girls on hills
Girls on Hills
Run Glencoe; wild trails
Run Glencoe; the summits
Hike Glencoe; the summits
Contact us to make a booking.
About Glencoe
Glencoe is a scenic and historic glen in the Scottish Highlands. It is part of the designated National Scenic Area of Ben Nevis and Glen Coe. The magnificent glen is surrounded by wild and rugged mountains, which provide the perfect backdrop for sightseeing, hill walking and trail running. The glen has a rich history (incl. the 1692 Massace of Glencoe), and has gained more recent recognition through the filming of Harry Potter and the James Bond film Skyfall. The area boasts 11 stunning mountains of Munro status and the famous West Highland Way passes through the foothills, on its way to Fort William (at the base of Ben Nevis). Girls on Hills is founded on local knowledge and mountain experience.
Put on your running shoes and let us show you the wild trails and rugged beauty of these mountains….
Meet the team
Keri Wallace, Salomon Ring of Steall Skyrace, 2017
Keri Wallace is a fell runner, skyrunner, climber and writer. She is Summer Mountain Leader (SML) and Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI) qualified – and is a mother of two toddlers. Keri completed her first mountain marathon in 2007 and has since gone on to win several of these races in various categories. She has been running and racing in the Scottish mountains for over a decade and lives in Glencoe. In 2000, she undertook a multi-stage solo traverse of the Bob Graham, Paddy Buckley and Charlie Ramsay Rounds for charity (over 10 days). This year Keri competed in the Scafell Skyrace and qualified for a place in the UK Skyrunning Team for the Mamores Vertical Kilometer 2018. She also completed the GORE-TEX® Transalpine-Run, a 260km/16,000m multi-stage trail race crossing the Alps from Germany to Italy over 7 days. In 2019 Keri will be racing the Glencoe Skyline ‘extreme’ skyrace and the Elite Category of the inaugural Scottish Mountain Marathon.
Keri has a PhD in neurobiology from Cambridge University and works part-time as a running guide and freelance writer. Read more from Keri Wallace here https://natural-writing.blogspot.co.uk/
Nancy Kennedy is is a hill runner with Lochaber AC and has lived in Glencoe for the past 30 years. Nancy works part-time at the Glencoe National Trust Visitor Centre in Glencoe, giving local walking advice. She has also been associated with Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team since 1989. Nancy has competed in over 100 hill races in Scotland, and has also raced in other notable events such as the Sierre-Zinal alpine trail race, Snowdon race, Scafell race and has completed the Ben Nevis race six times. She enjoys running all over the world, from the Alps to Yosemite, and this year she raced the Drei-Zinnen race in the Dolomites, Italy. Other interests include climbing, wild-swimming and walking the dog.
- 07584652669/07866435903
- [email protected]
- www.girlsonhills.com
‘Top Tops’ is a discounted guided hill-walking event developed by Girls on Hills Ltd in collaboration with the Scottish Women’s Walking Group. Each event will visit a different ‘doable’ mountain or hill, selected for having fantastic views and a wild feel (i.e great walks that offer real ‘bang for your buck’ in the mountains!)
These professionally guided hikes are also the perfect opportunity to seek advice from an expert or voice any questions you might have, so that you can build mountain skills and grow your confidence as you go!
Some of our summits will be ‘amenable’ Munros while others will be smaller hills or hidden gems that never fail to impress. Events will take place on alternate months and in a variety of locations across the Scottish Highlands – join us if you can!
Depending on the objective, you will be guided by a Summer Mountain Leader/British Athletics qualified female guide, with extensive experience mountaineering/hill-waking in the Scottish Mountains. Our goal is to empower women with the skills and confidence neccessary to ‘take the reigns’ when hiking in groups or to explore the mountains independently.
No previous experience is necessary but a good basic level of fitness is required. An equipment list will be provided to all ladies booking with Girls on Hills.
Girls on Hills is a ‘no-frills’ experience – we don’t include food or accommodation, allowing you the flexibility to choose your own to suit travel logistics or budget. We recommend lift-sharing within the Scottish Women’s Walking Group wherever possible.
We pride ourselves on being ‘approachable and relatable’, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any concerns.
