-24-hour completion, Martin Stone, another ultra-running legend completed the second successful attempt in 1987 and to this day (2024), there have been 273 successful recorded attempts.
The Ramsay Round joined the ranks of the UK's "Big Three" mountain rounds, alongside England’s Bob Graham Round and Wales' Paddy Buckley Round, and has since become a legendary feat in the world of mountain endurance, attracting athletes from around the world to the wild, challenging terrain of the Scottish Highlands.
Photo of Charlie Ramsay on his Successful attempt (Ramsayround.co.uk)
What is the Tranter's Round?
Tranter's Round is an iconic mountain route in the Scottish Highlands, celebrated for its sublime linkup of high ridges across some of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes. This 36-mile circuit weaves through the ridges of the Mamores, the Grey Corries, the Aonachs, Carn Mor Dearg, and culminates with the ascent of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak. When Philip Tranter first completed the round in 1964, it set a new standard as the 24-hour Munro Record, with Tranter successfully summiting 18 Munros (was 19 Munros as it included Sgorr an Lubhair, but this delisted as a Munro in 1997) within a single day. This achievement captured the imagination of the mountain running community and marked the beginning of Scotland’s long tradition of 24-hour mountain endurance challenges. Tranter’s Round has since inspired countless athletes to test themselves on this beautiful but demanding route and served as the foundation for Charlie Ramsay’s later expanded Ramsay Round.
Jack Oliver enjoying the Mamores on a Ramsay's Round Recce in 2018
What is an Ultra Running Challenge?
An ultra running challenge is an endurance feat that exceeds the standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles, they often involve distances of around 50km, 100km or more. The Ramsay's Round sits just under 100km at a total of 92.5km, depending on what lines you take. Unlike traditional road marathons, many ultra challenges take place in rugged environments, such as the Scottish Highlands, the terrain is not only complex navigationally but also physically demanding with steep and long ascents combined with rough terrain. Scotland is home to some of the roughest terrain in the United Kingdom and the ultra challenge that stands out the most has to be The Cuillin Round, read more about this round HERE.
One of the Ramsay Round Solo/ Unsupported attempts in the winter of 22/23
What is a Munro?
A Munro is a mountain in Scotland that stands at least 3,000 feet (914 meters) in height. Named after Sir Hugh Munro, who in 1891 catalogued these peaks in a list known as "Munro's Tables," they have since become popular targets for hikers and runners aiming to "bag" or summit as many as possible. With a total of 282 Munros scattered across Scotland, these special mountains offer varied terrain and dramatic landscapes, attracting all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts who relish the challenge of taking on these distinctive mountains in the rugged Scottish Highlands.
OS Mapping showing the Ramsay's Round route and all 23 Munro summits
The Route: A Closer Look
Ramsay's Round is an ambitious extension of Tranter's Round, which begins and ends at Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, just outside Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. In 1964, Philip Tranter completed this original route by travelling anticlockwise through the Mamores (10 Munros), then crossing the valley to tackle the Grey Corries (4 Munros). He continued up to the Aonachs (2 Munros), ascended Carn Mor Dearg, and finally reached Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, before returning to Glen Nevis.
Ramsay’s Round builds on Tranter’s original route by adding five additional Munros, creating a more demanding challenge. After finishing the Mamores at Sgurr Eilde Mor, runners continue eastward toward the south end of Loch Treig. From here, they summit Beinn na Lap, then head for Chno Dearg, followed by the summit of Stob Coire Sgriodain. Next, the route leads to the north end of Loch Treig for a steady climb onto the Easains. After descending to the Lairig Leacach, athletes tackle a final ascent to Stob Ban, which reconnects them to Tranter’s Round and continues back to the finish in Glen Nevis. This extension transforms Tranter’s Round into a formidable 57-mile challenge with 23 Munros and over 8,500 meters of elevation gain, making Ramsay’s Round one of the toughest endurance challenges in the U.K.
Key Statistics
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Distance: 57 Miles (92.5 km)
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Ascent: 8,690 Meters of Ascent (28,500 Feet)
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Summits (Munros): 23
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Start Point: Glen Nevis Youth Hostel (Fort William)
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End Point: Glen Nevis Youth Hostel (Fort William)
Looking at Binnein Beag from Binnein Mor with the Grey Corries and Stob Ban behind
The Mamores
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Start at Glen Nevis YHA
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Munros include: Mullach nan Coirean, Stob Ban, Sgurr a' Mhaim, Am Bodach, Stob Coire a' Chairn, An Gearanach, Na Gruagaichean, Binnein Mor, Binnein Beag and Sgurr Eilde Mor
The Mamores section of Ramsay's Round begins with a scenic start along the track through Nevis Forest, giving runners a chance to find their rhythm before the route truly takes off. The challenge begins in earnest as runners climb up the ridge toward Mullach nan Coirean, the first Munro of the day. From here, the route takes to the high skyline, with breathtaking views across the glens and Lochaber region, leading towards the impressive Stob Ban, a distinctive peak standing at 999 meters, known for its steep quartzite summit.
Continuing along the ridge, runners encounter the legendary Devil's Ridge on the approach to Sgùrr a' Mhàim. This narrow, knife-edge path demands careful footing and nerves of steel as it crosses exposed sections with dramatic drops on either side. Sgùrr a' Mhàim marks the start of the renowned Ring of Steall, a circular route connecting several more Munros, including Am Bodach, Stob Coire a' Chairn, and An Gearanach. Each summit along this section offers expansive views, and the ridgeline between them makes for an exhilarating route.
