Torridon Explorer - Trail running weekend

Explore the Torridon hills over a weekend of exhilarating trail running. With its dramatic scenery and challenging terrain, Torridon offers some of Scotland’s best off-road trails. This guided adventure is perfect for those with a solid base of off-road running experience, combining a mix of steady running and walking sections to ensure you get the most out of this unique landscape.

Key Details

Duration: 2 days
Location: Torridon, Scotland
Group Size: Typically 1-7 participants
Fitness Level: Suitable for those with off-road running experience and good mountain walking fitness
Equipment: Full kit list provided
Accommodation: Option to add two nights at Torridon Hostel

What to Expect

Day 1: Coulin Forest and Coire Lair to Annat

27km, 900m ascent, highest point 650m
The adventure begins in Glen Torridon, heading south into the Coulin Estate. Starting on a well-maintained road, you’ll follow a single-track path along the side of Loch Coulin, taking in the scenery before heading west to the heart of the mountains.
After reaching the high point of the day, enjoy a thrilling 7km descent. This section offers a flowing trail with twists, turns, rock slabs, and steps, making it a fun and technical challenge as you make your way down to the sea.
The day finishes with a relaxed pace, reflecting on the surrounding landscape.

Day 2: Beinn Damh Circuit

23km, 630m ascent, highest point 440m
Day 2 starts in ancient pine forests with easy running on estate tracks along the loch shore. Once warmed up, you’ll head inland to join a rough path squeezed between Loch Damh and the steep mountainside. Expect wet feet in places, but the views are worth it.
The route climbs gently to Coire Roill before descending via a more technical section. Though not too steep, the rocky paths and small drops require care, but the effort is rewarded with spectacular views of the high mountains and sea ahead.
The final stretch is a rolling descent through the forest, with a fun, fast trail leading you back to the starting point.

Accommodation

Accommodation is optional for this adventure. You can choose to add two nights at Torridon Hostel, which will be in a shared, single-sex, 4-bed room with other members of the Torridon Explorer team.

This option is available for £80 and ensures you have a comfortable and social base for the weekend.

Location

The course takes place in the Torridon area, located in the North-West Highlands of Scotland. Known for its towering peaks and rugged landscapes, Torridon offers a unique and inspiring setting for this trail running adventure.

While Torridon itself is remote and not well-served by public transport, it can be reached by car from Inverness or the surrounding area. If you're having difficulty arranging transport, please get in touch for further advice and options.

Prerequisites

Participants should be experienced off-road runners, familiar with running on rocky and uneven terrain. A good level of mountain walking fitness is also necessary, as the routes may include steep ascents and technical descents.

You should be comfortable running distances of up to 25km on mixed terrain and prepared for a range of weather conditions.

Why Choose Us

The guides for this adventure are highly experienced, holding a range of qualifications, from International Mountain Leader to Ultrarunning Coach. With a wealth of expertise in outdoor sports, they ensure that your safety is the top priority while still offering an exciting and rewarding experience in the mountains. Their deep knowledge of the area adds to the richness of the trip, as they are able to tailor the routes to the group’s abilities and weather conditions.

With years of experience leading groups in mountain environments across the globe, the team combines coaching expertise with an infectious passion for the outdoors. This blend of professional skill and personal enthusiasm ensures you’ll have an unforgettable adventure, guided by individuals who truly care about the landscape and the experience they provide.

2 days of guided trail running

All guiding and route planning

Transport between trailheads (if required)

Optional two-night accommodation at Torridon Hostel (£80)

Kit list and safety equipment details

Access to expert guides with extensive experience

Accommodation (unless optional package selected)

Meals and snacks

Personal running kit

Travel to Torridon

Participants should have a good level of off-road running experience and mountain walking fitness. You should be comfortable running distances of up to 25km on uneven terrain and be prepared for some technical ascents and descents.

A solid base in running and fitness is essential to ensure that you enjoy the weekend and can keep up with the pace of the group.

Torridon can experience unpredictable weather, often shifting from sunny to rainy within the same day. It’s important to be prepared for all conditions, including cold, wind, and rain.

The course is held regardless of the weather, though the routes may be adjusted for safety or comfort. Proper waterproof clothing and layers are essential for your safety and enjoyment.

A full kit list is provided, including waterproof jackets and trousers, a running vest, a spare insulated layer, hat and gloves, a headlamp, survival bag, and fell trail shoes.

It is essential that you carry these items, as the mountain environment can be unpredictable. If you’re unsure about any of the required gear, we can advise you on appropriate options to make sure you’re fully prepared.

The routes are varied and include both fast-flowing trails and more technical sections with rocky terrain. There are short, steeper walking sections, but for the most part, the trails are suitable for running.

The terrain includes rock slabs, narrow paths, and a mix of forest and mountain tracks. Some sections, especially on Day 2, require extra care, particularly with rocky descents. The route will be adapted to suit the group's abilities and the weather conditions.

Yes, some experience in off-road running is required. You should be comfortable running on uneven, rocky terrain and be capable of covering around 25km in a day, with a mix of running and walking. If you’re unsure whether your experience level is suitable, get in touch to discuss it further.

While the weekend is designed for those with previous trail running experience, we always aim to ensure everyone enjoys the weekend at a pace that works for them.

Accommodation is optional, with the choice to add two nights at Torridon Hostel for £80. This is in a shared, single-sex, 4-bed room with other participants.

The hostel is simple, comfortable, and a great base for the weekend. If you prefer to stay elsewhere, you are free to arrange your own accommodation. Please note, meals are not included in the accommodation package.

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.