Wild West Trails

"The group dynamic was amazing and that was fostered by Joe and Abel who were wonderfully supportive"

After many years of successfully running our Highland Grand Tours, we knew we needed to find something pretty special to follow on from it. This itinerary also enjoys five days of spectacular trail running in the remote Highlands of Scotland, but the adventure is turned up a notch!

We take advantage of trains and small ferries to access some truly remote and wild trails, from the middle of nowhere at Corrour Station, crossing the Knoydart peninsular and culminating with two days on the Isle of Skye. 

As well as making running memories, you will also need to keep your eyes open for minke whales, dolphins and sea eagles on this unique Scottish experience. 

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.

"What an amazing week. It really couldn’t have been any better"

Booking

Total price £1750 

To register your interest please complete this enquiry form.

If you have any questions, please get in touch by emailing ian@trailrunningscotland.com

Early Bird Discount: Save £100 when you book the Wild West Trails by the end of 2024!

Itinerary

Meet in Glasgow, on the evening before your first run, Stay in Glasgow. 

Run 1 - Corrour to Glen Nevis

26k 300m ascent

Highest point 410 meters

Our journey starts with a short urban run as we make our way to Glasgow Central Station, the gateway to our adventure. We alight the train at Corrour station which is nothing more than a platform in the middle of nowhere. *As featured in the iconic scene in the film Trainspotting.

From here the route skirts the head of Loch Trieg before heading upstream to the watershed and the upper reaches of the River Nevis. Along the way we have the option of respite at two mountain bothies, Staoineag and Meanach.  

Following the river is a true wild trail, at times smooth and runnable, at others it splits into myriad braids as generations of feet have sought out drier lines in the softer ground! Eventually the glen opens up into the spectacular Steall Meadows with it's impressive waterfall and wire bridge. As the Glen narrows it steepens on either side, with the UK's highest peak, Ben Nevis towering above to the North. A short run down the glen leads to the nights accommodation nestled at the foot of 'the Ben'. 

View the route

Run 2 - Inverie to Kinlochourne

25k 950m ascent

Highest point 450 meters

Often described as 'the UK's last great wilderness' the Knoydart peninsular is a remote and wild place. To access it we start with a breathtaking journey on a small ferry, from Mallaig to the isolated hamlet of Inverie. Our run for the day follows trails used by generations of deer stalkers crossing the high pass of  Mam Barrisdale before descending to the beach. The final ten kilometres of the trail trace the shores of Loch Hourne, but don't be deceived; this is no flat trail, runners will be relieved to see the head of the loch and a warm welcome awaiting at their accommodation at Lochournhead. 

View the route

Run 3 - Kinlochourne to Corran

15k 450m ascent

Highest point 280 meters

This, the shortest run of the week, links from Knoydart across to our arrival on the Isle of Skye. We arrive to Lochourne on foot and we start the journey again on day 3 on foot, running away from the coffee pot and soon uphill. A well defined trail leads through some spectacular scenery with hidden waterfalls and lochains amongst ancient woodland. After an initial steep climb, the route is gently downhill all the way back to the sea, giving the legs a chance to recover for what is to come in the following days. 

Our route to Skye is via the historic Glenelg Ferry, the world’s last manually-operated turntable ferry. Enjoy the short crossing and keep your eyes peeled for otters playing along the shoreline.  

View the route

Run 4 - Elgol to Sligachan

Drive to Achnasheen - 40mins

23km 750m ascent

Highest point 320 meters

After a short drive from the accommodation in Broadford we will arrive in the small harbour of Elgol with it's unmistakable views into the heart of the Black Cuillin mountains, this volcanic caldera is unlike any other UK mountain range. A narrow coastal path leads first to Camasunary bay where the river needs to be waded before skirting the steep slopes of Sgurr na Stri. The final obstacle guarding Glen Coruisk is the 'bad step' a short rock slab to be crossed carefully on a narrow ledge. Not far above sea level, it is enough to add an interesting challenge, but nothing to worry our intrepid team. 

With rough gabbro rock underfoot, the trail now leads uphill to our highpoint of the day before flowing rocky trails lead through the epic Glen Sligachan to the road and a well earned refreshment at the hotel!

View the route

Run 5 - Trotternish Ridge

Drive to Poolewe - 1hr

28km 1650m ascent

Highest point 680 meters

The tour ends on a high, after 4 days of traversing glens and crossing cols, the final day follows the crest of the sinuous Trotternish ridge. First we cross the Quirang with it's gnarly rock towers then it is up along the summits. This grassy ridge makes for some great running with views east towards Torridon, south to the Cuillin and west to the Outer Hebrides. The nine summits of the ridge culminate in the highest, The Storr and it's iconic pinnacle, the Old Man. 

View the route

Return to Portree and a well earned celebration dinner. Your accommodation is included on this night.

The following morning you will take the ferry back to Mallaig. Your train return to Glasgow is included in the price.