Walkers

TRAINING

During the week - 3 to 4 one hour sessions at the gym or other activities from jogging, walking, football, cycling, tennis and squash. Toughen the feet and walk everywhere!
During the weekend - build up from 5-10 mile walks to a maximum of 32 miles over 6-7 weekend sessions. Explore a different part of the country and stretch yourself further each time.

Three ways to stretch

TOP TIPS

• FEET - Toughen your feet by walking as much as possible. Trim toenails and use foot powder. Tape your feet with zinc oxide tape (Army type recommended) before you start.
• SOCKS - 1000-mile or double lined socks recommended. Wear thicker socks inside out and change your socks at each check point.
• BOOTS - Light Gore-Tex type boots. Make sure they fit perfectly and are well broken in.
• TRAINERS - Fine in dry weather on some sections. Not recommended in the wet. Alternate with walking boots.
• JOINTS - Use two walking sticks.
• RUBBING - Wear Lycra cycle shorts and use Vaseline to prevent chaffing.
• STRETCHING - Stretch both before and after walking and at each check point.
• DRINK AND HYDRATION - Drink regularly. We recommend at least 2-3 litres of water between each check point. Use the Camelback/Platypus water container. Mix energy drinks with water. Drink plenty of tea, soup, and water and eat fruit.
• DEHYDRATION SYMPTOMS - Thirsty, not going to the loo, dark coloured pee and minor headaches.
• BLISTERS - If you feel a potential blister forming, stop and deal with it there and then. Puncture the blister with a pinprick, drain and dress it.
• TEMPERATURE - Maintain a constant body temperature and prevent your body from sweating. If you feel cold, put your hat and gloves on.
• CHECK POINTS - Keep stops at check points to max. 20 minutes otherwise muscles seize up.
• KIT - Remember every pound on your back is five pounds on your feet so carry a small day sack containing waterproofs, water container, head torch for night section and energy food. Let your support team carry the rest.

RECOMMENDED WALKERS' KIT LIST

• MAP - provided in registration pack
• Small day sack
• Camelback/Platypus water container (minimum 2 litres)
• Well-broken in pair of walking boots and/or trainers (trainers recommended for part of the route in dryer conditions)
• Waterproofs
• Spare change of clothes
• Wide rimmed sunhat, sun cream and sun glasses
• Midge repellent and mosquito head net
• Cycle shorts
• Basic first aid kit (including blister repair kit, zinc oxide tape and foot powder)
• Rehydrant energy drinks such as Lucozade
• Energy food (such as nuts, fruit, chocolate, energy bars)
• Head torch and spare batteries
• Mobile phone and whistle
• Woolly hat and gloves
• Trousers/track suit for night section
• 5 pairs 1000-mile or double lined socks
• Towel
• Compass
• Spare boot laces
• Survival blanket

IMPORTANT INFO

• Registration is 0900-2300 on Friday 21st June at Nevis Centre, Fort William.
• The Pasta Party is at Nevis Centre in Fort William 1800-2300 on Friday 21st June. This is FREE for all walkers and a maximum of TWO support team members. Additional support team members will be charged �7 per person.
• On Saturday 22nd June, the Nevis Centre will be open 0645-1200 for late registration. Please register at least 45 minutes before your start time.
• Arrive at the Start at Brave Heart Car Park at least 30 minutes before your start time.
• Remember your team number as you will not be able to take part without it.
• Compulsory safety briefings are held 15 minutes before each start time at the Start Line. There are also safety briefings at the Nevis Centre at 1900 and 2100 on Friday 21st June.
• Inform a marshal if you decide to retire from the event at any stage.
• All walkers MUST CHECK IN AND OUT of each check point.
• Display your event number at all times
• Report all accidents and injuries to a marshal.
• Drinking water is available at the designated water stops. Please make sure your support team has ample supplies of water at check points.
• Drinking and hot water, tea, coffee and soup are available at check points.
• Carry all litter with you and deposit in rubbish skips at check points.
• The West Highland Way Race is a 95-mile run from Milngavie to Fort William on Saturday 22nd June. Beware of runners heading in the opposite direction along the West Highland Way.
• When passing through built-up areas in the early hours, please be as quiet as possible.
• There are no shower or washing facilities at the Finish. For safety reasons, please do not attempt to swim in Loch Lomond.
• Prize giving will be held at 12 noon on Sunday 22nd June
• Read our FAQ