Torridon Explorer

Arriving in Glen Torridon for the first time is an unforgettable experience. As you round the bend at the head of the glen you are struck by the sight of Liathach rising over a kilometre in height above the sea with its steep rocky flanks and jagged summit ridges. These mountains look more like what you would expect to find in the Rockies or Alps than Scotland. 

At first the idea of running in this terrain seems foolish, but what you soon discover is the incredible network of trails that span the high mountains like a web, weaving around the high ground and linking together the cols and glens in a network that is crying out to be explored. 

The rocky nature of the ground means that for the most part, these narrow single track trails give a perfect running surface and in places include large areas of exposed sandstone slabs.

If you’re looking for an exciting trail running adventure in one of Scotland’s most magical places, the Torridon Explorer is the one for you!

“Fantastic, fun weekend on the trails in Torridon. Perfect routes for the weather and the group. Knowledgeable and caring guides who made sure that everyone was enjoying the experience and the challenge.” - Avril

What to expect

This range of trails in the Torridon area means that we can adapt our itinerary to suit the group and weather conditions, so no two Torridon Explorer courses will ever be the same, but we will usually run a longer route on the Saturday and a slightly shorter course on the Sunday. 

As a guide here is a sample weekend course;

Day 1 Coulin forest and Coire Lair to Annat 

27km 900m ascent, highest point 650m

Leaving Glen Torridon we head south into the Coulin estate on a well made road for a couple of kilometres before taking the single track path along the side of Loch Coulin. Leaving the estate we head west, gently climbing on a delightful winding trail aiming for the heart of the mountains. We will stop in Core Lair to wonder at the forces of nature that have crated huge wave patterns in the rock walls before arriving at our high point for the day.

From here the fun really begins, with 7km of the best flowing trail you will find anywhere in the mountains. A gentle descent angle, never too steep, allows you to open up and play with the many twists turns, steps and rock slabs as we drop down to the sea.

Day 2 Beinn Damh circuit

23km 630m ascent, highest point 440 meters

A circular route that has a little bit of everything. This route starts in ancient pine forest with easy running on estate tracks along the loch shore. Once we are warmed up we head inland, joining the rough path that is squeezed between Loch Damh and the steep mountainside. This might mean wet feet in places but it is worth it as we rise gently on a grassy path to the head of Coire Roill. Another superb descent, this one is slightly more of a technical challenge. Not steep but with a bit more care needed to negotiate the rocky path and small drops. We will need to take a break here and enjoy the view around us, with high mountains on either side and the sea ahead. Saving the best for last we drop down a rollercoaster trail of perfect forest to pop out back at the start. 

This two day package does not include accommodation or meals, allowing you the flexibility to choose your own. All guiding is included. The nature of trails in Torridon means that we are likely to do point-to point runs so we may share transport within the group. 

2024 dates

Accommodation package option. Add two nights accommodation (Friday & Saturday) at the Torridon Hostel to your booking for just £80. This will be in a shared, single sex, 4 bed room with other members of the Torridon Explorer team. 

If you can't wait please get in touch to arrange a bespoke course.