Trail running weekend in Aviemore

 Two days of trails, bogs and meeting Dave in the Cairngorms!

Over the 3rd & 4th May 2025 I dipped my toe into trail running up in Aviemore. I approached it with some trepidation as my attempts at training were half hearted at best. I had arranged it with Trail Running Scotland back in February so I had the time to prepare. Unfortunately my planning did not go much beyond the initial arrangements, booking accommodation, and buying some extra kit appropriate for the changeable Scottish weather. I did run at weekends but nothing beyond 5km, and completed 10km the weekend before which gave me some confidence that I would ok as long as I could go at my own pace. 

Day 1 

I met with three other newbies and our guide Laura in a cafe in Aviemore's main street on Saturday morning. Everyone was very nice and chilled about the day ahead, so I was able to relax. After buying a new hat for the cooler weather -5 degrees with wind chill was forecast, we headed to the starting point by car. We enjoyed a really cool run, with some challenging parts, which took us through the Chalamain Gap, an awkward boulder pass, and then following the Lairig Ghru trails back to Loch Morlich. The run was both bracing and exilerating, about 12miles in total.  

Day 2

We met up again on Sunday, and after a coffee and some chat about route options we headed out. Everyone looked suprisingly fresh and our guide for the day Dan seemed relaxed and keen to introduce us to Dave?  

I loved the two days of guided trail running in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park with Laura and Dan. It is the perfect place to start if you are looking for a bit more adventure on your runs!

I was concerned about my preparation but felt confident in our guides knowledge, next time perhaps a bit more hill training is in order.

What next ... more of the same please.