Across Scotland By Phone

Stunning scenery guaranteed on the Nokia Coast To Coast Challenge.

Route runs from Nairn down the spectacular scenery around Fort William and Glencoe.

One for the diary if you fancy an adventurous challenge this autumn, the inaugural Nokia Coast to Coast Challenge takes place on the weekend of 18-19 September 2010 and is a multi-sport challenge from one side of Scotland to the other.

The event involves travelling by combination of foot, bike and kayak from the Nairn beach on the Moray Firth on the North Sea side of the country, through the Highlands to the shores of Loch Ness and then onwards via the Great Glen and Ben Nevis to the finish line in Glencoe.

It passes through some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery and covers just over 100 miles. It starts with a 10km run from the coast to Cawdor Castle – you can also enter this 10k as a stand-alone event – from where you pick up your bike and ride to Fort Augustus over undulating terrain with spectacular views along the way. Then the first day finishes with a kayak stage on Loch Ness.

After that it's more biking to Fort William on mixed terrain culminating in stunning views of the Lochaber hills including Ben Nevis, after which you abandon your bike and head off on foot towards Loch Leven. You'll run up Glen Nevis, along the West Highland Way, kayak across Loch Leven and finally complete a short run to the finish.

Sounds easy like that huh? There are different categories to suit your level of experience – Challenger, Racer and Expert – Challengers race over two days while Racer and Expert category competitors compete over one day, the Sunday. 

Challenger and Racer cats are open to both solo and pairs, while the elite Expert level is for solo racers only with kayaking qualifications and experience, so something for everyone.

You can find full details including a route map, online entry and so on at www.scotlandcoasttocoast.com.