Endurance Challenge Across Scotland
Freya Shepherd, a 26-year-old physics teacher, completed a 178-mile (287km) run along two of Scotland's most renowned long-distance trails, the West Highland Way and the Great Glen Way, in two days and 15 hours. During the run, she experienced significant pain and sleep deprivation, managing only around 80 minutes of sleep throughout the entire trek.
Freya's route took her from the outskirts of Glasgow to Inverness. This was her second attempt after an unsuccessful effort in October of the previous year.
"I was going quite crazy by the end," she told BBC Scotland. "It felt fine at first and then it started to get really bad. Every time I stopped, I put my head on my poles and just kind of shut my eyes for a few minutes."
Despite the physical and mental challenges, Freya, who is originally from Inverness, remained resolute in completing the run.
"I just couldn't rest. I think the adrenaline was going through me at that point. So I lay down and I rested my legs, but I didn't sleep," she recalled about an early stop at a hotel in Bridge of Orchy, approximately 50 miles (80 km) into the run.
She is believed to be the first woman to complete both long-distance routes consecutively without stopping.
Route Details and Terrain
The journey began at Milngavie, north of Glasgow, the official start of the West Highland Way. From there, Freya ran alongside Loch Lomond, traversed Rannoch Moor and Glencoe, before reaching Fort William after 32 hours.
The 95-mile West Highland Way is typically completed by recreational walkers over five to eight days due to its challenging terrain.
Following this, Freya continued on the Great Glen Way, which extends from Fort William alongside the Caledonian Canal, passing through Fort Augustus and along Loch Ness to Inverness. Walkers usually take five to seven days to complete this trail.
Freya completed both trails in under three days, a remarkable feat given the usual timeframes.
Sleep Deprivation and Nighttime Experience
During the run, Freya struggled with sleep deprivation. She only managed to rest for about an hour in her parents' campervan at Fort Augustus, three-quarters of the way through the entire route.
She described a memorable moment after crossing Rannoch Moor when she turned off her torch to gaze at the star-filled sky, observing a large orange moon.
"It was just incredible," she said. "And then there was a big orange moon behind, which, was really cool."
Support System and Strategy
Unlike her first attempt, when she ran much of the route alone, especially at night, Freya arranged for extensive support during this run. She divided the route into 13 sections, with her parents following in a campervan to provide snacks, water, and tea at each checkpoint.
Friends also joined her at various points to run alongside her, reducing the amount of time she spent running solo to about 19 miles (30 km).
Challenges and Low Points
One of the most difficult moments occurred near Invermoriston, beside Loch Ness, when Freya was running alone. She experienced severe pain from swollen feet and blisters, which made each step agonizing.
"I was in so much pain," she said. "I just ground to a halt and I wasn't able to eat. I wasn't able to drink. I was moving, but I felt like everything was going backwards and I started hallucinating. I just thought, I can finish, but it's going to take me so long, is it worth it?"
It took her about an hour to get through this section. Upon meeting one of her support runners, she was encouraged to eat, drink, and keep moving.
"They found me, threw some food at me, forced me to drink, forced me to keep on moving," she added.
Freya acknowledged the vital role her support team played throughout the run.
"Every time a new runner joined, they brought a fresh bit of energy," she said. "So it didn't matter how bad I was feeling, suddenly everything felt ok again."
Motivation and Background
Freya began running and orienteering in her late teens. Her aptitude for endurance sports motivated her to combine two long-distance routes to test her limits and capabilities.
"It just motivated me to keep on going and see where my limit is and how much I can do," Freya added.
Inspiration for Students
Freya hopes her achievement will inspire her students when she returns to teaching.
"I think it's quite cool that I could have shown some of the young girls at school that sport is for everyone, and there's a place for them out there," she said.
Reflecting on the experience, Freya described it as the best run she has ever done.
"It was the best run I have ever done," she said.
