Trip Grades: Trail running

LEISURELY 10-20KM (6.2-12.4 miles)

These running trips are designed for those who would like to be introduced to mountain running, but at a leisurely pace. At home you may go for a few runs per week, but would now like to work on technique, consider longer distances and explore off the beaten track. We aim to run for between 1-2 hours a day covering 10km (6.2 miles), and for up to 20km (12.4 miles) run/hiking 2.5 - 3 hours on our longest day. The rest of the time will be spent on joining expert talks on kit, clothing and trail running techniques and training. The trails will be mostly good paths and tracks, but may include narrower paths and steep up and down hill sections.

Moderate 10-25km (6.2-15.6 miles)

For these holidays we expect that you are already a regular road runner covering distances of 10 to 25 kilometres (6.2-15.6 miles). On our Trail Running Camps shorter run sessions and group classes will be between 1.5-2 hours in duration and might include short sustained bursts of fast exercise either on the flat or up hill depending on your experience and speed. For longer runs or point to point tours at this grade you could be expected to either run or power walk, or a mixture of both, to cover 20km to 25kms (12.5-15.6 miles) and reach altitudes of up to 2000m-2500m (6560-8200ft) taking up to 3-4 hours. The trails will be mostly good paths and tracks, but may include narrower paths and steep up and down hill sections.

INTERMEDIATE 20-25km (12.5-15.6 miles)

Our point-to-point trail running holidays are designed for regular trail runners who would like to run in the mountains with the benefit of an experienced and qualified guide. You will be expected to cover from 20km - 25km (12.5-15.6 miles) per day, and we would expect this to take you about 4-5 hours. The routes gradually build on the distance and height gained per day. You will be mostly running, but some sections of height will be gained with a fast, steady walking pace. Maximum heights reached on these tours varies depending on the region you are visiting, but would normally be between 1500m - 2500m (4920-8200ft). Our routes will be mostly on good paths and tracks, but may include narrower paths, rocky and steeper uphill and downhill sections.

advanced 25-30km (15.6-18.7 miles)

These guided trips are for experienced trail runners used to a variety of mountain trails and conditions. The average distance covered DAILY on these trips is 25km (15.6 miles) with the occasional longer day of about 30km (18.7 miles). The terrain is varied, mainly on good trails with large sections of ascent and descent. Expect the routes to have some technical, narrow and rocky sections which might cross steeper slopes, loose stones and scree. It’s not unusual to find snow in certain locations such as high passes at any time in the summer season. Expect to be on the move (including breaks) for between 5-6 hours per day or longer on days with larger amounts of ascent. The maximum altitude reached on these tours is 2700m (8856ft).

expert 30km+ (18.7 miles+)

Our ‘Challenging’ trips are designed for the experienced trail runner looking to truly maximize their time in the mountains. The daily distance covered is about 30km (18.7 miles) or longer. The terrain is varied, mainly on good trails but with longer sections of ascent and descent. Longer technical, narrow and rocky sections which might cross loose stones, scree and steeper slopes should also be expected. It’s not unusual to find snow in certain locations such as high passes at any time in the summer season. Expect to be on the move (including breaks) for between 6-7 hours per day. The maximum altitude reached on these tours is 3200m (10,496ft).