Ready to step off the road and try something new? This weekend is the perfect introduction to the joys of trail running!
Trail running means no tarmac, no roads, no treadmills. Under our feet, the ground is constantly changing so no two steps are the same.
This is the terrain that we have evolved to run over and the variety gets us away from the monotonous repeated impact that we feel when running on an artificial surface of tarmac or treadmill. One result of this is a reduction in the repetitive-impact injuries that plague road-runners but most importantly it is more fun, adventurous and rewarding.
The view is constantly changing and our route takes us into more natural surroundings. We leap bound and splash as we explore the environment around us. The best runner is the one having the most fun!
It takes confidence to set off into the unknown, away from familiar terrain and start to explore. We’ll show you some beautiful routes, helping you to take your first steps into unfamiliar surroundings and start building your own off-road adventures.
Aviemore is a trail runners paradise, with endless trails covering every sort of terrain. The valley floor is full of ancient Caledonian pine forest and glittering lochains, complete with castles and rare wildlife.
This range of trails means that we can adapt our itinerary to suit the group and weather conditions, so no two Try Trail courses will ever be the same.
Join our friendly team of experienced running guides, who will find a route to suit the group. With a balance of easy running and opportunities to pause to enjoy the view. They’ll share useful tips and advice to help give you the confidence to start out on your trail running adventures.
For 2023 we are pleased to be partnering with Ellis Brigham, Aviemore to make this weekend bigger and better than ever. All participants will benefit from expert advice on kit and equipment and a discount on new purchases made over the weekend.
Each day we will meet in the Ellis Brigham store in Aviemore, before travelling a short distance to start our runs.
To give you a guide as to what to expect, here is a sample weekend course. If these distances are further than you are currently running, don't worry, please read the experience and fitness section below.
Day 1 Loch an Eilein 11km 50 meters of ascent
Voted Scotland's favorite picnic spot, Loch an Eilein is the jewel in the crown of the Caledonian forest. Breathtaking views of the mountains await as you run gentle trails around this stunning area. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident Ospreys, now living in the watery ruins of the castle of the notorious 'Wolf of Badenoch'
Day 2 Loch Morlich and Rothiemurchus 12km 85 meters of ascent
This point to point run journeys through the heart of the forest, descending on an undulating trail from the beach at Loch Morlich back towards our base in Inverdruie.
This two day package does not include accommodation or meals, allowing you the flexibility to choose your own. All guiding is included, but no in-course transport. Depending on the itinerary we may do circular runs, or use public transport to access Cairngorm mountain.
Date | Price | Spaces | Booking |
29&30 April | £75 | Places available | Book now |
Also running this weekend will be our Cairngorm Mountain Trails Weekend if you are looking for a bit more of a challenge.
If you can't wait please get in touch to arrange some bespoke guiding.
This trip is all about the adventure and we will find a pace that keeps the team together and allows time to enjoy our surroundings including food breaks and a chance for photos.
This course is designed as an introduction to the delights of 'proper' trail running, so will be on routes and at a pace that allow you to take your time and enjoy the experience. Covering around 10 to 12km each day we will stick to trails without steep climbs or technical, rocky sections. We would expect to cover the 12km in around 2.5 hours with stops so speed isn't important. If you can get round a Parkrun without stopping in under 40 minutes and can comfortably go on a brisk walk for 2-3 hours you will be absolutely fine.
If you have any questions about your fitness please get in touch to discuss your options.
We will be aiming for 2 full days of trail running so we will have to be prepared to deal with everything that the Scottish weather can throw us. Whilst we don’t want to be over burdened it is essential that every member of the team has enough equipment to deal with the unexpected. Additional safety equipment will be carried by the guides.
Please don't be put off by a need to buy lots of expensive equipment for this weekend, simple non-technical kit will be sufficient. If in doubt, please ask.
Waterproof jacket
We recommend:
Montane Spine Waterproof Jacket (for men)
Montane Spine Waterproof Jacket (for women)
Waterproof trousers
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)
Survival bag
We recommend:
Lifesystems Light And Dry Thermal Bivi Bag
Whistle
Adequate footwear - Fell trail shoes only
We recommend:
Inov8 TERRAULTRA G 270
Inov8 Roclite G 275
Food - Some simple snacks to give an energy boost if needed.
First aid kit
The guides will be carrying emergency first aid supplies but if you can have a small personal kit with blister pack/compeed and any personal medication.
When booking you will receive a 20% discount code to use with Montane to help you equip yourself for the weekend.
We will meet at the Ellis Brigham store, Aviemore
There is on street parking and it is 5 minutes walk from Aviemore train station.
We will meet on both mornings at 9am. Depending on the route we would expect the long route to finish around 2 or 3 pm.
Wigwam accommodation is available at Badaguish outdoor centre
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