We look forward to showing you our ‘top tops’ and inspiring you to find your own…
* This event requires a minimum of 4 places booked to go ahead. In the event of cancellation, all parties will be refunded in full.
https://www.facebook.com/events/459319771624926/
One day navigation course covering the essential techniques and strategies necessary for navigating in the mountain environment – including in poor visibility. £60pp, Glencoe.
This course includes an indoor theory session and an outdoor practical session (on the hill), with an emphasis on mountain safety. Beginner to intermediate level.
The cost covers guiding and instruction, and does not include accommodation/meals, allowing you the flexibility to choose your own. Accommodation discounts available on request.
Bookings through Eventbrite and supported by Harvey Maps
https://www.facebook.com/events/507883729761787/
A two-day guided trail running journey, visiting remote lochs and rustic bothies – overnight in Loch Ossian ecohostel. If you’re a trail runner then this is THE best wilderness adventure the Scottish Highlands has to offer! Fresh spring air, remote trails, scenic lochs and nothing but mountains all around.
‘The Bothy Run’ is a two-day mini-break that takes runners to a number of rustic MBA bothies enroute to the charming and isolated Loch Ossian Ecohostel on the stunning Corrour Estate: www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/hostels/loch-ossian The hostel is the perfect location to get away from it all and access quiet trails through an area of unspoiled natural beauty.
Your guides will not only show you the way and keep you safe, but will regale you with tales of ‘Bothy nights’, and the history of Scottish bothies. We will also cover the role of the MBA and Bothy Code, so that you’ll not only feel inspired, but will understand what is required to plan your own bothy adventure with friends. We will spend the evening ‘cooking-up’ and enjoying a roaring fire at the hostel – with a wee dram!
In the morning there is an option to visit the charming Corrour Station House (the UK’s most remote restaurant) for coffee or a bacon roll, before hitting the trails once more www.corrour.co.uk/station-house/restaurant/
On day-2 we will run a different trail back to civilisation, making the weekend into the perfect thru-run experience, with a rewarding sense of journeying through Scotland’s wild spaces.
The weekend’s cost covers guiding and instruction with a Summer Mountain Leader qualified and/or Fell Running Association (FRA) accredited guide. It also includes one night of self-catering accommodation in the Loch Ossian hostel (all female bunk-room).
Due to the important role that weather plays in deciding what trails to take, we won’t be able to confirm the exact routes (mostly due to river levels)until the weekend itself. However, you can expect to run 15-17miles each day. The terrain is wild and sometimes rough, but not very hilly! You will need to be a competent trail runner but don’t need to be concerned about your pace. The journey will be sociable, with plenty of stops enroute for faffs, snacks and snaps! The start and finish location is TBC but will be in the Glencoe/Lochaber area. We will liaise with you in advance of the weekend to arrange car-drops and shuttles if required. Please do not be concerned about getting back to your car/start.
Upon booking you will receive an email which will include information about what to wear and bring with you. We will meet up to check kit and discuss final plans over coffee before we start Day 1.
Upon payment you will receive a set of questions in our confirmation email. TO COMPLETE YOUR BOOKING please reply to Girls on Hills with your answers (email: [email protected]). This information will enable us to plan the perfect weekend for you.
We pride ourselves on being ‘approachable and relatable’ so please please do get in touch with any concerns or queries you might have now or nearer to the event. We look forward to having some fun and showing you some great trail running in the Scottish Highlands!
*Please note that Girls on Hills’ advise taking out your own insurance, as you would for any outdoor activity course or holiday.
Guided trail running in Glencoe. Skills coaching and mountain safety advice, while running remote trails in the Scottish Highlands.
This course is a full weekend of guided trail running in Glencoe with experienced local guides who will give advice on navigation, equipment, training, nutrition and safety for running in the mountain environment.
Whether you fancy wild trails through the glens or technical singletrack, our chosen route will depend on the weather, your experience and your specific aspirations for the weekend – but all runners will experience the wilderness and rugged beauty of Glencoe, as we take the ‘trail less traveled’ through breathtaking mountain scenery. Tailored to your pace and the size of your adventurous streak!
Suitable for all abilities, including beginners (Running groups and route/s are determined by runners’ prior experience and ability).
