Private Guided Trail Running — Your Route, Your Pace, One Guide
Private guiding is the version where nothing is a compromise: your dates, your group, your pace, and a route built for the thing you're actually training for.
Some runners want the group. Others want a guide to themselves — because they're training for a specific race, because they run faster or slower than a mixed group, or because they simply want the day to be theirs. That's what private guiding is for.
It works as a single half day on local ground, a full mountain day, or a multi-day point-to-point with logistics handled between stages. Couples, individuals, families and clubs all book it.
At a glance
| Format | One guide, your group only — no other runners joining |
| Group size | From one runner upwards; clubs and teams welcome |
| Length | Half day, full day, or multi-day point-to-point |
| Where | Any region we guide across the UK, plus Europe on request |
| Ability | All levels — the route is built around you, not the other way round |
| Price | Quoted against length, region and group size — request a quote |
| Dates | Your dates, subject to guide availability |
Who books private guiding
- Race-specific runners — reconnaissance on the actual route, or on ground that matches it
- Fast runners — who don't want to sit in a mixed-pace group
- Nervous first-timers — who want full attention on technique and footing
- Couples and pairs — running together at their own pace
- Clubs and teams — a private day on their own dates, often cheaper per person
- Visitors to the UK — one good day on real British hill ground
What a private day looks like
- Before — a short call about your goal, mileage and dates, then a proposed route and a kit list
- On the day — meet locally, run the route with navigation and pacing handled, coaching on climbs and descents as we go
- After — an honest read on what to work on, and route suggestions you can run alone next time
What's included
- A guide on 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
- A personalised kit list before you travel
- Technique and pacing coaching on trail, at no extra cost
- Accommodation and transfers bundled in if you want them
Private vs joining a group trip
| Private | Group trip | |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | Yours | Set by us |
| Pace | Exactly yours | Pace groups within the trip |
| Route | Built for your goal | Chosen for the group and conditions |
| Cost per person | Higher solo, drops fast with group size | Lower solo |
If a set trip suits you better, see guided trail running and running weekends.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hire a trail running guide for one day?
Yes — half days and single full days are common bookings, especially for race reconnaissance or a first proper day on the fells.
How much does a private trail running guide cost?
It depends on the length of the day, the region and how many of you there are, so we quote in writing rather than publishing a fixed rate. Per-person cost falls quickly as the group grows.
Can you guide me on a specific race route?
Usually, yes. Tell us the race and we'll confirm whether we can run the actual route or the closest matching ground.
Is private guiding only for experienced runners?
No. It's often the best option for nervous first-timers, because you get a guide's full attention on footing, pacing and navigation.
Where to go next
- Guided trail running
- Trail running group tours
- Trail running training camps
- Running weekends
- Trail running in the UK
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.