Guided Trail Running — Run With a Local Trail Guide
Guided trail running removes the two things that stop most runners going off-road: not knowing where to go, and not wanting to be out there alone when it goes wrong.
You run, the guide handles everything else — route choice, navigation, pacing, timings, escape options if the weather turns, and safety kit. That means you get the good ground straight away instead of spending months piecing routes together from GPX files.
We guide single days, weekends and full trips. Single guided days are the usual starting point: three to five hours on genuinely good trail, with technique coaching on the climbs and descents built in at no extra cost.
Who books guided runs
- Road runners moving to trail who want a safe first taste of hills and technical ground
- Visitors with a day free in a new region who don't want to waste it on the wrong route
- Runners training for a specific race who want to recce ground with someone who's run it
- Clubs and company teams wanting a guided group day
Want more than a day? See multi-day trail running holidays or a weekend break.
Trip facts at a glance
| Format | Guided, fully supported — routes, navigation, pacing and logistics handled |
| Group size | Small groups, typically 4–8 runners, split into pace groups where needed |
| Ability | All abilities — tell us your comfortable weekly mileage and we place you correctly |
| Guides | Experienced trail runners with local route knowledge and first-aid certification |
| Price | Quoted per trip against group size, dates and whether you want accommodation included — request a quote |
| Dates | Run year-round, subject to guide availability. Tell us your window and we'll confirm options |
| Deposit & cancellation | Confirmed in writing before you pay anything. Dates can be moved where guide availability allows |
Typical routes and distances
| Route type | Distance | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Half-day guided run | 10–15 km | 250–500 m |
| Full-day guided run | 18–28 km | 600–1,100 m |
| Recce / race-specific day | matched to your race | matched to your race |
Every route is adjusted on the day for conditions, group pace and how everyone is feeling. Nothing is forced.
How the trip runs
- Enquiry — you tell us the date, the region and your usual running week
- Route proposal — we send two or three options with distance, ascent and difficulty
- Meeting point — confirmed with parking and public transport detail, plus a kit list
- The run — guided throughout, with coaching on climbing, descending and foot placement
What's included
- Qualified guide for every run, with route planning and navigation
- Pace grouping so nobody is dropped and nobody is held back
- Safety kit carried by the guide, plus first-aid cover
- Personalised kit list sent before you travel
- Technique and pacing coaching on trail, included at no extra cost
- Accommodation and transfers can be bundled in — just ask when you enquire
What to bring
- Trail shoes with grip suited to soft ground
- Waterproof jacket with taped seams, plus a warm layer
- Hydration pack or bottles, and food for the day's distance
- Phone, and a charged watch if you like tracking
We send a full, region-specific kit list once your dates are confirmed. If you're missing something, we'll tell you what actually matters and what doesn't.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book a guide for one day?
Yes. Single guided days are our most-booked option and need no commitment beyond the day itself.
Are your guides qualified?
Yes — experienced trail and fell runners with first-aid certification and genuine local knowledge of the ground they take you on.
How many people per guide?
Usually four to eight. Above that we add a second guide so pacing stays sensible.
What if I'm slower than everyone else?
You won't be dropped. We group by pace and pick routes with sensible regrouping points.
Do you guide in bad weather?
Yes, with a different route. Exposed ridges get swapped for sheltered valley and woodland trail when conditions call for it.
Ready to run?
Tell us your dates, your rough weekly mileage and where you'd like to run. We'll come back with the routes we'd recommend, availability and a price.