Glen Canisp provides the easiest off road gateway into the heart of Assynt's hill country, including the iconic Suilven. The rough and undulating landy track that runs from the Canisp Lodge to Loch na Gainimh provides for excellent running, and access to both Suilven and Canisp. »
The Inchnadamph hamlet, at the head of Loch Assynt and directly below Conival, and Ben More Assynt, lies in a limestone depression that is an intrinsic part of Assynt's fascinating geology and (very) ancient history. It is also a departure point for a number of excellent runs, whether it is something short and fast you are after, or whether you are in the mood for remoteness and solitude, or whether you are just interested in some stunning views. »
The Lawers range provides some fine running opportunities. While easily accessible, at 1214m Ben Lawers is 10th tallest hill in the UK, making it popular with walkers, runners, mountain bikers and skiers. »
I have fallen in love with Assynt on my first visit a few years back, and have been coming back at every opportunity since. Assynt is, without any doubt, the leading contender for the most beautiful and unspoiled area in the whole of Scotland. It also provides some excellent off road (and more often than not, off track) running opportunities, usually in complete solitude, just in the company
of deer and golden eagles. »
The Trossachs offer some excellent longer runs with a properly remote feel beyond the usual and well trodden routes and walkers paths. I have been meaning to write up notes on some of the running possibilities in the Trossachs back country for a while – this is a start.
Ben Ledi is a popular hill with runners, but most simply do the short walker’s loop. In fact, the section between Ben Ledi and Benvane provides superb, undulating and flowing running in both directions (as long as you don’t mind wet feet, but what hill runner does, right?)
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