Exclusive women-only guided trail running weekend
Run together as a team with plenty of walking and eating breaks
Created for regular runners who want to try something new!
Run through the historic city centre of Bath and then out into the country
Explore the glorious Cotswold hills on foot
Learn everything you need to know from experienced mentors
Wild camping and campfires
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 around a campfire 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.
WHAT TO EXPECT
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 in a stunning woodland location in the Cotswolds with decent bathroom facilities adding a bit of luxury to your camping experience!
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 will be a wild‘ish’ camping experience in a woodland area; we will have access to bathroom facilities and running water.
To give you the experience of a multi-day self-supported ultra event, you will be bivvy-ing overnight.This is an amazing opportunity to sleep out under the stars and feel completely connected to the nature surrounding you. You will be supplied with a sleeping mat and a bivvy bag - essentially a waterproof outer layer for your sleeping bag, and will be sleeping under a tarp.
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.
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.
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.
WHAT TO EXPECT
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. Compost toilets will be accessible at our camping site.
Itinerary
ARRIVAL | DAY 1 & NIGHT 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.
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.
Warm yourself by the campfire while eating your well-deserved expedition dinner and enjoying great conversation!
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
Sat 22 June - Sun 23 June
Sat 20 July - Sun 21 July
PRICE £300
Full payment is required at the time of booking.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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.
Gutsy Girls beanie
Gutsy Girls camping mug
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
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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CLOSEST TRAIN STATION: Bath Spa
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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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. Full details here
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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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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.
Questions?
Our FAQs are packed with details and probably have your answer! If not, drop us a message below and we'll respond within 48 hours, Monday to Friday.
PACKING LIST
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!