Visit Aviemore

With its endless network of mountain paths, forest trails, and lochside routes, Aviemore has quietly become the UK’s premier destination for trail runners. The varied terrain offers everything from gentle jogging tracks to extreme mountain challenges, attracting runners who want to train, compete, or simply experience the joy of moving through spectacular landscapes.

The trail running calendar here is packed with events that showcase the area’s diversity. Spring brings the Cairngorm Mountain Trail Race, a brutal ascent to Scotland’s second-highest summit. Summer offers the Speyside Way Ultra, following the famous whisky trail, while autumn’s Forest Marathon weaves through golden pine woods. For those seeking real adventure, winter fat-tire running on snowy trails provides a unique test of endurance.

Local running specialists have developed services catering specifically to trail enthusiasts. Guided runs take visitors to secret viewpoints and hidden singletrack, while skills clinics teach techniques for navigating technical terrain. Several accommodations now offer runner-friendly packages including recovery facilities, sports massage, and tailored nutrition. Check out Visit Aviemore here

What sets Aviemore apart is how running becomes more than exercise here – it’s a way to deeply connect with the landscape. The rhythm of footsteps on pine-needle paths, the heart-pounding climb to a mountain vista, the cool dip in a loch after a long run – these experiences create a profound bond between runner and environment. Whether you’re training for an ultra or just looking for a memorable jog, Aviemore’s trails call with a siren song that’s hard to resist.