Applecross Duathlon: Scottish Highlands
The Applecross Duathlon is an annual run-then-cycle event held on the Applecross peninsula, with the start and finish at Hartfield House in Wester Ross, Scottish Highlands. The 2026 edition is scheduled for 19 September 2026.
The Course
Stunning scenery, fierce climbs and a warm welcome. The event involves 9 miles on foot and 15 miles on bike, with around 3,300 feet of ascent and descent. It covers arguably the most spectacular route of any duathlon in Scotland. Although a testing course even for the strongest competitors, it can be done as a run or walk by any reasonably fit person. Previous entrants have ranged in age from 10 to 80!
The run distance is 14.3 km (just under 9 miles), with an ascent of 471 metres, whilst the cycle is 24.1 km (15 miles), with an ascent of 538 metres.
Start at Hartfield House, just 1 km inland from Applecross Bay, and head north on an ancient right of way through wild, dramatic terrain. Cross the peninsula to the coast road near Kenmore on Loch Torridon, climbing to 260 m before a rewarding final push on foot to Transition at Arrina. Then it’s time to ride—15 miles west and south along one of Scotland’s most spectacular coastal roads, with sweeping views over Loch Torridon and across to the Skye Cuillin, before a triumphant finish back at Hartfield House.
Venue, Registration & Race vs. Challenge
There are two options for entering the event — the race or the challenge.
- The Race starts at 1.00 pm.
- The Challenge starts at 12.00 pm.
The Challenge is the better option for anybody who is not confident of completing the course in under 3 hours 30 minutes and certainly for those who plan to walk some or all of the route - you will still be timed. For those who want to walk all the way, you would be advised to start at 11.00 am so you can finish before the course closes at 4.30 pm. If you decide you've chosen the wrong option, don't worry—tell the folk at Registration on the day that you'd like to change from the Race to the Challenge, or vice versa.
Registration, tea and prize giving are all at Hartfield House, next to the Start and Finish. Hartfield House offers high-quality hostel accommodation with various options, including family rooms with en-suite facilities. It is entirely reserved for Duathlon competitors and is the perfect choice if you want to make a weekend of it. For those with energy to spare, a great day can be completed by joining fellow competitors for the Duathlon Ceilidh in the Community Hall.
Timings
- From 9.30am: Leave your bike at the transition area, at Arrina (“Arrisa” on OS map), on the north coast of the peninsula. An official will be present to ensure their safety. The road will be busy and you need to allow an hour and a half for the return trip from the starting line at Hartfield.
- 9.30 - 12.30pm: Registration at Hartfield House. Challenge entrants must be registered by 11.30am.
- 11.50am: Challenge entrants at the starting line for safety briefing
- 12.00pm: Challenge start
- 12.50pm: Race entrants at the starting line for safety briefing
- 1.00pm: Race start
- 2.15 - 2.30pm: First arrivals from the Challenge at the finish line (Hartfield House, same as starting line).
- 2.35 - 2.55pm: Arrival of first Race finisher
- 4.30pm: Finish closes
- 2.30 - 5.00pm: Tea and other refreshments at Hartfield
- 4.30 - 5.00pm: Prize Giving