Girls on Hills is a ‘no-frills’ experience – we don’t include food or accommodation, allowing you the flexibility to choose your own to suit travel logistics or budget. We do have accommodation partners who offer discounted rates to Girls on Hills‘ customers if you are interested. Otherwise, there is plenty of budget accommodation locally, such as hostels/ bunkhouses/pods.
The course cost covers guiding and instruction with a Summer Mountain Leader qualified and/or Fell Running Association (FRA) accredited guide.
Due to the important role that weather plays in deciding what route to take, we won’t be able to confirm the exact plans for the weekend until the morning of the course, but we will email you an outline of the routes we are hoping to take, and you can expect to receive this the week before the event. This email will also include information on what to wear and bring with you. We will meet up to check kit and discuss final plans for each day over coffee before we start!
Upon payment you will receive a set of questions in our confirmation email. TO COMPLETE YOUR BOOKING please reply to Girls on Hills with your answers (email: [email protected]). This information will enable us to plan the perfect route and terrain for you, and build-in coaching that covers your interests and aspirations for the weekend.
Our local guides can offer a shuttle service to/from local accommodation, and are committed to making your logistics work.
We pride ourselves on being ‘approachable and relatable’ so please please do get in touch with any concerns or queries you might have now or nearer to the event. We look forward to having some fun and showing you some great trail running in the Scottish Highlands!
One day navigation course covering the essential techniques and strategies necessary for navigating in the mountain environment – including in poor visibility. £60pp, Glencoe.
This course includes an indoor theory session and an outdoor practical session (on the hill), with an emphasis on mountain safety. Beginner to intermediate level.
The cost covers guiding and instruction, and does not include accommodation/meals, allowing you the flexibility to choose your own. Accommodation discounts available on request.
Bookings through Eventbrite and supported by Harvey Maps
If you’re a keen hillwalker but lack the skills or confidence to tackle bigger mountains alone, or you are new to hillwalking and want to find the best way to get started, then this is the course for YOU!
‘My First Munro’ is a two-day group course which aims to give women the skills and confidence to start hill-walking or to progress to solo-hiking in the mountains.
The weekend will be held at the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team Centre, and starts with a half-day indoor session covering equipment, route planning and navigation. The emphasis of day-1 will be on learning navigation skills (map & compass), as this is the foundation of any safe day in the mountains.
The afternoon will be spent ‘out on the hill’ in Glencoe (but not climbing a Munro), instead we will be tackling complex yet accessible terrain which is ideal for putting navigation theory into practice.
On day 2 we will head out to climb a Munro together as a group. While we are on the hill we will discuss mountain safety ‘best-practice’ for hillwalkers, as well as the role weather plays in decision-making on the hill. We will consolidate our compass work and take a look at emergency shelter/equipment and simple rescue procedures.
This course is delivered by ML qualified and experienced female guides, with a background in mountaineering and/or Mountain Rescue. Our goal is to empower women with the skills and confidence neccessary to ‘take the reigns’ when hiking in groups or to explore the mountains independently.
No previous experience is necessary but a good basic level of fitness is required. An equipment list will be provided to all ladies booking with Girls on Hills. We can provide shuttle support to and from the mountain from Glencoe/local area for those visiting without their own transportation. Please email [email protected] if you require any information on accommodation or amenities.
We pride ourselves on being ‘approachable and relatable’, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any concerns.
We look forward to climbing a Munro with you!
An introduction to skyrunning for trail and fell/mountain runners who are looking to try their hand at more technical terrain.
Glencoe is the home of Scottish Skyrunning, so where better to start than here with us! This introductory course is designed for trail or fell/mountain runners who are looking to try their hand at more technical terrain.
A good head for heights is an advantage, as we will look at safety and technique for moving over technical rocky ground. Day 1 will focus on mountain running skills, technique and mountain safety, along with advice on training and nutrition. Day 2 will extend into more challenging terrain* and incorporate a recce of a race route/sections according to the aspirations of the group.
We will provide kit-check, navigation and route-planning so that you can focus on your running!
