What experience do I need?
Most Into the Hills courses are designed for complete beginners to trail running - you do not need to have any experience of running off road. Into the Hills courses are also suitable for runners who have some experience of trail running and would like to learn more. For our trail running workshops and navigation days, you'll be able to run 5-10k continuously, at any pace. For our longer guided runs and fastpacking adventures, we suggest being comfortable running for 2-3 hours at your easy pace. All our event pages give details of our suggested fitness levels prior to the event, and feel free to contact us to discuss if you're not sure.
What equipment do I need?
You do not need any specialist equipment to join most Into the Hills courses. On booking you will be sent a short kit-list - this will include a pair of trail running shoes, a waterproof coat, and some means of carrying water and a small amount of food. For our longer guided runs and fastpacking adventures we recommend having a running vest for your kit. If you have any questions about whether your kit is suitable, please contact us and we can advise.
How many people will be in the group?
Our courses run with a maximum of six participants, to make sure you have access to personal support during the day, and the freedom to ask all the questions you want.
Where are the courses run?
All our courses take place in the Lake District; our meeting points are generally in towns or villages with plenty of accommodation options, and all are accessible by public transport.
Who are the course leaders?
All our Into the Hills course leaders are local runners who love the Lake District. All hold either the UKA Coach in Running Fitness or the Mountain Leader qualification, or both. Our leaders understand that beginners to the trails may have some nerves or fears; our courses are designed to be welcoming and inclusive, so rest assured that we will take care of you.
How do I book?
Simply select the course date you would like to attend and add it to your basket. We process our payments using the Stripe system, and you will receive a confirmation email including the course date, start time and location. Full course details will be sent out in the week preceding your course date.
Are groups welcome?
Yes, absolutely! You are welcome to book onto any of our courses as a group. Our system will ask you for details of each participant when booking multiple tickets. If you would like to check how many places remain on a particular date before booking, please email us.
Are meals and accommodation included?
All our courses (with the exception of our fastpacking adventures) are non-residential. We start our days in locations with plenty of accommodation and good transport links; this gives you the freedom to choose somewhere to stay that suits your personal needs and budget. Do contact us if you would like any advice or information on accommodation; we're happy to share our favourite places! Meals are not included on our courses but we often start and end our days in great local cafes where you're welcome to order food. You'll need to bring a couple of snacks for the run.
What if the weather is terrible?
We are lucky to run our courses in the beautiful Lake District, but this does mean that sometimes it rains! Our courses run in all weathers, and we don't cancel for wet weather. We may sometimes change our running route if necessary for safety in poor weather. If we judge the weather to be dangerous then your course will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund (or the option to transfer to a future date).
How far will we run?
Our trail running workshops and navigation courses typically cover 10-15k over the course of 2-4 hours. Don't worry if this is further than you have run before; there will be plenty of walking, eating and stopping for photos! On our guided runs and fastpacking adventures we'll travel a little futher; see event pages for details.
Can I cancel or transfer my place?
We hope that you are excited about your booking and looking forward to the course. We understand that plans change and unexpected events happen. Our cancellation policy is as follows.
Full payment for courses is taken at the time of booking. If you wish to cancel we are able to offer a full refund for cancellations eight weeks before the start date of the course. If you cancel with four weeks’ notice we offer a 50% refund. Unfortunately, with less than four weeks’ notice we are unable to offer any refund.
We can transfer your course place to another participant up to two weeks before the course date. Please contact us to arrange this.