Inverness-based athlete Donnie Campbell has set two new FKTs (Fastest Known Times) on Scotland’s Great Glen Way. The route travels around 118km between Fort William and Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. Donnie rode the route, out and back from Inverness, setting FKTs on both the high and low routes.
He reveals why he decided to attempt the FKTs. Donnie says: “I was looking at the FKT website earlier this year as part of my training build up to a race, the Alps Divide. I stumbled across the Great Glen Way out-and-back routes from Inverness and I decided these would be a good challenge.
“I live in Inverness, so the logistics are straightforward, plus I noted that no-one had yet set a record on there high route and only one person on the low route.
“I really like FKTs, because it’s a challenge against yourself only and the clock.
“It’s also a lovely route on my doorstep and I know that when a rider sets a new benchmark, others tend to come along an give it a try, too, so I thought it would be a good way to encourage other riders ton the the Great Glen Way.”
Donnie’s FKT on Great Glen Way Double High route
On June 15, 2026, Donnie, 41, completed the Great Glen Way Double High route in 12 hours, 29 minutes and 39 seconds. The total distance (out and back) was 248.82km with 4617m of total ascent. His average speed, riding his Cervelo ZFS-5 mountain bike, was 20.3kph.
Donnie says: “Up to the ight before, I was debating whether to use my mountain bike or gravel bike. In the end, because of the the climbs and descents and some of the rougher terrain, I went for my Cervelo ZFS-5 mountain bike. It has better gearing for steeper climbs and it copes well with the technical descents.
“It was a nice day, although quite hot. I made it from Inverness to Fort William in six hours. The return ride had a slightly nagging headwind and I was starting to feel fatigued, especially on the last steep forest climb out of Drumnadrochit and so I added a bit of time to the second part of the ride.
“I was pleased to se the first FKT on the route and I hope others will come along a give it a go.”
Donnie’s FKT on Great Glen Way Double Low route
Just over a month later, on July 21, 2026, Donnie set a new FKT of 10:32:41 on the low route. The previous FKT was set by Jesse Baines (male) in 15:07:30 last August.
Donnie rode his 3T Extrema Italia gravel bike 236.8km and with 3712m of elevation gain. His average speed was 23kph.
Donnie says: “Overall, my legs felt good and my nutrition was great. The trails were dry, too, and there was no sleep deprivation for this route.
“The rides have both been great for long training rides and now I am looking forward to the Alps Divide in September. It’s 1000km self-supported bike-packing challenge with 35,000m of elevation.”
Also read: Donnie Campbell sets FKT on the Badger Divide.