This course will teach you the essential elements of trail running, setting you up with everything you need to get started with your own adventures.
This two-day course will feature a mixture of workshops and runs across both days, giving you the opportunity to learn new skills, develop techniques and put what you’ve learned into practice!
The workshops are accessible for runners who are new to off-road running, as well as experienced runners who are looking to develop their skills, improve their trail running performance and find out how to stay injury-free.
Our trail running workshops will cover a varied itinerary of trail running essentials, including:
Navigation - This is an essential skill for anyone heading away from the security of roads and parks. We will work on fast map interpretation, direction finding and what to do if you get lost!
Running tactics and techniques - A nice run in which we will work on a warm up routine and analyse our own running style. We will look at our posture, cadence and stride to ensure we are running with efficient technique.
Physical preparation - What can we do to help us run better and avoid injury. This session will give you some simple ideas for strength training, mobility and recovery.
Technical terrain - This active session will include all the tips and techniques needed to find grip on loose surfaces, give us control on fast descents and fly over rocky terrain safely.
Route planning - A classroom session to explore route planning resources and ideas.
Based near Aviemore or the Pentland Hills, Edinburgh, we have a huge variety of trails and locations that we can use for our training. This course includes two days of instruction and does not include accommodation or meals, allowing you the flexibility to choose your own.
Dates | Venue | Price | Spaces | Booking |
18&19 March | Pentland hills | £160 | Places available | Book now |
22&23 July | Aviemore | £160 | Places available | Book now |
18&19 November | Pentland hills | £160 | Places available | Book now |
If these dates don’t suit you please get in touch to arrange a bespoke course.
This weekend is all about getting stuck in together and exploring the different elements of trail running, so everyone is welcome. The weekend will be a mix of a number of short runs and active workshops, so a basic level of running fitness will help you to make the most of the weekend. If you can complete a Parkrun without stopping in around 30 minutes you should be fine. If in doubt drop us an email to discuss your fitness.
The workshops will be a mix of indoor and outdoor sessions, so it is worth having a change of clothes if it is a wet day.
Waterproof jacket (with taped or welded seams and a hood)
We recommend:
Montane Spine Waterproof Jacket (for men)
Montane Spine Waterproof Jacket (for women)
Waterproof trousers (with taped or welded seams)
We recommend:
Montane Minimus Waterproof Pants (for men)
Montane Minimus Waterproof Pants (for women)
Running vest
We recommend:
Spare* synthetic insulated upper layer
*We recommend carrying approximately 300g of synthetically insulated upper layers.
We recommend:
Montane Men's Fireball Lite 360g
Montane Women's Fireball Lite 320g
Hat and gloves suitable for the weather conditions
For cold conditions, we recommend:
Montane Prism Mitt
Montane Via Stretch Beanie
For mild/warm conditions, we recommend:
Montane Minimus Stretch Ultra Waterproof Cap (unisex)
Headlamp
We recommend:
Survival bag
We recommend:
Lifesystems Light And Dry Thermal Bivi Bag
Trail running shoes - Bring what you have and we can discuss options. Get in touch if you want more advice before the course.
Water bottle
Clean trainers for indoors
Lunch
When booking you will receive a 20% discount code to use with Montane to help you equip yourself for the weekend.
Aviemore courses
We will be based at Badaguish Outdoor Centre in Glenmore. From the roundabout at the south end of Aviemore, take the road towards Glenmore & Cairngorm. After 4.2 miles the turning to Badaguish is on the left
Accommodation
Wigwam accommodation is availbale onsite at Badaguish at a discount of 15%. Just make a booking through their website and use the code TRS22
Alternatively Aviemore has a wide variety of accommodation options
visitcairngorms.com/accommodation
We also recommend Hostelling Scotland hostels in Aviemore or Glenmore where you can get a 10% discount by using the code TRAILRUN
Pentland hills courses
We are based at the Bonaly Outdoor Centre just off the Edinburgh bypass
Directions are here