Trail Running Weekend
2 Days & 1 Night Adventure in the Cotswolds
Please note: This trip will not be available in 2025, but stay tuned for future adventures!
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Please note: This trip will not be available in 2025, but stay tuned for future adventures! 〰️
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Trail Running
Run through the historic city centre of Bath and then out into the country
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Escape the City
Explore the glorious Cotswold hills on foot
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Meet New Friends
Meet like-minded women and embark on this adventure together!
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Camping
Wild-ish camping where you can unplug and reconnect with nature!
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Perfect for frequent Runners!
Created for regular runners who want to try something new!
Join Gutsy Girls for our exclusive women only trail running adventure in the beautiful Cotswold hills. Created for regular runners who are looking to take things further and explore longer distance, multi-day trail running, this two day, one night immersive weekend is the perfect introduction to ultra running and wild camping!
We’ll be mentored by an elite, podium placing athlete, who will instruct and mentor you through everything from training, technique, kit selection, route selection, navigation and just about everything else you need to know about long distance trail running with a new, like-minded group of friends. We’ll camp under the stars, eat in the great outdoors, enjoy great conversation and reconnect with nature!
If you are planning for a trail running event in the future, perhaps your first ultra run, are looking for an adventurous and challenging weekend or simply love your running and would like to take it further - this is the weekend for you.
Activities
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The Adventure
This is a two day guided trail running and practical skill building experience, led by friendly, passionate and highly experienced guides.
On day one we’ll be covering approximately 16 miles and on day two approximately 10 miles. We will take all day over these distances - so interspersed in the gentle running there will be plenty of walking and proper breaks - and we will stick together in a supportive group; not leaving anyone behind.
The immersive weekend is all about practical learning, with a Marathon des Sables style camp at the end of day one. On arrival into camp we'll provide you with everything you need to eat, rest, recuperate and prepare for day two, followed by a practical and illuminating discussion looking back on the day's events and any lessons we’ve learnt. You’ll be camping at a local farm in the southern Cotswolds, overlooking the River Avon and Kennet and Avon canal.
You won’t have to carry your overnight kit - this will be transported to the campsite for you, but keeping things lightweight, we’ll be sleeping in bivvy bags under tarps (more details below). Our guides will help you set up your camp, making a wild adventure as comfortable as possible.
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What is Long Distance Trail Running?
With long distance trail runs, sometimes called ultra runs, the emphasis is on covering the distance, not the time it takes you, so there's often far less pressure than regular road running which makes it much more enjoyable.
The undulating, often soft terrain of a trail - and running at a gentler pace - doesn’t put demands on your body in the same relentlessly repetitive way as road running does. Varied terrain actually gives your body a rest - in fact most ultra runners take walking breaks, especially up hills - and eating as much cake as you can is encouraged!
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Camping
Our overnight camp offers a ‘wild-ish’ experience at a local farm in the southern Cotswolds, overlooking the River Avon and Kennet and Avon canal. Enjoy exclusive access to this charming, private pasture with elevated views of the valley and Bath’s downs.
Sleep under the stars with provided sleeping mats, bivouacs (waterproof covers), and optional tarps. You’ll have access to toilet facilities and running water, but no showers. New to this? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Your only neighbours are sheep, goats, and cows, fenced away from the bivvi pasture.
Don’t worry if you’ve never done this before - help and support will be provided! You’ll need to bring your own lightweight sleeping bag for this adventure; check out our packing list here.
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Guided Experience
We’ve teamed up with a passionate and experienced female guide who has a wealth of experience. Anna-Marie Watson has competed in Ironman triathlons and ultras for more than a decade and the Marathon des Sables is one of her race highlights.
She has multiple ultra-distance wins to her name and will happily provide mentoring and tuition on any aspects of ultra running, from training, mental preparation, technique, kit selection, route selection, navigation and anything else you need to know.
The Adventure
This is a two day guided trail running and practical skill building experience, led by friendly, passionate and highly experienced guides.
