18k Run Argyll and Bute: Scenic Journey in Glen Loin

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 16.8km loop through Glen Loin and Coiregrograin offers a quintessential Scottish trail running experience in the heart of the Arrochar Alps. Classified as an SL course with a moderate 339m of ascent, the route transitions from manageable forest tracks to rugged, grassy paths that can become delightfully technical in wet conditions. Runners will enjoy a mix of terrain, with about 5km of paved surface providing a fast start and finish, while the hilly mid-section challenges your climbing legs. As you traverse the two valleys, keep your eyes peeled for the legendary silhouettes of The Cobbler (Beinn Narnain) and Beinn Ìme, which dominate the skyline with their jagged peaks.

Steeped in Highland history, the Glen Loin circuit sits on the ancestral lands of the Clan MacFarlane. This area, located at the head of Loch Long, once served as a vital pass for drovers and travelers between the coastal lochs and the interior Highlands. Today, it is a crown jewel of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, offering a sense of deep isolation just a short distance from the village of Arrochar. The convergence of the two glens provides a unique microclimate where ancient oak woods meet sprawling heather moorland, making it a spectacular spot for spotting red deer and golden eagles during the quieter morning hours.