Trail running vacations

“You could run for days in Wales without ever having to touch tarmac,” says Poppy Backshall, from our trail running specialists Adventure Tours UK. “It really brings a sense of adventure into running that you just can’t get on the road.”

Epic runs can take you across the width of Wales, along high ridges and disused railway tracks, over open moorland where red kites and goshawks wheel in the skies above, and past historic villages, finishing on the coast where you can celebrate by cooling down sore feet with a paddle in the sea. Tucking into fish and chips afterwards with a few Welsh beers that you’ve more than earned is a perfect way to bid farewell to your fellow runners and guide.

This is the kind of sport where awareness of your surroundings is vital. Not only for your personal safety – it’s not uncommon to take a tumble on a downhill section – but also to ensure you’re respecting potentially fragile environments, where careless running could cause damage.

Spain’s Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, for instance, is a World Biosphere Reserve where over 100 species of butterflies and moths breed, including the rare giant peacock moth. Because you’ll be running (or walking) with guides who are either local or very familiar with the area, they know which parts to take extra care in, and which to avoid altogether. They’re aware of the unique threats to these environments, and how they are changing as the climate warms. Increasing temperatures and decreasing snow cover, for instance, is reducing both the quantity and quality of spring water in the park, which in turn degrades the habitats that depend on it.

Trail running takes place in natural landscapes across unpaved terrain, and frequently involves steep gradients such as hills or mountains. It tends to be easier on the joints than running on roads and other hard surfaces, as the naked ground absorbs much of the impact.

But trail running definitely has its own challenges. For one thing, the terrain can vary dramatically, so you need to concentrate closely on where you’re putting your feet, especially when going downhill, to avoid stumbles and sprains. Consequently, the emphasis with trail running is less on speed and more on agility.

Trail runners are also more exposed to the elements – there are no handy bus shelters or shop doorways to shield you from an unexpected downpour. You’re likely to arrive back at base significantly muddier than when you left. But then again, that’s half the fun.

Fell running and trail running are similar in that they both take you away from roads and urban areas, out into nature, with hill climbs a regular feature. However, trail running (as the name suggests) sticks to paths or tracks that are often marked. With fell running, the terrain is typically somewhat rougher – some scrambling may be needed, for instance – and there may not be an obvious path.

Trail running is a fantastic outdoor exercise – great for stamina, mental health, muscles and cardio. It’s arguably better for you than running in urban areas too. There’s far less air pollution, and hard surfaces such as pavements don’t absorb as much energy, instead sending it back up your legs which wears away at your joints over time. On running trails, you also don’t need to worry about dodging unwary pedestrians, electric scooters or aggressive chihuahuas.

However, there are other risks involved that you aren’t so much of an issue with urban running. You’re out in nature, so you need to know where you’re going, and you need to be prepared not only for the terrain, but also how to cope with changes in weather when you’re in exposed landscapes. If you should pick up an injury, how do you get back?

That’s why, in unfamiliar places, you’re best-off to start with running as part of a small group and/or with a guide who knows the terrain well. Our trail running tours are a great way to get your bearings before heading out independently if you choose.