On day one we’ll be covering approximately 16 miles and on day two approximately 10 miles. We will take all day over these distances - so interspersed in the gentle running there will be plenty of walking and proper breaks - and we will stick together in a supportive group; not leaving anyone behind.
The immersive weekend is all about practical learning, with a Marathon des Sables style camp at the end of day one. On arrival into camp we'll provide you with everything you need to eat, rest, recuperate and prepare for day two, followed by a practical and illuminating discussion looking back on the day's events and any lessons we’ve learnt. You’ll be camping at a local farm in the southern Cotswolds, overlooking the River Avon and Kennet and Avon canal.
You won’t have to carry your overnight kit - this will be transported to the campsite for you, but keeping things lightweight, we’ll be sleeping in bivvy bags under tarps (more details below). Our guides will help you set up your camp, making a wild adventure as comfortable as possible.
What is Long Distance Trail Running?
With long distance trail runs, sometimes called ultra runs, the emphasis is on covering the distance, not the time it takes you, so there's often far less pressure than regular road running which makes it much more enjoyable.
The undulating, often soft terrain of a trail - and running at a gentler pace - doesn’t put demands on your body in the same relentlessly repetitive way as road running does. Varied terrain actually gives your body a rest - in fact most ultra runners take walking breaks, especially up hills - and eating as much cake as you can is encouraged!
Camping
Our overnight camp offers a ‘wild-ish’ experience at a local farm in the southern Cotswolds, overlooking the River Avon and Kennet and Avon canal. Enjoy exclusive access to this charming, private pasture with elevated views of the valley and Bath’s downs.
Sleep under the stars with provided sleeping mats, bivouacs (waterproof covers), and optional tarps. You’ll have access to toilet facilities and running water, but no showers. New to this? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Your only neighbours are sheep, goats, and cows, fenced away from the bivvi pasture.
Don’t worry if you’ve never done this before - help and support will be provided! You’ll need to bring your own lightweight sleeping bag for this adventure; check out our packing list here.
Location
We’ve chosen Bath and the Cotswolds for its stunning landscapes and its super accessibility via public transport! Our meeting point is just an 8 minute walk from Bath Spa train station with frequent trains from London and many other UK train stations.
The Cotswolds has a network of good tracks, and the variety of terrain - from rolling green hills, to woodland tracks, footpaths between distinctive local yellow limestone villages and rocky by-ways - makes exploring on foot one of the best ways to discover the area.
Guided Experience
We’ve teamed up with a passionate and experienced female guide who has a wealth of experience. Anna-Marie Watson has competed in Ironman triathlons and ultras for more than a decade and the Marathon des Sables is one of her race highlights.
She has multiple ultra-distance wins to her name and will happily provide mentoring and tuition on any aspects of ultra running, from training, mental preparation, technique, kit selection, route selection, navigation and anything else you need to know.
Experience Level
You might be thinking, can I do this? We believe that you can if you run 2-3 times a week. This sort of trail running is actually a mix of walking and running due to the distance and nature of the terrain, and we will have all day to cover the mileage.
This adventure is designed to equip you with the tools to help take you from a regular runner to a place where you feel confident that you can take on bigger self-planned running adventures, your first long distance event, or the ability to encourage friends and family into an amazing sport.
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This trip is rated as moderate. To fully enjoy and make the most out of this experience, a good to high level of fitness is essential.
Required Experience: No multi-day running experience is necessary, but you should be comfortable with the set distances with a mixture of running and walking.
Duration: We'll utilize the full day for our runs, incorporating plenty of breaks to rest and recharge.
Pace: Our focus is on staying together as a group, emphasising shared exploration over competition.
Distance: Day 1 will see us covering 16 miles, and on Day 2, we'll tackle 10 miles.
Paths: Expect a variety of terrains as we navigate country lanes, bridleways, byways, and cycle paths, some of which may be rocky and narrow.
Consecutive Days: Be ready for 2 consecutive days of running, which could be challenging for some.
Camping: Enjoy a night outdoors, sleeping in a bivvy and under a tarp. Toilets will be accessible at our camping site.