Girls on Hills have the skills and experience necessary to introduce you to this ever-growing extreme running discipline. Our guides have competed in the UK Skyrunning Team 2018, raced the Glencoe Skyline, Ring of Steall and Mamores VK races, and know these mountains inside out – as locals, as runners but also as Glencoe MRT members. We also bring experience of other Skyraces in the UK, as well as extreme mountain events such as the Celtman and Ben Nevis race/triathlon. To find out more about skyrunning and what it involves, read our summary article for UK Hillwalking here: https://www.ukhillwalking.com/articles/features/what_is_skyrunning_and_how_do_i_get_into_it-11157 In September each year,
Glencoe is home to the UK’s biggest weekend of mountain running (Skyline Scotland), this year featuring a Golden Trail World Series race, the world’s best mountain athletes, and the iconic Salomon Glen Coe Skyline®. These races are part of the UK Skyrunning Calendar and sometimes World Skyrunning Series.
Girls on Hills is a ‘no-frills’ experience – we don’t include food or accommodation, allowing you the flexibility to choose your own to suit travel logistics or budget. We do have three partners who offer discounted rates to Girls on Hills customers if you are interested (please let them know you have made a booking with Girls on Hills if you make contact). Otherwise, there is plenty of budget accommodation locally, such as hostels/bunkhouses/pods:
1. Ann Parry at www.strathlodgeglencoe.com
2. Helen Worboys at www.heatherleaglencoe.com
3. Lindsay Warner at Airbnb 5 Leven Terrace, Ballachulish (email [email protected])
Due to the important role that weather plays in deciding what route to take, we won’t be able to confirm the exact plans for the weekend until a few days before the course, but we will email you an outline of the routes we are hoping to take, and you can expect to receive this the week before the event. This email will also include information on what to wear and bring with you. We will meet up to check kit and discuss final plans for the day over coffee before we start!
BOOKING
Upon payment you will receive a set of questions in our confirmation email. TO COMPLETE YOUR BOOKING please reply to Girls on Hills with your answers ([email protected]). This information will enable us to plan the perfect route for you and incorporate instruction in the areas that will meet your aspirations for the weekend.
Our experienced local guides are Summer Mountain Leader qualified and Fell Running Association (FRA) accredited, with outdoor first aid and mountain rescue team experience in the Glencoe area.
We can offer a shuttle service to/from local accommodation, and are committed to making your logistics work. We pride ourselves on being ‘approachable and relatable’ so please please do get in touch with any concerns or queries you might have now or nearer to the event.
We look forward to having some fun and showing you some great skyrunning in very home of Scottish Skyrunning.
* Please note that this introductory course does NOT cover extreme terrain such as the Aonach Eagach or Curved Ridge. For bespoke guiding on difficult scrambling/climbing terrain please contact us directly.
Official guided recce weekend for the Ultra Trail Scotland ‘Arran Skyline’ skyrace
Girls on Hills Ltd is the exclusive and recommended recce provider for Ultra Trail Scotland (www.ultratrailscotland.com). We are delighted to offer this official guided recce weekend for the Arran Skyline, which is a new race in the UK & Ireland Skyrunning Series for 2020. Highlights of the race route include the technical ridge close to Mullach Buide and Cioch na h-Oighe. Cir Mhor and of course, the Witches Step!
The recce weekend is open to both men and women, and although it is a ‘recce’, you do not need to have an entry to participate (but you do need an appropriate level of fitness)! The event will be led by a professionally qualified guide (Summer Mountain Leader) with extensive experience of ultra distance skyrunning in the Scottish Highlands. Guiding will not exceed a maximum group ratio of 1:5, so you can be assured of a safe, high quality experience with someone who is extremely knowledgeable about skyrunning, the Scottish mountain environment and the race route.
This event is not a race however, and the intention is to travel at a comfortable speed for the group, with time enough for chatting with each other and the guide. Your expectation should be brisk uphill walking, jogging on the flats and downhill running. You’ll need to come prepared for a full day in the hills with your own clothing, equipment and food.
Recces of the Arran Skyline are split over two days.
On the Saturday, the group meet at 08:30, location TBC Brodick. On day 1 the group will run the route of the Tarsuinn Trail race (26km|2000m+), which is also part of the Arran Skyline course – starting and finishing at Brodick.
On day 2, the group will start the day from the event support point at North Sannox, and will recce the remaining section of the race course. Note that on race day, this section begins 26km into the race. The day will finish back at the cars in North Sannox.
