Ultra runner Pawel Cymbalista has set his fourth Fastest Known Time (FKT) on Scotland’s long-distance trails. His latest endurance feat was to complete the 82-mile (132km) East Highland Way, from Fort William to Aviemore, in 12 hours, 40 minutes and 18 seconds.
Find out about the creator of the East Highland Way.
Pawel’s Scottish FKTs to date
- Great Glen Way: 117km, 2097m of elevation
- West Highland Way: 154km, 3688m of elevation
- Road to the Isles Way: 68km, 779m of elevation
- East Highland Way: 130km, 1938m of elevation
In total Pawel has run 469km, with 8502m of elevation and he completed all routes 10 minutes shy of 48 hours.
In February, 2022, Pawel set an FKT for the 73.5-mile Great Glen Way.
The in April, 2022, he set an unsupported FKT on the Great Glen Way.
In July, 2022, Pawel ran a new record time for the 96-mile West Highland Way.
He has also set a 24-hour Ben Nevis record.
Pawel’s East Highland Way FKT
Pawel started the run in Aviemore and described the weather as “first class”. He said: “It was cold with cloud cover but no wind or rain.”
The trail was quiet and Pawel saw no one else all day. He added: “It’s an absolutely stunning route with lots to see, including wildlife, historical sites and the most dramatic views you can imagine.
“The creator of the route, Kevin Langan, knew what he was doing designing the route and I hope more people will be inspired to walk or run it.”
The toughest – and longest – sections for Pawel included the run along Loch Laggan, which felt like “a slog”. He said: “There were mazing views but the forestry track didn’t really change much. It really felt like a day on its own.”
There were multiple pathless sections, too, which required lots of focus from Pawel. He said: “The East Highland Way is not waymarked, so you need to navigate yourself.”
Then, there was a steep climb out of Spean Bridge. Pawel said: “This section was pretty sore on the legs. I also found the last climb at the North Face Car Park to the Puggy Line hard going.
“However, overall there were few lows and many more highs. I loved seeing the Christmas lights on reaching Fort William High Street and running the length of it.
One of the best moments was seeing my family and friends at the finish.”
The Highland 4
Pawel set himself the challenge of completing four long-distance trails in the Scottish Highlands in the fastest time. He explained: “I said to myself a long time ago that it would be amazing to run all the roads to Fort William.”
He has named the challenge The Highland 4. You can find out more at My Mountain Lab.
Pawel said: “The Highland 4 is a way to give Scotland’s long-distance routes the attention they deserve. The great outdoors is amazing and I would like to encourage everyone to hike, run or cycle all four routes.
“You can hike over multiple days enjoying the scenery and local hospitality. The routes take you through some beautiful villages that have a lot to offer.
“You can go on the wild side and avoid staying in B&Bs by camping along the way enjoy every minute of your adventure. Or maybe you want to go faster by cycling or running?
“It’s all about that great feeling at the end when we gave it our best and complete something amazing.”