Which distance is right for me?
Route, terrain and average completion times
Full details of checkpoint locations, directions and facilities are included in the Support Team Guide.
The route starts at Neptune’s Staircase (Banavie) 3 miles North West of Fort William and follows the Great Glen Way to Inverness. At the Pasta Party (on the eve of the event) you will be given a Monster route map, or you can access a virtual copy.
The challenge starts with everyone cycling 31.5 miles from Neptune’s Staircase to Fort Augustus where the changeover from bike to boots takes place and the hike begins.
The hiking options are then as follows - (average finish times include the time incurred on the cycling section)
Bronze Finish
8.5 miles hike to Invermoriston (checkpoint at Glenmoriston Millenium Hall)
Average finish time 7 - 9 hours
Find out exactly what it's like training for and taking part in Monster by reading what bronze participant Julie Desmond has to say.
Silver Finish
23.4 miles hike to Drumnadrochit (checkpoint at Craigmonie Centre)
Average finish time 12 - 14 hours
Read about training for the silver finish and participant Catriona Rae's view of taking part in Monster.
Gold Finish
41.2 miles hike to Inverness (checkpoint at Aquadome Sports Centre)
Average finish time 18 - 22 hours
Find out about taking on Monster gold by reading our interview with gold participant Chris Pearce.
The Great Glen Way is a signposted national walking route. It is a varied walk in terms of terrain and surroundings. It offers stretches of easy walking along level towpaths while also including some steep and constant climbs. The surroundings vary from open countryside to extensive forestry and some moorland stretches. The walking surfaces are mainly on well-constructed paths or tracks with only limited field or grassland.
You can find more info at www.greatglenway.com which includes many photos of the route.
Fitness levels and training
You can access a full Monster training schedule, with top tips for kit and event preparation at Athlete's Angels (Athlete’s Angels have supplied medics, therapists and training advice for the event since it began in 2004).
Please read and re-read the information provided on training – the more you train, the better prepared you’ll be and the more you’ll enjoy the event.