Join us for a week of high mountain running! This itinerary has been carefully selected to give the best possible ratio of running to walking, whilst experiencing some of the finest summits and mountain views that the Highlands of Scotland have to offer! With spectacular running as we journey from the high plateaus of Cairngorm and Creag Meagaidh, to the soaring ridges of Glen Affric, Glen Sheil and the Mamores.
Each day, you’ll run with an experienced guide who’ll navigate your team to success. Your luggage will be taken care of by our support driver, who’ll also transport our running team to and from the trails each day - so all you need to focus on is enjoying the run and making memories!
This is a small group running tour with a maximum of seven guests, so you can get to know your new running buddies as we traverse the Scottish Highlands.
| Date | Running days | Spaces | Total price | Your guides | |
| 2024 | 25-30th August | Monday - Friday | 4 spaces available | £1450 | Abel & Joe |
To register your interest please complete this enquiry form.
If you have any questions, please get in touch by emailing ian@trailrunningscotland.com
Meet in Aviemore on the evening before your first run, 3 nights accommodation in Aviemore.
Run 1 - Ben Macdui
19k 1200m ascent
Highest point 1309 meters
The Ski area gives us a high start to the day at 600m, meaning the high Cairngorm plateau is gained relatively easily. Once up at this level, some nice runnable trails and steady climbing brings us to the remote summit of Britain’s second highest peak. From here a long flowing descent then a short steeper section takes us down to the beach at the head of Loch Avon, surrounded by towering cliffs. A final short sharp climb with some very easy scrambling leads back over the plateau for the return to the ski area.
Run 2 - Creag Meagaidh
21k 1200m ascent
Highest point 1130 meters
The circuit of the three Creag Meagaidh munros begins with a long steep climb, out of the birch forest and up onto the ridge. This gets most of the climbing for the day out of the way and leaves 10km of high level running on a stunning, grassy ridge line. Close to the centre of Scotland, this ridge gives views of summits in all directions. From here the trail drops down into the spectacular Coire Ardair and along undulating single track trails back to the start.
Run 3 - Glen Affric Summits
24k 1500m ascent
Highest point 1183 meters
The remote and rugged summits of Glen Affric give huge rewards for those who make the extra effort required to access this amazing area. You may have looked up at these peaks from your Highland Grand Tour, but now it is time to get up high and explore. Our route takes the soaring ridge line connecting Sgurr na Lapaich to Carn Eighe.
Accommodation - 2 nights at Dundreggan rewilding centre
Run 4 - South Sheil Ridge
27km 1800m ascent
Highest point 1021 meters
One of Scotland’s most well know ridge runs, with 7 Munros packed into just 1800 meters of ascent. With a high start at Loch Cluanie we run towards the sea, at Loch Sheil. With views into Knoydart to the south and the Cuillin of Skye ahead of us, this is a hill runners dream.
Run 5 - Mamores Traverse
19km 1800m ascent
Highest point 1032 meters
To the north of Glen Nevis towers Britains highest peak, to the south are the Mamores. This range of hills offer many options, the route we have chosen is an extension of the classic Ring of Steall route, adding two extra peaks to extend our time enjoying the high terrain before dropping down into the Steall meadows, below the spectacular waterfall.
Accommodation - Fort William
After a well earned celebration dinner, your accommodation is included on this night. You are free to make onward travel plans on Saturday morning.
| Day | Distance | Ascent |
| 1 | 19km | 1200m |
| 2 | 21km | 1200m |
| 3 | 24km | 1500m |
| 4 | 27km | 1800m |
| 5 | 19km | 1800m |
| Total | 110km | 7500m |
This is a mountain running tour and involves 5 days of running, a total of 110km and 7500m ascent. We will not be racing, and will find a pace that keeps the team together and allows time to enjoy our surroundings. The majority of the uphill sections will be walked.
The main requirement for this trip is a good level of stamina and experience in the hills. Being able to do 5 days of mountain walking in a row is a good indicator, along with a good base of steady longer runs up to 30km. All of the running is off-road and some will include rougher trails and muddy sections. Some off-road running experience is essential.
Get in touch with us if you want to find out whether your experience and level of fitness is suitable for this running holiday - or to find out how to build up a good base level of stamina ahead of the tour!
When you sign up for the Highland High Points, you get all of the following included in the cost
Transport: All in course transport, from a meeting in Aviemore on the evening before the first run, to the hotel in Fort William on completion. Baggage transfer each day and a support driver on hand to transfer to start and end of each days trails.
Baggage transfer: We take your bags to and from the trails every day, so all you need to carry is the kit and snacks for your day’s running.
Accommodation: Six nights accommodation. Three nights in a Hostelling Scotland hostel, in a private room for 2 or 4 people. Three nights in independent B&B accommodation in twin rooms.
Meals: All Breakfasts are included. Simple food for during the day is included.
Guiding: The group will be lead by a highly qualified local guide throughout.
Evening Meals: Evening meals are not included in the price, but we will arrange to eat together in a local restaurant.
Please refer to our guidance on Essential kit for trail running safely.
The Highland High Points Tour week takes us through some of the most remote and wild terrain in Europe and we will have to be prepared to deal with everything that the mountains and the Scottish weather can throw us. Whilst we don’t want to be over burdened it is essential that every member of the team is carrying the correct equipment to deal with the unexpected. To ensure your safety the following kit list is therefore compulsory for each individual. Additional safety equipment will be carried by the guides.
We will be running for 5 days, laundry facilities will be available at times through the week but several changes of kit will be necessary.
On the trail everyone must have:
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
Whistle
Adequate footwear - Get in touch if you want more advice before the course.
We recommend:
Food - Enough lunch and snacks to fuel a full day in the mountains
Running Poles - Not essential, but useful to help with the climbs.
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.
Midge net.
If you have any questions or need advice about any of the equipment please just ask.
To secure your place on the tour all we are asking for is a 20% deposit, payable by bank transfer.
The remaining balance will be due 6 weeks before your course start date.
Cancellation
If you cancel your booking more than 6 weeks before your course start date there is no refund of your deposit. If you cancel within 6 and 2 weeks of your course start date we will refund 50% of the remaining course balance once the deposit is taken.
If you cancel less than 2 weeks from the start of your course we are unable to offer any refund.
Transfers
At any point you may transfer the booking to another suitable person if you cannot attend yourself.
We recommend that you arrange your own travel and cancellation insurance.
Cancellation by Trail Running Scotland
We will endeavour to ensure that your course runs as planned. However, we reserve the right to modify the content of a course due to prevailing weather or other conditions and will always try to offer a suitable alternative itinerary or location.
In the unlikely event of cancellation by Trail Running Scotland a full refund will be offered.
Full booking terms can be found on our booking form.
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Trail Running Scotland Ltd. Company registration number SC786843