Introduction to Mountain Running

This session is aimed at road or trail runners who would like to venture into the mountains. It’s suitable for runners of all abilities with reasonable hillwalking fitness – steep uphill sections will be hiked. Being an introductory session, there will be plenty of stops to chat technique and kit, to take pictures and to admire the views! As with our guided
walks, the emphasis is very much on having a fun and sociable day out in the hills.

The session is facilitated by experienced trail and mountain running guide Giles Ruck, a long-standing festival volunteer who spends his summers leading for “Run the Alps” and “The Adventure Running Company”. The
assistant leader will be a local hill runner.

The group will consist of a maximum of eight participants.

Overview

Distance 13km

Highest Point Gained 874m - Goatfell

Total Ascent 880m

Session Duration 4 - 5hrs

Terrain Forestry tracks and trails, rough and rocky mountain paths, steep ascents and descents.

Technical Rating Moderate

Endurance Rating 4

Cost £25

Date Saturday 17th May 2025

Meeting Time  11:15

Meeting Place Cladach (exact location will be confirmed upon booking)

Run description

Whilst the plan is to head up Goatfell, the route may be amended depending on the conditions on the day and on the group’s ambitions. Despite largely being an “out and back” route, it offers plenty of different terrain of varying steepness to learn about running techniques, with the added thrill of scaling the island’s highest peak without the heavy walking boots and rucksack!

Expect a total of around 880 metres of height gain
(and descent) during the outing, but steep sections will be hiked rather than
run on the ascents. There will be some clambering over rocky ground, within the
Arran Mountain Festival ‘moderate’ grade.hillwalking pace, once in this terrain). Most importantly, the group will stick together, and no-one will be left behind.

Expect a total of around 880 metres of height gain (and descent) during the outing, but steep sections will be hiked rather than run on the ascents. There will be some clambering over rocky ground, within the Arran Mountain Festival ‘moderate’ grade.

The session includes advice to help equip aspiring mountain runners with the necessary knowledge, such as clothing and route choices, simple navigation, nutrition and hydration as well as coaching on hill running techniques.  

This walk is organised by the Arran Mountain Festival, a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation SC 052229, supported by Auchrannie Leisure Ltd.