Run the Lake District Like You Belong Here

Run the Lake District Like You Belong Here

Trail Running Tours isn’t a sightseeing holiday disguised as training. We don’t cater to Instagram runners or weekend warriors chasing the perfect backdrop. Our running tours are for people who want real foot-on-rock, sweat-in-eyes, hamstrings-firing fell efforts across Cumbria’s hardest ground.

Whether you’re preparing for the Helvellyn Sky Ultra or testing your legs on segments of the Bob Graham Round, we provide serious guided runs in the Lake District. With decades spent across these fells, we know where the bogs swallow shoes and which descents toast your quads.

This is real fell-running. Routes customized to ability. Terrain knowledge that matters. Recovery built into every block. All backed by gear support, pacing structure, and performance insights that turn every outing into a serious session.

Services We Offer

We work with a range of runners—from those increasing aerobic output to sub-elite athletes managing lactate levels. Each route is led by mountain-qualified guides who know the ground and pace like it’s second nature. There’s no fluff—just effort that builds results.

Guided Trail Running Sessions

10 km to 50 km+ runs built around:

  • Vertical load and terrain difficulty (graded by contour density and underfoot hazards)
  • Stride efficiency matched to scree, fell, single-track, or grassy descent
  • Heart rate zones (Z2 base-building to Z4 thresholds)

You’ll be briefed on fuelling points, climb profiles, and route risks. Examples include:

  • Borrowdale Circuit – Ideal for downhill drills
  • Langdale Horseshoe – Mixed terrain grind
  • Skiddaw via Carl Side – Solid elevation, quad-friendly descent
Guided Trail Running Sessions

Running Holidays & Training Weekends

2- and 3-day volume-building blocks or pre-race taper weekends.

  • Split sessions (aerobic mornings, high-intensity evenings)
  • On-trail form correction and cadence coaching
  • Recovery planning via HRV and nutrition timing

Includes:

  • Accommodation near Keswick or Ambleside
  • GPX files + laminated map packs
  • 60–90g carb/hr. Fuelling setup
  • Drop bag coordination

Ultra Recce Support

Race preparation runs across classic lines:

  • Bob Graham Round (segmented or full, 3-day coverage)
  • Lakeland 50/100 pacing and route prep

Support includes:

  • Night running and head torch efficiency
  • Acclimatizing to climbs over 2,500ft
  • Downhill drills for impact control

Running for Clubs & Groups

We support:

  • Club camps (12–25 people)
  • Coach-led weekends with gym access
  • Sessions split by effort level and recovery tolerance

Includes:

  • Group warm-up and cooldown planning
  • Zone tracking (anaerobic load balance)
  • RPE-based group assignment
Ultra Recce Support
Why Choose Us

Why Choose Us

Because we don’t offer routes—we build training systems. Our coaches have prepped elite trail runners, supported FKT attempts, and guided hundreds through Cumbria’s most brutal terrain.

We know what 15% gradient feels like after 30km, when to back off into wind on Helvellyn, and how to spot bad nav lines in mist over Blencathra. We’re not part-time guides doing this for tourism. We’re fell runners based in the Lake District, training here all year.

You get real knowledge. Specific session planning. And support from people who’ve done the work.

Book Your Place On the Fell

Running the Lake District isn’t just about miles—it’s about proving you can handle the ground. Whether you’re hunting a PB, prepping for an ultra, or tuning race form, we’ve got a block that fits.

Spots fill fast. Book now and claim your place on the map.

Technical FAQs

 You should be able to cover 10–12 km over hilly terrain without rest. For ultra-level routes, we’ll ask for recent distance logs and pace files.

 Fell shoes with 5mm+ lugs. We recommend Inov-8 Mudclaws or VJ XTRMs. Cushioned trail shoes won’t hold in bog or over wet rock.

 We follow structured fuelling (every 35–45 min). Drop bag and checkpoint access available. Pre-run briefing includes exact fueling plans.

No. Our guides lead every route. We supply GPX, and nav drills are optional. We also teach map/compass use where needed

 We run kit checks, weather briefs, and route reviews before every session. All guides carry first aid, comms kit, and emergency shelter. Plans shift as needed based on conditions.