If you are unsure whether your fitness or experience is suitable, then please just contact us and ask! For the full race route visit www.ultratrailscotland.com
It will be an epic weekend in the mountains! We hope you will join us for an unforgettable skyrunning experience.
PLEASE NOTE:
This course will not run with fewer than 4 participants. Should this be the case, then all runners will be refunded in full and given advance notice of any cancellation.
The group leader has the discretion to change the route followed (like switching to bad weather route) should conditions dictate.
Accommodation and food is not included, allowing you the flexibility to choose your own location and budget!
You will be asked to read and sign a disclaimer before commencement of the day.
For more information on the race and to enter visit: www.ultratrailscotland.com
All images No Limits Photography
Official guided recce weekend for the Ultra Trail Scotland ‘Arran Skyline’ skyrace
Girls on Hills Ltd is the exclusive and recommended recce provider for Ultra Trail Scotland (www.ultratrailscotland.com). We are delighted to offer this official guided recce weekend for the Arran Skyline, which is a new race in the UK & Ireland Skyrunning Series for 2020. Highlights of the race route include the technical ridge close to Mullach Buide and Cioch na h-Oighe. Cir Mhor and of course, the Witches Step!
The recce weekend is open to both men and women, and although it is a ‘recce’, you do not need to have an entry to participate (but you do need an appropriate level of fitness)! The event will be led by a professionally qualified guide (Summer Mountain Leader) with extensive experience of ultra distance skyrunning in the Scottish Highlands. Guiding will not exceed a maximum group ratio of 1:5, so you can be assured of a safe, high quality experience with someone who is extremely knowledgeable about skyrunning, the Scottish mountain environment and the race route.
Official guided recce for the Ultra Trail Scotland ‘Tarsuinn Trail’ race
Girls on Hills Ltd is the exclusive and recommended recce provider for Ultra Trail Scotland (www.ultratrailscotland.com). We are delighted to offer this official guided recce weekend for the Tarsuinn Trail race 2020.
This recce is open to both men and women, and although it is a ‘recce’, you do not need to have an entry to participate (but you do need an appropriate level of fitness)! The event will be led by a professionally qualified guide (Summer Mountain Leader) with extensive experience of skyrunning in the Scottish Highlands. Guiding will not exceed a maximum group ratio of 1:5, so you can be assured of a safe, high quality experience with someone who is extremely knowledgeable about skyrunning, the Scottish mountain environment and the race route.
This event is not a race however, and the intention is to travel at a comfortable speed for the group, with time enough for chatting with each other and the guide. Your expectation should be brisk uphill walking, jogging on the flats and downhill running. You’ll need to come prepared for a full day in the hills with your own clothing, equipment and food.
The group will meet at 08:30 (location TBC Brodick) to run the route of the Tarsuinn Trail race (26km|2000m+), which takes in the best of the technical terrain and epic ridge-lines that Arran has to offer. It is a 26km skyrun that packs a massive punch! The route is also part of the Arran Skyline race course – starting and finishing at Brodick. Please note that this booking is for the Tarsuinn Trail only, and some runners will return on the Sunday to recce the remaining section of the full ‘Arran Skyline’ route. To join the full weekend click HERE.
If you are unsure whether your fitness or experience is suitable, then please just contact us and ask! For the full race route visit www.ultratrailscotland.com
It will be an epic day in the mountains! We hope you will join us for an unforgettable skyrunning experience.
PLEASE NOTE:
This course will not run with fewer than 4 participants. Should this be the case, then all runners will be refunded in full and given advance notice of any cancellation.
The group leader has the discretion to change the route followed (like switching to bad weather route) should conditions dictate.
Accommodation and food is not included, allowing you the flexibility to choose your own location and budget!
You will be asked to read and sign a disclaimer before commencement of the day.
For more information on the race and to enter visit: www.ultratrailscotland.com
All images No Limits Photography
Guided trail running for the over-50s from Corrour Station. Meet like-minded people and run in beautiful wild surroundings – and eat great food!
Join Girls on Hills for a day of guided trail running, starting from the remote Corrour Station, taking in the picturesque Loch Ossian.
