My Kintyre Way FKT attempt started at 2301hrs on Friday 25th April in Tarbert Harbour by the Kintyre Way information sign. I was joined by some of my support crew for the weekend Scott B, Scott C and Craig. Myself and Scott B set off armed with our head torches for the first climb out of Tarbert - a right slog! We were met with some ideal running conditions with it being warm with sporadic bits of drizzle (light rain). The plan was for Scott to run all the way to Clachan with me however due to some kit malfunctions and niggles he decided to leave me solo at Clanoig Ferry Terminal. I enjoyed some nice solo running over the trails from Clanoig to Clachan, with only a couple of trees down on the path leading to some clambering over/around to regain the path.
Once at Clachan I met with both Scott’s to replenish fluid bottles with water and active root as well as restocking on gels and chews, not to forget munching a nice packet of ready salted crisps! From here I was joined by Scott C for the mix of roads, fields and beach down to Tayinloan. We continued together onto the next section on majority forestry/windfarm access roads which seemed endlessly uphill. Finally the route began descending which meant we were on the way to Carradale, but not before a wee section in the forest! We entered Carradale by the heritage centre/blackbird tea room after climbing a large tree downed by the storms earlier this year. Attempting to follow the route from here we were met by route closed signs and a huge downed tree and accompanying huge hole where the path once resided. We therefore returned to the road (B879) and turned right onto the B842 until we reached Carradale Fire Station which was my planned support point, where Steve and Scott B were awaiting our arrival. A restock of water, active root and gels here as well as some dry socks (no dry shoes sadly) was accompanied by a cheese bagel. Departing here I headed down the B842 towards Carradale Water regaining the route where the path had been blocked. I continued solo around the cool rocky shore section, rejoining the road and heading into the Beinn An Tuirc Distillery lands - where Steve waited to give me a wave at the gates. Solo running continued to Saddell where I was met by Steve, on his bike, after navigating a field of sheep and little lambs. Steve accompanied me on the journey to Campbeltown, up many climbs, where we caught up after having not seen one another since before Covid! We reminisced, discussed current and future plans for our respective Fire Cadet groups in Dumbarton and Campbeltown. Before I knew it I was on the pavements of Campbeltown and leaving Steve by the harbour then running to the Calmac terminal to meet Craig in the car park. A now standard restock of water, active root and gels took place with another cheese bagel scoffed down. I also switched out my white Inov-8 Trailflys here and my wet socks for some dry socks and black Inov-8 Trailfly 270s. Accompanied by Craig, I set off for the next major milestone of Southend/Dunaverty Beach, passing by some cool sights whilst leaving Campbeltown behind including Davaar Island which was looking beautiful in the sunshine which had now joined us, and the Keil Caves easily visible as we passed
After what felt like never ending tarmac roads we returned to coastline and beach at Macharioc, passing the cross and lots of caravans as we progressed to Dunaverty and Southend.
Crossing the beaches of Dunaverty Bay I noticed a “Keep Going Allan” message scrawled in the sand along with footprints and paws. As we pressed along the beach with limited visibility as we now had mist/fog the toilet block appeared along with my partners car. A much needed hug from Kim and Skye the dog was had, along with a water refill - an unplanned support but a great lift!
It was around here where I realised I had messed up with my watch, having hit the 20% warning - I turned off the route navigation and it allowed me to go into ultra mode, which I was hopeful would see me to the end.
Myself and Craig set of from Dunaverty knowing the toughest section was ahead, with tough navigation, hills and foggy conditions to boot. But first, more road/tarmac to reach Amod Farm, where a little navigation error ensued taking us up some forestry road for an extra climb before we realised our error. Back on route we meandered through the field trying to spot and follow the Kintyre Way blue posts, taking on what was by now a tough climb!
The route turns towards the sea after the climbing, taking you above some steep drops which by now were not visible due to the combination of fog, rain and the dark. Climbing up Binnein Fitich the route drops down some and traverses round above the sea before beginning to push north across boggy and rough terrain. We were welcomed through some fields by the cows and their calves. Eventually solid ground was had and we could start to see some lights, passing a farm at this late hour adorned with head torches drew the occupants to the window for a look!
I got excited now as I thought we were just a few corners away so I tried to open up my legs and stride some, soon realising we had a bit more to go. We soon found Kim and Skye waiting on a dark road for us, to then follow us into the finish in Machrihanish where I finished at the blue Information Board on Sunday 27th April at 0016hrs with 0% left on my watch battery!
Upon uploading to my phone I realised the gps monitoring had cut off earlier in the run maybe 4/5km out from the end. I have uploaded some screenshots of photos taken 13 minutes out from the end and also at the end with which are time stamped and show the location in the hope this may help verify my completion. I have also uploaded Strava link for my final support runner which shows full route taken from Campbeltown to the finish.
I appreciate I should have had the watch on ultra mode to begin with which was a huge mistake!