Guided Trail Running – Cairngorm Mountain Trails

A weekend of guided trail running in the Cairngorms offers a chance to explore one of Scotland’s most impressive mountain landscapes. With the opportunity to run across varied terrain, including rocky paths, forest tracks, and high plateaus, you’ll experience the beauty of the Cairngorms like never before. The course is designed for those looking to challenge themselves while enjoying the natural surroundings, with the flexibility to adapt based on the weather and group preferences.

Key Details:

• Duration: 2 days
• Distance: 21km (Day 1), 15km (Day 2)
• Ascent: 360m (Day 1), 750m (Day 2)
• Age: 18+
• Fitness level: Moderate (off-road running experience helpful)

Itinerary:

On Day 1, we will meet at 10:00am at the Cairngorm Mountain Sports store in Aviemore. After a short walk from the train station or using on-site parking, we will either drive or take a bus to the Cairngorm ski area, where we begin our trail running adventure. The route will cover 21km and 360m of ascent, taking us through the Chalamain Gap and offering scenic views as we run towards Loch an Eilein, with a visit to the castle before returning to Aviemore around 2-3pm.

On Day 2, we will meet at 9:00am at the Cairngorm Mountain Sports store. After travelling to the Cairngorm plateau, we will start our 15km route, which includes 750m of ascent. This day will involve some steeper climbs, but once on the plateau, we will enjoy flowing trails with opportunities to stop at scenic viewpoints. We will aim to finish around 2-3pm.

Location:

The course takes place in the Cairngorms National Park, starting from Aviemore, a central location in the Scottish Highlands. 

The Cairngorm Mountain Sports store is a short 5-minute walk from Aviemore train station, with on-site parking available for those driving. From the store, we will either drive together or take a bus to the start of each route, depending on the trail chosen.

Prerequisites:

This course is aimed at participants with a good level of mountain walking fitness and some experience in off-road running, ideally up to 20km. The routes will cover a mix of easier and more technical sections, so a solid base of fitness and experience on trails will be beneficial. 

Participants should also be prepared for two full days of running in varying weather conditions, with breaks for photos and food.

Why Choose Us:

The team behind this trail running course has years of experience guiding outdoor activities and coaching a wide range of sports. Their expert knowledge of the Cairngorms allows them to tailor the course to suit all levels of runners while ensuring safety and enjoyment throughout. With a passion for running and the great outdoors, they are committed to providing a memorable experience in one of Scotland's most remarkable mountain regions.

The guides are highly qualified, holding certifications such as International Mountain Leader, Ultrarunning Coach, and Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician. This extensive experience means you can feel confident knowing that your safety and enjoyment are their top priorities. With their expert guidance and love for the Cairngorms, they will ensure you get the most out of your trail running adventure.