Downhill Running Masterclass for Trail Runners in Aviemore

After all the hard work we put into getting to the top of a climb, the reward should come in the descent, letting gravity do the work as we flow effortlessly over rocks and roots under perfect control. However all too often we meet runners who dread the downhill knowing that they will feel uncertain and slower than they would like. Whatever your level, let this course free you from the downhill demons.

Key Details

Duration: Full day
Age: 18+
Location: Aviemore, Scotland
Fitness Level: Basic running fitness recommended

Key Skills

Developing downhill running technique
Confidence-building in downhill terrain
Learning to handle loose or slippery surfaces
Mastering cornering techniques
Gaining control over downhill movement

What to Expect

The session is split into two main parts. The morning workshop is held on trails just above Aviemore, where the focus is on mastering foundational running techniques. You’ll learn to control your descent, gaining confidence running downhill at different speeds, with an emphasis on when to use the brakes and when to release them. Additionally, you will practise key cornering techniques and how to handle tricky surfaces like loose rocks or slippery ground. The morning is designed to be active but not overly strenuous, leaving plenty of energy for the afternoon.

After a well-deserved lunch, you’ll head out for a short trail run to put the new skills into practice. The afternoon session takes you into the surrounding hills, where the terrain will vary, giving you the chance to experience a range of conditions. The pace will be adjusted to suit the group and the weather, ensuring a fun and rewarding finish to the day.

Location

The course is based in Aviemore, a fantastic location that provides access to the surrounding mountains and a wide range of trails suitable for all levels.

The sheltered trails near Aviemore offer an ideal starting point for practising downhill running techniques, while the surrounding hills and trails offer greater challenges in the afternoon. With easy access to the Cairngorms, the location is perfect for this type of training and exploration.

Prerequisites

A basic level of running fitness is recommended to make the most of this course. Participants should be able to complete a Parkrun without stopping in under 40 minutes.

This course is more focused on technique than distance, so if you have any concerns about your fitness, feel free to get in touch before booking.

Why Choose Us

This course is led by a team of guides with extensive experience in a variety of adventure sports and guiding across the globe. With qualifications such as International Mountain Leader, UESCA Ultrarunning Coach, and Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician, our instructors are highly skilled in providing high-quality, personalised coaching. Their knowledge, combined with a genuine passion for the outdoors, ensures you will receive top-notch guidance and support throughout the day.

We take pride in offering small, friendly groups to make sure everyone gets the attention they need. Our guides are not only experienced professionals but also enthusiastic about sharing their love of the mountains and trails, making for an engaging and enjoyable day. Whether you're looking to improve your technique or simply gain more confidence, the course is designed to meet your individual needs.

Full day of instruction

Morning workshop on techniques

Afternoon trail run to practice skills

All necessary coaching and guidance

Emergency first aid supplies carried by guides

Accommodation

Travel to and from Aviemore

Personal equipment (e.g., waterproofs, running shoes, snacks)

Food and drinks

For the morning session, you’ll need a waterproof jacket, suitable running shoes, and some water and snacks for the day.

In the afternoon, we may venture into more challenging areas, so we recommend bringing a small running vest, waterproof trousers, a spare insulated layer, hat and gloves (depending on the weather), and a first aid kit. A small bag for your gear is helpful.

Yes, this course is designed for anyone with a basic level of running fitness, so even if you’re new to downhill running, you’ll be able to learn and improve.

If you’re comfortable completing a Parkrun in under 40 minutes, you should be good to go. The focus is on technique and confidence-building, not on covering large distances.

A basic level of fitness is recommended. You don’t need to be an elite runner, but you should be able to run for about 40 minutes without stopping.

If you're unsure whether this is suitable for your fitness level, feel free to contact us beforehand, and we can help assess if it's right for you.

No prior trail running experience is required. The course is designed to teach downhill running techniques, whether you’ve run on trails before or not.

We’ll work on the skills needed for managing slopes and tricky terrain, no matter your experience level.

While the terrain varies, we will start with gentler slopes during the morning session to focus on building skills and confidence.

The afternoon session may take us into more challenging areas, but all routes will be chosen based on the group's experience and fitness levels. Safety is always a top priority.

No, accommodation is not included in the price of the course. However, there are plenty of options in Aviemore, ranging from hostels to hotels.

We are happy to recommend places such as the Hostelling Scotland hostels in Aviemore or Glenmore, and the nearby Rowan Tree Hotel.

We are a small team, with a big love of quality trails and stunning landscapes! For us running is just another great way to explore and enjoy the amazing mountain landscape and wild places that we have in Scotland. It allows us to travel fast and light, flowing through the landscape, covering the terrain and exploring in a way that is just not possible for walkers. Our team has a huge depth of experience coaching a wide range of adventure sports and guiding across the world. We believe that this combination of qualifications, personal experience and coaching understanding means that we are uniquely placed to provide the highest quality experience for our clients.