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MEETING TIME 9:45 am
ENDING TIME: 4 pm
Bath Outdoors
Unit 8
Broadway Court
Miles Street
Bath
BA2 4HX
It’s an 8 minute walk from Bath Spa train station, you can catch a morning train from London Paddington and many other UK train stations.
There is no parking onsite but plenty of parking across Bath.
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CLOSEST TRAIN STATION: Bath Spa
You can travel to Bath by train from London and many other UK towns and cities. We meet an 8 minute walk from the station.
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WE PROVIDE:
Sleeping mat
Bivvy bag and tarp
Camp cooking equipment
Dinner and breakfast expedition meals
YOU WILL NEED:
SMALL OVERNIGHT KIT BAG WHICH WE WILL TRANSPORT TO THE CAMPSITE WHICH WILL INCLUDE:
Spare change of comfy clothes for camp wear/overnight
Warm jacket e.g. fleece or light down jacket
Spare running clothes for Sunday
Sandals/flip flops for in camp
Personal wash kit for post run shower on Saturday night at the campsite
Prescription medication (unless you need it in your day pack)
Small towel
Sleeping bag (2 or 3 season)
Headtorch
Mug
Charged power bank
Optional: Thermarest/roll mat (we will provide one if you don’t have your own)
CLOTHING / EQUIPMENT YOU WILL RUN WITH:
Running vest/backpack with ability to carry minimum 1L water – in soft/hard flasks or bladder.
Suitable running clothes e.g. shorts/skort/3/4 leggings, t-shirt, sports bra, socks, calf guides. Think layers!
Watch &/or other tech e.g. HR monitor
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Emergency blanket
Cap
Buff
Spare long sleeved base layer top
Waterproof bags
Waterproof jacket & bottoms
Trail running shoes suitable for mixed terrain & some tarmac
Personal first aid kit with minimum adhesive bandage, blister plasters & tape
Personal trail snacks & hydration products e.g. nuts, dried fruit, electrolytes or if there’s any specific product/brand you use. There will be an opportunity to stop at a local café along the way.
Lunch for both days - e.g. picnic-style foods that don’t need to be heated or kept chilled - sandwiches, pitta bread or wraps, or a pasta salad. Carbs are necessary!
Fully charged mobile phone with event guide contact details pre-programmed
Compass - if you have one, please bring it
Money – to buy coffee & cake along the way!
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Please wear suitable trail running clothing and shoes.
Layers you can take on and off throughout the day
Trail running shoes
Waterproofs
You'll need a small backpack / running vest too!
Itinerary
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Arrival | Day 1
Arrive in Bath, meet your fellow Gutsy Girls and take part in the weeked introduction, safety briefing and kit checks.
Set off for the day’s journey (16 miles total) - running through the beautiful city of Bath and along the rural Cotswold Way.
Picnic and plenty of breaks on the trail (bring your own lunch).
Possibility of a cafe and cake stop along the way.
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Night 1
Arrive at your woodland campsite where you'll learn to recover and refuel followed by preparation and planning for the following day.
Get yourself set up for a night under the stars - learn how to choose the best bivvy spot.
Reflect on the day's running adventures as you enjoy your expedition dinner.
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Day 2
You’ll be up with the birds; enjoy a camp coffee or tea and your expedition breakfast at the campsite whilst your guide briefs you on the day coming up.
Pack up your camp and head back out on the trails (10 miles total), with lunch and cake stops en route.
We aim to be back at the start point for a 4 pm finish followed by a wrap up briefing.
You’ll have plenty of stories and a whole group of new friends to take away from this full weekend of adventure!
Dates
Please note: This trip will not be available in 2025, but stay tuned for future adventures!
Join for £300
Experienced running coach, mentor and guide
Luggage transfer to the campsite (you don’t have to carry all your overnight kit)
Camping and cooking equipment
Communal sheltered area at the campsite
Top-quality expedition dinner day one
Top-quality expedition breakfast day two
Tea and coffee and fresh fruit
Emergency and first aid equipment carried by your instructor
Storage of clothing and equipment not required for the expedition.
