9k Run Beauly: Scenic Loop with Highland Views

Route Overview & Local Insights

The Farley Wood 9 provides a fantastic 9.1km loop for runners seeking a blend of road and trail near the charming village of Beauly. With a 219m total ascent, this route is classified as hilly, featuring manageable climbs that reward you with sweeping views of the Highland landscape. Roughly 65% of the course is paved, while the remaining sections take you onto unpaved trails through Ruisaurie and Ruilick. It is an ideal distance for intermediate runners looking to build strength on varied terrain while enjoying the fresh air of the Scottish hills.

Located just west of Inverness, Beauly is famous for its historic 13th-century Priory and its translation from the French "Beau Lieu" meaning "Beautiful Place." As you run past the quiet hamlets of Ruilick and Ruisaurie, you are traversing land steeped in local heritage, once frequented by the Clan Fraser of Lovat. The area around Croyard Road offers a peaceful atmosphere where traditional Highland architecture meets lush woodland, making every kilometer of this loop feel like a true escape into the heart of Ross-shire.