Meet your guide and the other runners at 10:00am at the Bridge of Orchy Hotel, where we will grab a quick coffee, check kit and discuss plans for the day. From here we will catch the 10:48am train to Corrour Station (a wild and scenic journey in itself!)*
Drop your bags and any spare clothes at the Station House and enjoy relaxed trail running at a sociable pace – in the company of an experienced guide. Your guide will give advice on clothing, equipment, basic navigation, training and nutrition while you run. And there will plenty of time for stops and photos!
At the end of the run, participants will have the chance to change their clothes, have a cup of tea and spend some time relaxing at the Station House Restaurant, before eating some delicious food (optional) www.corrour.co.uk/station-house/restaurant/ We will catch the 18:25 train from Corrour Station back to your car at 18:58
Suitable for all abilities, including beginners (groups and selected route/s are determined by runners’ prior experience and ability). The course cost covers guiding and instruction with a British Althletics/Fell Running Association (FRA) accredited guide.
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Girls on Hills is a ‘no-frills’ experience – we don’t include food or accommodation, allowing you the flexibility to choose your own to suit travel logistics or budget. We do have three partners in Glencoe, who offer discounted rates to Girls on Hills customers if you are interested (please let them know you have made a booking with Girls on Hills if you make contact). Otherwise, there is plenty of budget accommodation in the Glencoe area, such as hostels/bunkhouses/pods.
Upon payment you will receive a set of questions in our confirmation email. TO COMPLETE YOUR BOOKING please reply to Girls on Hills with your answers (email: [email protected]). This information will enable us to build-in coaching that covers your interests and aspirations for the day. Once you have booked we will email you nearer the event to confirm final details ansd advise what to bring with you.
Our local guides can offer a shuttle service to/from local accommodation, and are committed to making your logistics work. We pride ourselves on being ‘approachable and relatable’ so please please do get in touch with any concerns or queries you might have now or nearer to the event. We look forward to having some fun and showing you some great trail running in the Scottish Highlands!
*Please note that you will need to purchase a return ticket for the train from Bridge of Orchy to Corrour (£14.80 rtn). This can be purchased onboard.
Girls on Hills Ltd is the exclusive and recommended recce provider for Skyline Scotland. We are delighted to offer this official guided recce day for the Salomon Ring of Steall Skyrace™.
The recce is open to both men and women, and will be led by a professionally qualified running guide who also has first-hand experience of the event. You can therefore be assured of a safe, high quality experience with someone who is extremely knowledgeable about the event and the race route. Your guided recce will be Summer Mountain Leader qulaifies as a mimumim and there will be a maximum group ratio of 1:6
You do not need to have a race entry to participate in this event, but you do need an appropriate (high level) of hill fitness.
The day will start and finish at the Ice Factor in Kinlochleven, and follow the epic race route in full over one exhilarating day: www.skylinescotland.com/ring-of-steall-skyrace/information/#displayTheRoute
The group will meet at 08:30 outside the Ice Factor and set off after a quick kit-check. The event will allow you to recce the technical sections of the race route and size-up the magnitude of the undertaking to inform race-day pacing and strategy. It will also enable you to get first-hand experience of how you are moving relative to the cut-off at CP5 in Glen Nevis. The group will finish back at the Ice Factor in order to give you an opportunity to satisfy cake and caffeine cravings!
PLEASE NOTE:
The recce is not a race, and the intention is to travel at a speed which is comfortable for the group, with time allowed for chatting with each other and the guide. Your expectation should be brisk uphill walking, jogging on the flats and downhill running. You’ll need to come prepared for a big day in the hills with your own clothing, equipment and food.
The group leader has the discretion to change the route followed (like switching to the ‘classic’ route, which is shorter with an alternative start, or official race bad weather route), should conditions dictate.
Accommodation and food is not included.
You will be asked to read and sign a disclaimer before commencement of the day.
For more information on the race and to enter visit: www.skylinescotland.com/ring-of-steall-skyrace
A skills development course for sky/mountain runners looking to improve their confidence and efficiency over exposed/scrambling terrain.
This developer course is designed for sky/mountain runners who are looking to improve their confidence and performance over the kind of challenging terrain that competitors will encounter on technical or ‘extreme’ skyraces in the UK.