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You will be covering approximately 16 miles on the first day and approximately 10 miles on the second. You will have all day to cover these distances, and there will be plenty of breaks.
You will be covering approximately 16 miles on the first day and approximately 10 miles on the second. You will have all day to cover these distances, and there will be plenty of breaks.
You will be doing a mix of walking and running due to the nature of the terrain, but you should be confident that you can cover these distances over the course of a day.
A good base level of fitness and stamina is required; you need to be regularly running 3 times a week.
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We’ll be providing top quality expedition meals for your dinner on day 1 and breakfast on day 2. We have options that are vegan, lactose and gluten-free. These are tried and tested; the best we can find!
If you have any other dietary requirements, please check with us before booking so we can ensure we have enough time to source great food for you.
At the campsite we will provide coffee/tea and also a mix of fresh fruit for the evening, breakfast and to take with you on day two.
You’ll need to bring lunch with you for days one and two, along with plenty of snacks! Check out our FAQ for ideas.
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This trip has a maximum of 8 spots. You’ll be accompanied by a Gutsy Girl host and experienced trail running guide Anna-Marie Watson.
We need a minimum of 5 bookings for this trip to run. If we do not reach the minimum numbers 7 days before the trip, we will cancel your booking and refund you, or reschedule your booking to a later date.
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Sleeping bag
Compass - If you have one bring it
Personal cancellation and injury/health insurance
Lunches - bring packed lunch for both days
Transport to and from the adventure
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Full payment is required at the time of booking.
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Yes! If you’ve got previous experience this weekend will still be fantastic. You’ll be running for two consecutive days covering reasonable distances, and there will be plenty to learn from your experienced guide about all aspects of ultra running and multi-day trails. And the overnight camp is not to be missed!
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This trip is rated as moderate. To fully enjoy and make the most out of this experience, a good to high level of fitness is essential.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Required Experience: No multi-day running experience is necessary, but you should be comfortable with the set distances with a mixture of running and walking.
Duration: We'll utilize the full day for our runs, incorporating plenty of breaks to rest and recharge.
Pace: Our focus is on staying together as a group, emphasising shared exploration over competition.
Distance: Day 1 will see us covering 16 miles, and on Day 2, we'll tackle 10 miles.
Paths: Expect a variety of terrains as we navigate country lanes, bridleways, byways, and cycle paths, some of which may be rocky and narrow.
Consecutive Days: Be ready for 2 consecutive days of running, which could be challenging for some.
Camping: Enjoy a night outdoors, sleeping in a bivvy and under a tarp. Compost toilets will be accessible at our camping site.
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All Gutsy Girls events are for over 18s only.
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There is no upper age limit for our adventures - we have women up to 70 years old join us.
The Gutsy Girls community is filled with fun, friendly and supportive women from 18-70+. We never ask your age, just that you are up for an adventure!
As a rough guide, most Gutsy Girls guests are 24-60 years old, with around 60% in their 30s-40s.
After a day learning to surf, mountain biking on muddy bridleways, hiking to peaks for incredible views or exploring remote locations by paddleboard, age is irrelevant, and we are all connected by our experiences.
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100% join alone, the vast majority of guests come along to our events and retreats solo.
Our aim is to connect you with like-minded new friends! We are a very friendly bunch, come as you are, we can’t wait to meet you!
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Please check your spam folders before contacting us. Hotmail in particular like to put our emails in spam. You'll need to add events@gutsygirls.co.uk to your safe list or to your contacts.
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We recommend all guests have appropriate travel insurance that protects them for cancellation. We can't advise on insurance, but you'll find lots of information here.
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Whenever possible we use female instructors and guides on our day events and trips, however we cannot always guarantee this, simply because there are fewer female instructors available!
Our first priority is to work with the most highly experienced and considerate instructors and guides, who are patient, friendly and as passionate as we are about building women’s confidence in the outdoors. Simply due to the ratio of men to women in the outdoors industry, sometimes this means our guides and instructors are male. We keep a close eye on the feedback our guides receive from our guests as we believe that overall this is more important than their gender.
