The following Event terms and conditions are intended to ensure the safety of all Participants, to meet the requirements of local government permits and to be compliant with applicable Webscorer regulations for Participant performance records and event liability.
The Event Organiser retains the right to refuse entry to anyone declaring false information on their entry form and related tickets and purchases (merchandise), not making the required payment, or otherwise failing to meet the stated entry requirements.
“Event Organiser” means Paddlefast Ltd, a company incorporated under the Companies Acts with Company Number SC577229 and having its registered office at The Stables, Farrenridge, Avonbridge, Falkirk FK1 2HN.
Mandatory kit list:
This will be checked at registration and at the end of each day, with spot checks along the route. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.
Participants must carry the following mandatory equipment on their person:
This event takes place in the Highlands of Scotland – it could take a couple of hours to get to you if you decide to withdraw from the race somewhere other than the checkpoints.
Participants must carry the following mandatory equipment in their kit bags or on their craft:
Clothing
Participants must wear clothing suitable for the weather and water conditions. The water temperature in these large, cold lochs stays around 6 degrees Celsius. Please bear in mind the changeable nature of the conditions on the bigger lochs and layer up.
Your footwear needs to be suitable for paddling and portaging.
Craft choice
Please ensure you paddle the correct watercraft for the water conditions. We would advise one that is suitable for ocean conditions. The large bodies of water can resemble the ocean if the wind picks up. We do not advise the use of flat-water narrow boards / boats.
You must use the SAME craft for the whole route. In the event of equipment failure, please notify the race management who may allow you to change craft (assuming you have a back up option).
Participants are responsible for their own hydration and nutrition during the event. It is essential to carry sufficient water and energy-rich foods to maintain energy levels throughout the challenge.
With the exception of the first checkpoint at Gairlochy, the GGPC checkpoints will have snacks and water available to top up if needed.
Participants must provide a valid mobile number during registration and carry the associated mobile phone during the event for emergency contact. Regular updates and any critical information will be communicated via SMS or a designated event communication platform.
Prior to the event, a competitors WhatsApp group will be created. This is a useful forum for motivating each other, arranging transportation to/from the start and finish points and asking questions.
If a participant decides to retire from the race, they must inform the Race Director or Safety Director immediately. Race number and tracker must be disabled upon withdrawal. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transport back to base, as the organisers do not provide this service.
We have cut off times at checkpoints across the course, these are detailed in the paddler’s packs. If a paddler does not arrive by the cut off time, they can opt to continue paddling the course, but it will be as an individual paddler and not under the safety of the race. Your race number and tracker must be removed.
Please remember we will be paddling downwind so this will ensure a faster paddle time.
NON-STOP ULTRA cut off times
| 1st checkpoint | Gairlochy. 10km (cut-off time 08:00) | |
| 2nd checkpoint | Fort Augustus. 44km (cut-off time 12:45) | Food supplied |
| 3rd checkpoint | Dochgarroch. 84km (cut-off time 18:45) | Food supplied |
| Finish | Inverness (cut off time 20:15) | |
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Due to this being an ultra event and requiring a faster speed, we have fewer checkpoints. We will have a checkpoint at Gairlochy after 10km. This is to ensure every paddler feels confident before entering the first Loch. |
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| To make every checkpoint you will need an average paddle speed of around 7kph. | ||
TWO DAY CHALLENGE cut off times
| Day One | ||
| 1st checkpoint | Gairlochy. 10km (cut off time 09:30) | |
| 2nd checkpoint | Laggan. 27km (cut off time 12:45) | Food supplied |
| Day One finish | Fort Augustus. 44km (cut off time 16:30) | |
| Day Two | ||
| 1st checkpoint | Dochgarroch 40km (cut off time 15:00) | Food supplied |
| Finish | Inverness 48km (cut off time 16:30) |
We are unable to put a checkpoint in Loch Ness! Ensure you have enough food, hydration and an extra layer of clothing in case needed whilst on the Loch.
Solo Challenge: No drafting of each other or boat wash
Relay Challenge: No drafting of each other or of boat wash
Team Challenge: Yes to drafting, within your own team.
Time penalties will be given for breaches of drafting rules.
Participants are required to portage at designated areas, especially around locks and swing bridges. All competitors must follow the official portage routes and adhere to any instructions provided by event officials, Scottish Canals staff or signage.
Participants completing the solo challenge must carry their own craft at portages.
Going through the locks is not permitted.
We will be sharing the waterway and towpath with members of the public, please be mindful of others. When portaging, please keep right on the tow path and no running with craft at the portages.
At swing bridges, participants may be asked to wait to allow the passage of larger vessels through the canal network. Participants are required to follow the instructions of event officials, Scottish Canals staff and signage. Failure to do so will result in disqualification from the event. If you are held up by a swing bridge event, we will make any necessary time adjustments.
We ask the GGPC community to be respectful and supportive of all. Any participant found to behave badly or unsafely or in an unsporting way will be disqualified.
Participants are expected to:
Unsportsmanlike conduct includes and is not limited to:
The Race Director shall immediately notify a disqualified competitor at the earliest possibility.
The GGPC has ZERO tolerance to unsporting behaviour on or off the water. If a participant is found to be unsporting to a fellow paddler, organiser, or spectator they risk disqualification from the race.
By participating in the event, entrants consent to being photographed or filmed by the event organisers or their designated representatives. These images and videos may be used for promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, websites, and marketing materials.
The GGPC is a fully insured and permitted event. Whilst the organisers take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all participants in the activity, unfortunately, accidents can still occur. Each participant should familiarise themselves with the hazards and try to minimise these by complying with the organisers risk management guidelines outlined in these terms and conditions.
Organisers accept no responsibility whatsoever for any loss or injury resulting from any person’s accidents or injury caused by such accidents. Furthermore, it is understood and agreed that individuals participate at their own risk and take responsibility for any third party liability insurance should they wish to have it for their own equipment.
Third party liability insurance can be purchased from the GGPC sponsors Noble Marine Insurance. Please check your governing body membership, as insurance may be included. (eg Paddle UK).
We appreciate that circumstances change, we have the following policy. If you cancel:
All requests must be submitted to [email protected]
In the unlikely event the race organisers have to cancel the event:
By registering for the Great Glen Paddle Challenge 2025, participants agree to abide by these terms and conditions. Failure to comply may result in disqualification or removal from the event.