Moving forward, runners ascend Na Gruagaichean and then Binnein Mòr, the highest of the Mamores at 1,130 meters, offering spectacular vistas across to the Grey Corries and the rugged peaks awaiting later in the round. From here, a steep, rough out-and-back detour leads to Binnein Beag, a small but dramatic Munro that challenges runners with its rocky terrain. The final Munro in this section is Sgùrr Eilde Mòr, which involves a taxing ascent but rewards with sweeping views over the surrounding wilderness and a great view of most of the Ramseys Round.
A long descent follows into the head of Glen Nevis, where you'll find Meanach Bothy. This bothy serves as an ideal checkpoint for those with support teams, allowing for a brief refuel before taking on the next section of Ramsay’s Round.
OS Mapping showing the Ramsay's Round route and all 10 Mamore Munro summits
East of Loch Treig & The Easains
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Checkpoint at Meanach, Fersit Dam & Lairg Leacach
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Munros include: Beinn na Lap, Chno Dearg, Stob Coire Sgriodain, Stob a Choire Mheadhoin & Stob Coire Easain
The Ramsay's Round route then enters a remote and atmospheric stretch through the eastern Munros, where the landscape feels increasingly wild and isolated. The route begins with a long, scenic section through the glen, passing close to the remote Corrour Train Station, one of the most secluded railway stops in Britain. Here, the vast openness and absence of human structures emphasise the solitude and remoteness of the landscape, and you're are often alone with only the surrounding Munro's and sprawling glens for company. As you follow the river Abhainn Rath, you feel striking sense of isolation heading towards the slopes of Beinn na Lap, the first Munro of three on the route East of Loch Loch Treig.
The first climb in this section is the gradual yet enduring ascent to the summit of Beinn na Lap. While not technically demanding, the climb can feel relentless due to the solitude and length of the ridge. Upon reaching the summit, a wild and very steep descent off the northeast ridge requires careful footing, especially in poor visibility, as the terrain is steep. After navigating this descent, runners are met with a steep, energy-demanding climb to the top of Chno Dearg. This Munro is followed by a shorter push to Stob Coire Sgriodain, which offers stunning views of the surrounding Lochaber landscape and into the hills of Creag Magaidh and Munros surrounding Ben Alder. From here, a rugged and rough descent leads down towards Fersit Dam, a natural checkpoint where support teams can regroup with runners for a quick refuel before the final push across The Grey Corries, the Aonachs, Carn mor Dearg and Ben Nevis.
Looking at Stob Coire Easain with Stob Ban and Ben Nevis in the distance
Leaving Fersit Dam, the route takes on a more challenging and exposed section climbing the northeast ridge of Stob a’ Choire Mheadhoin. Finally reaching the summit brings a brief respite and rewarding views of the surrounding mountains, but the challenge isn’t over yet. A short traverse leads to Stob Coire Easain, the next Munro, with equally dramatic views looking towards The Grey Corries and the Aonach's.
The descent from Stob Coire Easain into Lairig Leacach is pathless and rough, taking runners down steep, untamed slopes that add an extra layer of difficulty. This descent eventually leads into the quiet valley of Lairig Leacach, where runners can once again access support, if required.
OS Mapping showing the Ramsay's Round route and the Munros East of Loch Treig and the Easains
The Grey Corries, Aonachs, Carn Mor Dearg & Ben Nevis
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Checkpoint at Lairg Leacach
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Munros include: Stob Ban, Stob Choire Claurigh, Stob Coire an Laoigh, Sgurr Choinnich Mor, Aonach Beag, Aonach Mor, Carn Mor Dearg & Ben Nevis
The final section of the Ramsay’s Round is a formidable test of endurance, taking runners through the Grey Corries and onwards to the towering Munros of the Aonachs, Carn Mor Dearg, and, ultimately, Ben Nevis. After leaving Lairig Leacach, runners begin a challenging climb onto the Grey Corries, a dramatic ridge of rugged quartzite and at times narrow ridges. The Grey Corries include a sequence of Munros, beginning with Stob Ban and continuing onto Stob Choire Claurigh, the highest point in this range, with expansive views over Lochaber. Runners then make their way across Stob Coire an Laoigh and Sgurr Choinnich Mor, encountering rocky, technical ridges that require precision and focus, especially on tired legs.
Following the Grey Corries, the route leads towards the Aonachs, starting with Aonach Beag and then Aonach Mor. These two Munros, among the highest in Scotland. Reaching the summit of Aonach Mor, you can sense the end of the round approaching, though some of the most difficult terrain still lies ahead.
The next challenge is Carn Mor Dearg, reached by a traverse that brings runners to the Carn Mor Dearg Arête—a spectacular, narrow ridge leading toward Ben Nevis. This arête, with its steep drop-offs and rocky footing, is both thrilling and mentally demanding, especially after the miles already covered. Crossing the arête, runners get an up-close view of the cliffs and gullies of the north face of Ben Nevis.
The ultimate climb to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, is a fittingly tough finale and a fitting end to the challenge that Charlie Ramsay first completed with only two minutes to spare in 1978. After so many hours on rugged terrain and towering Munros, runners tackling the last stretch and feel the enormity of Ramsay’s achievement.
Climbing Ben Nevis, with over 22 Munros behind them and the glen stretching far below, today’s ultra runners share in the sense of urgency and grit that Ramsay embodied. His groundbreaking achievement transformed this route into one of Scotland's most iconic ultra-running challenges and established it as part of the legendary "Big Three" rounds in the UK.
OS Mapping showing the Ramsay's Round route and the Munros on The Grey Corries, Aonachs, Carn Mor Dearg & Ben Nevis