We sincerely hope that as more women are introduced to adventure sports and activities, the amount of female guides and instructors in our industry will increase.
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Please wear suitable trail running clothing and shoes.
Layers you can take on and off throughout the day
Trail running shoes
Waterproofs
You'll need a small backpack / running vest too!
-
WE PROVIDE:
Sleeping mat
Bivvy bag and tarp
Camp cooking equipment
Dinner and breakfast expedition meals
YOU WILL NEED:
SMALL OVERNIGHT KIT BAG WHICH WE WILL TRANSPORT TO THE CAMPSITE WHICH WILL INCLUDE:
Spare change of comfy clothes for camp wear/overnight
Warm jacket e.g. fleece or light down jacket
Spare running clothes for Sunday
Sandals/flip flops for in camp
Personal wash kit for post run shower on Saturday night at the campsite
Prescription medication (unless you need it in your day pack)
Small towel
Sleeping bag (2 or 3 season)
Headtorch
Mug
Charged power bank
Optional: Thermarest/roll mat (we will provide one if you don’t have your own)
CLOTHING / EQUIPMENT YOU WILL RUN WITH:
Running vest/backpack with ability to carry minimum 1L water – in soft/hard flasks or bladder.
Suitable running clothes e.g. shorts/skort/3/4 leggings, t-shirt, sports bra, socks, calf guides. Think layers!
Watch &/or other tech e.g. HR monitor
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Emergency blanket
Cap
Buff
Spare long sleeved base layer top
Waterproof bags
Waterproof jacket & bottoms
Trail running shoes suitable for mixed terrain & some tarmac
Personal first aid kit with minimum adhesive bandage, blister plasters & tape
Personal trail snacks & hydration products e.g. nuts, dried fruit, electrolytes or if there’s any specific product/brand you use. There will be an opportunity to stop at a local café along the way.
Lunch for both days - e.g. picnic-style foods that don’t need to be heated or kept chilled - sandwiches, pitta bread or wraps, or a pasta salad. Carbs are necessary!
Fully charged mobile phone with event guide contact details pre-programmed
Compass - if you have one, please bring it
Money – to buy coffee & cake along the way!
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You will need to bring your own warm, lightweight sleeping bag for this adventure.
You will be provided with a sleeping mat, a bivvy bag, and a communal sheltered area for the overnight camp.
Cooking equipment, a spork and dinner and breakfast expedition meals will also be provided.
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You will need to carry a small running backpack / vest with your water, phone and snacks and lunch for the day, and anything else you'll need during the run.
Your overnight bag, including your camping and cooking equipment, warm clothes for the evening, etc, will be transported to the campsite and waiting for you there when you arrive.
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There is a very small loo in the shop where we meet and start, so there is somewhere to change if you need to. However if you are able to come dressed for running that is probably easier to avoid everyone having to get changed one after the other in a tiny cubicle!
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Please bring a small backpack to take with you on the run. Your overnight kit bag will be transported to the campsite.
Anything you don't need can be stored at the bike shop at our start point at your own risk, but bring your valuables with you. The storage area isn't huge so please don't plan on leaving too much at the shop.
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STARTING TIME 9:45 AM
STARTING LOCATION:
Bath Outdoors
Unit 8 Broadway Court
Miles Street
BathBA2 4HX
It’s an 8 minute walk from Bath Spa train station. You can catch a morning train from London Paddington or other UK cities.
If you are struggling to find the shop, head for the corner of Miles Street and Excelsior Street. You will then find yourself standing opposite Broadway Court. The shop is the end unit under the railway arches.
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FINISHING TIME: 4:00 PM
FINISHING LOCATION:
Bath Outdoors
Unit 8 Broadway Court
Miles Street
BathBA2 4HX
We aim to finish by 4pm, but this can depend on the group and pace. Please allow until 5pm for travel plans.
Many of our guests choose to enjoy a drink or dinner together before heading home.
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Yes!
You can travel to Bath by train from London and many other UK towns and cities. We meet an 8 minute walk from the station.
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There isn't parking on site, you'll find lots of car parks around the train station.
