West Highland Way Double (Out & Back)
Milngavie to Fort William and back
191.82 miles | 26,739 ft elevation gain
Time: 44h 40m (Supported)
🚩 Start: Milngavie, Friday 11 July 2025 – 16:00
🏁 Finish: Milngavie, Sunday 13 July 2025 – ~12:40
FKT (Supported) | Previous FKT: Keith Hughes, 64h 15m
Trip Report
This challenge was a long time in the making. A few years ago, my friend Chris Saunderson casually suggested the idea of a double West Highland Way — and it just stuck. It lived rent-free in my head ever since, and this year, I finally committed to turning the idea into a reality.
I set off from Milngavie at 4:00 PM on Friday, 11 July 2025, heading north toward Fort William along the full official route, including the low path section along the lochside. The weather was brutally hot, reaching over 30°C across the weekend, which made hydration and fuelling incredibly difficult.
Between miles 40 and 70, I felt nauseous and drained — and around Bridge of Orchy, I had a full-on projectile vomiting episode. But once I got through that low patch, I managed to settle into a rhythm. I reached Fort William in 19 hours and 43 minutes, touched the town centre marker, and turned right around without stopping or sleeping.
On the return leg, I was joined by even more friendly faces. I completed the entire 191.82 miles without a single minute of sleep. The combination of exhaustion, heat, and terrain made this the hardest thing I’ve ever done — but I wasn’t alone.
My SBF Race Team was the heart and soul of this attempt. I was incredibly lucky to be joined by an army of support runners from the team:
Kerri, Gordon, Andy, Allan, Kris, Sal, Kerry, Marc, Pauline, Sandie, Chris, Callum, Scott, John, Kevin, Paul, Stephen, and Stuart — each of them played a part in keeping me moving when I was struggling. Whether it was carrying water, keeping my spirits up, or simply sharing the miles, they were there.
My road support was led by Chris Saunderson (who started this whole idea), Kerri Brown, and my daughter Dakota Brown — I can’t thank them enough. And on the return journey, I was joined by my mum Valerie and stepdad Ray, which meant the world to me. Their presence gave me an emotional boost when I needed it most.
I returned to the Milngavie obelisk after 44 hours and 40 minutes of nonstop forward motion — nearly 20 hours faster than the previous FKT set by Keith Hughes (64h 15m). I’ve got nothing but respect for Keith and anyone who’s attempted this route — it’s a massive undertaking. He is also an amazing guy who came out to support me and give me fruit and ran a mile with me on my return leg.
This effort pushed me, but it also showed me the power of community, friendship, and family. I couldn't have done it without them.
I have attached my full Strava file for verification, showing both directions and full GPS tracking of my route.
Gear Notes
Shoes: Hoka Tecton X3 & Hoka Mafate
No poles were used
Speed (rotated)
Support style: Fully Supported
Road crew: Chris Saunderson, Kerri Brown, Dakota Brown
Support runners (SBF Raceteam): Kerri, Gordon, Andy, Allan, Kris, Sal, Kerry, Marc, Pauline, Sandie, Chris, Callum, Scott, John, Kevin, Paul, Stephen, Stuart
Special thanks: Mum (Valerie) and stepdad (Ray) for joining me on the return leg
GPS Tracking: Full route available via Strava
The full journey was videod for a new YouTube film by Monument Media Josh & Greame.
This run is dedicated to John Kynaston who passed away in 2021.