In September each year, Glencoe is home to the UK’s biggest weekend of mountain running (Skyline Scotland), this year featuring a Golden Trail World Series race, the world’s best mountain athletes, and the iconic Salomon Glen Coe Skyline®. These have been part of the UK Skyrunning Calendar and World Skyrunning Series. Home to Scottish skyrunning, Glencoe is the perfect playground in which to improve your skills…
Day 1 will focus on scrambling skills (up and down-climbing technique), managing exposure safely and training for skyrunning (including bouldering and core-strengthening components). We will also cover mountain safety/making sound judgements and mandatory equipment.
Day 2 will incorporate a recce of a skyrace route/sections thereof. We will provide kit-check, navigation and route-planning so that you can focus on your running! The aim of day 2 will be to build the skills from day-1 into a spectacular ridge-running adventure! We will cover race strategy, nutrition and hydration advice while we run!
Over the weekend, you will be instructed by Girls on Hills guide/s with the necessary Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor qualification (MCI) required to properly manage your safety on scrambling terrain in the mountains. The ratio will be no more than 1 to 3, with plenty of experience on-hand to help you where you need it. Guides in our team have competed in the UK Skyrunning Team 2018, raced the Glencoe Skyline, Ring of Steall and Mamores VK races, and know these mountains inside out – as locals, as runners but also as Glencoe MRT members. We also bring experience of other Skyraces in the UK, as well as extreme mountain events such as the Celtman and Ben Nevis race/triathlon.
To find out more about skyrunning and what it involves, read our summary article for UK Hillwalking here: https://www.ukhillwalking.com/articles/features/what_is_skyrunning_and_how_do_i_get_into_it-11157 https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/no_climbing_experience_no_race__the_future_of_extreme_skyrunning-12249
Runners booking should have a ‘good head for heights’ as well as some previous experience of skyrunning, fell running or scrambling. If you’re not sure then please just drop us an email and ask!
Girls on Hills is a ‘no-frills’ experience – we don’t include food or accommodation, allowing you the flexibility to choose your own to suit travel logistics or budget. We do have three partners who offer discounted rates to Girls on Hills customers if you are interested (please let them know you have made a booking with Girls on Hills if you make contact). Otherwise, there is plenty of budget accommodation locally, such as hostels/bunkhouses/pods:
1. Ann Parry at www.strathlodgeglencoe.com
2. Helen Worboys at www.heatherleaglencoe.com
3. Lindsay Warner at Airbnb 5 Leven Terrace, Ballachulish (email [email protected])
We can offer a shuttle service to/from local accommodation, and are committed to making your logistics work.
We will email you a week or so before the event. This email will confirm meet location, as well as information on what to wear and bring with you. We will meet up to check kit and discuss final plans for the day over coffee before we start!
BOOKING
Upon payment you will receive a set of questions in our confirmation email. TO COMPLETE YOUR BOOKING please reply to Girls on Hills with your answers ([email protected]). This information will enable us to check that you have the necessary experience and basic fitness to enjoy this course. Sign-ups will be vetted to this effect and Girls on Hills Ltd reserves the right to refuse a booking if runners are not deemed to have adequate experience.
We pride ourselves on being ‘approachable and relatable’ so please do get in touch with any concerns or queries you might have now or nearer to the event.
We look forward to having some fun and showing you some great skyrunning in home of Scottish Skyrunning.
* Please note that you will be required to read and sign a disclaimer ahead of the weekend. You will likely also be required to use a rope/harness/helmet for short periods. Girls on Hills’ insurance does NOT protect you as an individual. We advise that you treat this course as you would any overseas travel/extreme sports activity, and take our your own insurance.
Join us for a weekend of hiking, skill-sharing and time spent outdoors in the stunning surroundings of Glencoe and the Mamores mountain range!
Together we will spend a weekend in the Scottish Highlands (2 nights). Experienced mountain leaders from Girls on Hills will take us on two guided hikes (Sat+Sun) in the surrounding mountains. This year, the retreat will also include a Wild Yoga session! There will be plenty of time around that to brush up on our outdoors skills, share challenges and advice in an inclusive environment, enjoy communal meals and spend quality time outdoors! There is also a lovely spot to swim in the river in Kinlochleven if the weather is on our side.