Another site to look for parking is Just Park
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We will make the occasional stops at a pub or cafe so there will be the opportunity to use the facilities there. On the overnight camp, we will have access to toilets and running water.
For those of you who will be on your period during the expedition, after many expeditions on mine, I’m happy to address any questions you may have about this!
We may need to carry any waste out with us, so if you do not use a menstruation cup, remember to bring extra zip lock bags for your waste.
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Our overnight camp offers a ‘wild-ish’ experience at a local farm in the southern Cotswolds, overlooking the River Avon and Kennet and Avon canal. Enjoy exclusive access to this charming, private pasture with elevated views of the valley and Bath’s downs.
Sleep under the stars with provided sleeping mats, bivouacs (waterproof covers), and optional tarps. You’ll have access to toilet facilities and running water, but no showers. New to this? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Your only neighbors are sheep, goats, and cows, fenced away from the bivvi pasture.
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We will provide dinner on day 1 and breakfast on day 2.
These will be in the form of dehydrated expedition meals, which we rehydrate with hot water, creating a hot, satisfying and nutritious meal. Examples are veggie chili, squash and chickpea stew.
We can cater for all dietary requirements; we will request information prior to your arrival.
You will need to bring your own lunch for both days - e.g. picnic style foods that don’t need to be heated or kept chilled - sandwiches, pitta bread or wraps, or a pasta salad. Carbs are good!
Please bring plenty of high energy snacks as well. (There will be stops along the way but you should bring enough to get you through the weekend).
Snacks should be foods like flapjacks, cereal bars, nuts, dried fruit and so on.
This is definitely a weekend for calorie consumption!
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We run come rain or shine!
Whilst we hope the weather is kind to us, British weather is unpredictable. We will run in the rain, so please pack a rain coat if the forecast is wet.
If the weather conditions are unsafe, we will notify you as soon as possible to re-arrange your adventure.
Make sure your travel tickets are flexible in the rare instances this happens.
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Please leave the weather watching to us!
Our guides will be monitoring the weather conditions in the lead up to your session and we will be in touch if we need to cancel. (Please also see "What if it rains"!)
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Please contact the WhatsApp group you'll have been invited to. We will try to accommodate you but we need to be fair to the group and we cannot guarantee we will be able to wait for you.
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Cancellations by You
You can cancel your day event booking with us at any time.
Your cancellation will be effective from the date that the cancellation is received in writing by email.
Cancellation Fees
If you cancel more than 30 days before your day event, we will refund you 50% of your payment.
If you cancel within 30 days of your day event, no refund will be given
How to Cancel
If you want to cancel your booking, send us an email with your name, details about the event that you booked and the date that the event is due to take place on.
We will confirm cancellation of your booking.
If you’re due a refund this will be facilitated and be in your account within 5-10 working days.
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As an alternative to trip cancellation we also offer the option of rescheduling. This can be done at any time on the condition that Gutsy Girls are able to fill your spot. There is a £20 admin fee for rescheduling if your spot is filled.
If we are not able to find a replacement to take your spot, then rescheduling will not be possible. Your payment is non-refundable, but no additional admin fee will be charged.
Just to note:
If you want to reschedule because the weather forecast for your event is looking like it will rain, it is highly unlikely that your spot will fill. We recommend joining us in the rain, bring a raincoat!
The sooner you notify Gutsy Girls that you want to reschedule the more likely it is that your spot will fill. Last minute rescheduling is not advised as we are unlikely to fill your spot at short notice.
How to Reschedule
If you would like to reschedule your booking, email us your name, details of the event that you've booked and the date that the event is due to take place.
Gutsy Girls will cancel your spot on our booking system and open the spot up for others to book. If another person books the spot, you will receive a credit voucher for the amount you paid, minus the £20 administration fee.
You can use your credit voucher to rebook onto any Gutsy Girls Day Event. The voucher is valid for 6 months from issue.
If you would like to use this towards the payment of a Gutsy Girls holiday, you'll need to get in touch via email.
Gutsy Girls will notify you if we are able to fill your spot.
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You'll see our full booking terms and conditions here