Charlie Ramsay Round

First completed by Charlie Ramsay in 1978, this route encircles the Lochaber hills in a horseshoe from Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, taking in some of the most dramatic and remote mountain terrain in Scotland. It sits alongside the Bob Graham and Paddy Buckley as one of the three great British rounds, but the Scottish setting adds a different quality: longer approach walks, more serious remoteness, and weather that can deteriorate fast even in summer.

The round links Ben Nevis — the highest point in the British Isles — with the Grey Corries, the Aonachs and the Mamores in a circuit that rarely drops below 800 m. Much of the terrain between summits is trackless, boggy plateau or steep, rocky ridges. Doing it in 24 hours demands not just fitness but efficient navigation on complex ground.

Fewer completions have been recorded than on the Bob Graham or Paddy Buckley, partly because of Scotland's remoteness and partly because the access logistics are harder. The round attracts serious fell and mountain runners from across the UK who want to complete the full set of three rounds.

Completion is recorded informally. The 24-hour clock starts when you leave the hostel and stops when you return.

The round is split roughly into two main sections: the Ben Nevis group and the Mamores, linked by a long valley crossing.

First section — Ben Nevis, Aonachs and Grey Corries: From Glen Nevis hostel, a steep ascent to the Ben Nevis summit via the CMD arête or the tourist path depending on conditions. Then east along the Carn Mor Dearg arête to Carn Mor Dearg, south-east to Aonach Mor and Aonach Beag, then along the Grey Corries ridge — Sgurr Choinnich Mor, Stob Coire an Laoigh, Stob Coire Claurigh, Stob Ban. Navigation on the Grey Corries in mist requires care — multiple ridges converge at similar heights.

Descent and crossing: From Stob Ban, a long descent into Glen Nevis for a support access point, then re-ascent into the Mamores.

Second section — the Mamores: A long ridge of 10 Munros running west above the glen — Sgurr Eilde Mor, Binnein Beag, Binnein Mor, Na Gruagaichean, An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chairn, Am Bodach, Sgurr a' Mhaim, Sgor an Iubhair, Mullach nan Coirean. The ridge running and descent back to the hostel closes the circuit.

Start and finish at Glen Nevis Youth Hostel (SYHA), 3 km east of Fort William via the B8006. Fort William is the nearest large town, accessible by rail (the West Highland Line) and coach.

Support crew access is more limited than on the Bob Graham. Glen Nevis road gives access to the valley crossing between the two halves, and Fort William serves as a base for crew.

Accommodation: Glen Nevis campsite (large, open all year) and the youth hostel are both at the start. Fort William has a full range of hotels and B&Bs.

Best time: June and July for maximum daylight and the best chance of settled weather. The route involves sustained high ground — conditions can be serious at any point of the round. September attempts are possible but shorter days mean a larger portion in the dark.