Organised by Kathi Kamleitner of Watch Me See – A Scotland Travel Blog in partnership with Girls on Hills.
Date: 12 – 14 June 2020
Group Size: Maximum: 12 PAX / Minimum: 8 PAX
Total Price:
– £240 p.P. (with 8 participants)
– £210 p.P. (with 9-12 participants)
Non-refundable Deposit*: £100 (upon registration)
*The rest of the payment will be due once we know the group size (email announcement). It won’t be more than the above-stated amount.
REGISTER HERE: https://forms.gle/QbMzkhrrbUpYbKGF9
After registering, you will receive an email (within 1-2 days) with more information and payment details. Please note that your registration is not complete until you have paid the deposit via bank transfer.
GOOD TO KNOW
– This retreat is open to women (trans-inclusive) and non-binary people only.
– You have to be 18 and over to participate in the retreat.
– The guided hikes included in the weekend don’t require experience or technical skills. However, Saturday will be a full day of hiking, so a good level of fitness is required.
– You will need to bring your own food and drink for your time hiking. Breakfast and dinner are included.
– Communal meals will be vegan. Other dietary requirements can be accommodated if known in advance. Self-catering facilities are available at Blackwater Hostel.
– There is a Coop supermarket in Kinlochleven, as well as a few places to eat & drink.
– This hiking retreat will go ahead regardless of weather but routes will be amended to reflect the conditions.
– A full kit list and advice on what to wear/bring will be provided.
The price includes:
– Shared accommodation at Blackwater Hostel in Kinlochleven (2 nights in 4-bed en-suite rooms).
– Communal meals: 2x breakfast, 2x dinner.
– Guided hikes with Girls on Hills (all-day Saturday, until ~4pm on Sunday), potentially other activities (wilderness yoga + wild swimming) depending on weather conditions.
– A Wild Yoga session
– Maps & compass to try navigating.
– Evening sessions on route planning, kit preparation, personal reflection and goal setting.
NOT included are:
– Transport to Kinlochleven (ride-sharing will be facilitated; pick up from Glencoe or Fort William can be arranged).
– Lunch packs for hikes.
– Any additional expenses in Kinlochleven (towel hire at hostel, supermarket, pub etc)..
Guided trail running in Glencoe. Skills coaching and mountain safety advice, while running remote trails in the Scottish Highlands.
This course is a full weekend of guided trail running in Glencoe with experienced local guides who will give advice on navigation, equipment, training, nutrition and safety for running in the mountain environment.
Whether you fancy wild trails through the glens or technical singletrack, our chosen route will depend on the weather, your experience and your specific aspirations for the weekend – but all runners will experience the wilderness and rugged beauty of Glencoe, as we take the ‘trail less traveled’ through breathtaking mountain scenery. Tailored to your pace and the size of your adventurous streak!
Suitable for all abilities, including beginners (Running groups and route/s are determined by runners’ prior experience and ability).
Girls on Hills is a ‘no-frills’ experience – we don’t include food or accommodation, allowing you the flexibility to choose your own to suit travel logistics or budget. We do have accommodation partners who offer discounted rates to Girls on Hills‘ customers if you are interested. Otherwise, there is plenty of budget accommodation locally, such as hostels/ bunkhouses/pods.
The course cost covers guiding and instruction with a Summer Mountain Leader qualified and/or Fell Running Association (FRA) accredited guide.
Due to the important role that weather plays in deciding what route to take, we won’t be able to confirm the exact plans for the weekend until the morning of the course, but we will email you an outline of the routes we are hoping to take, and you can expect to receive this the week before the event. This email will also include information on what to wear and bring with you. We will meet up to check kit and discuss final plans for each day over coffee before we start!
Upon payment you will receive a set of questions in our confirmation email. TO COMPLETE YOUR BOOKING please reply to Girls on Hills with your answers (email: [email protected]). This information will enable us to plan the perfect route and terrain for you, and build-in coaching that covers your interests and aspirations for the weekend.
Our local guides can offer a shuttle service to/from local accommodation, and are committed to making your logistics work.
We pride ourselves on being ‘approachable and relatable’ so please please do get in touch with any concerns or queries you might have now or nearer to the event. We look forward to having some fun and showing you some great trail running in the Scottish Highlands!
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