The “Scottish Highlands Trail” is in line with the philosophy of its predecessors: to offer two distances to allow the accessibility of our trips to the greatest number of runners according to their condition and physical ability; be roaming all week to better discover the country, in all its forms and offer different experiences and race routes.The “Highlands” … these “highlands”, this name so evocative that sticks to the imagination and culture of Scotland. This stay will take you to discover the two main natural parks of the country: the “Cairngorms” and the “Trossachs”. For a week, forests, lakes, valleys and mountains will constitute our playgrounds and running courses. On a space as large as Brittany and Normandy combined.

Arriving from Edinburgh, we take the direct direction of Dundee gateway to the “Cairngorms Mountains” and more particularly the “Cateran”, named after a band of fighters of the Scottish Highland clan, who gave their name to this mountainous region. A fairly easy first stage of the race (if the terrain is not too wet), in this beautiful hilly countryside, through fields and forests.

For the 3rd stage, we run around Loch Morlich. A rather flat stage but likely to evolve for 2023. In all cases the arrival is at the club house for a lunch overlooking the Loch. In the afternoon, you will discover Aberdeen, where lovers of shopping for sporting items or pubs will find their happiness. We will then take the direction of Inverness to reach the hotel and for an outing to the pub.For the 4th stage, we set sail further west of the country, in the Loch Ness region! A 17km course in the shape of a Scottish postcard. The circuit that goes around Loch Affric is not very difficult, although a little technical, in its first part. The loop will be offered in full to participants of the short distance. We run in a national nature reserve, where we find the oldest traces of the Caledonian forest. We will then visit Urquhart Castle before heading out to discover the famous Nessie with a boat cruise on Loch Ness.

Finally, head south and the Trossachs National Park. Our 5th and last stage starts from Brig o’Turk located between lochs Katrine and Venechar. We will sink into the long and deep valley of the Finglas, for the longest course of the stay with nearly 800m of elevation gain. Another postcard journey … but one could say that of the other four courses. After a stop at the small village of Callander, we will celebrate this end of adventure in Edinburgh during a festive evening.

Our stay is then coming to an end. Make way to relax and visit the famous Scottish capital Edinburgh which will occupy our whole day on Friday (and Thursday evening for those who wish).

This program is subject to change, mainly due to weather conditions.

DAY 1 : SUNDAY
Departure from Paris 11.45am / Arrival to Edimbourg 4.40pm with a stop-over at Amsterdam
Transfer to the hotel
Dundee (city walking tour) General briefing of the race week
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Dundee

DAY 2 : MONDAY
Breakfast at the hotel
Transfer to our 1st stage
First race Cateran Trail – (13,2km/260D+ et 290D- ou 17km/290D+ et 350D-
Lunch
Transfer / return to the at Blairgowrie or Aberdeen
Walk-visit of the city (pub or swimming pool and spa at the hotel)
Dinner and overnight at the hotel DAY 3 : TUESDAY
Breakfast at the hotel
Transfer to our 2nd stage of race in the Cairngorms National Park
Second race – Cairngorms National Park  (14,6km/340D+ et 480D- ou 24,3km/440D+ et 590D-)
Picnic and visit of the Royal Castle of Balmoral and visit of the Royal Distillery  Transfer to the hotel in Aviemore
Dinner and overnight at the hotel

DAY 4 : WEDNESDAY
Breakfast at the hotel
Transfer to our stage of race
Third race – Loch Morlich (11,4km/190D+ et 110D- ou 18,9km/300D+ et 220D-)
Lunch at the club house of water activities of Beach Loch Morlich
Free time inside Aviemore (shopping time or pub)
Transfert to Invernesse / Walk-visit of the city (pub)
Dinner and overnight at the hotel at InvernessDAY 5 : THURSDAY
Breakfast at the hotel
Transfer to our stage of race
Fouth race- Loch Ness – Loch Affric (17,8km/250D+ et 250D-)
Picnic, visit of Urquhart Castle and cruise on Loch Ness
Transfert to the hotel / Walk-visit of the city
Dinner and overnight at the hotel

DAY 6 : FRIDAY
Breakfast at the hotel
Transfer to our stage of race
Fifth race – Trossachs National Park (11,6km/415D+ et 415D- ou 27,7km/930D+ et 930D-)
Picnic and short hike around Lochs Venachar or Katrine
Visit of the village of Callander
Transfert to Edinburgh
Dinner awards ceremony and overnight stay at the hotel in EdinburghDAY 7 : SATURDAY
Breakfast at the hotel
Free day in Edinburgh Overnight at the hotel in Edinburgh

DAY 8 : SUNDAY
Transfert from the hotel to the airport 3.30am
from the hotel at 6.10 am Departure Edinburgh / Arrival in Paris 9.00am

Although Scottish Highlands Trail is above all a running and cultural holiday, it is nevertheless a “leisure competition”. This stage trail gives rise to a classification by stage as well as a cumulative classification at the end of the stay. The stages will take place in the morning.

CHOICE OF DISTANCE : When you register you choose the desired distance (short or long distance). You can change your choice until the day of departure by notifying us (race director). During your stay, depending on your state of form you can move from one distance to another without claiming to appear in the final ranking of your event

RACE MARKING : Markings will be done in the eve of the races using stakes, biodegradable soil bombs and/or ribbons attached in the vegetation. A printing map and gpx files are given to every runner, even though it remains unlikely to get lost!

THE TRACKS : The organization reserves the right to modify the routes according to the evolution of the terrain or the weather conditions.

REFRESHMENTS : Water and fruit supplies (dry and fresh) will be set up at the finish line.

SECURITY : Three or four staff members will also be positioned alongside the race, especially at the front and back, in order to guide participants and ensure the safety of the group. A medical team, including an ambulance, a doctor and all the first aid medical equipment necessary to the organization of a race in competition will be set up on every stage.

RANKING : The times of each competitor are timed in hours, minutes and seconds. Each stage gives rise to a ranking and the general classification is done by adding the times obtained at each stage.

EQUIPMENT : For the race, you must be equipped with a minimum capacity of 1 liter of water (camel back or gourds) and a minimum of food (cereal bars, gels …), a survival blanket, adequate trail shoes, a whistle and a running jacket (waterproof). This material is checked at the beginning of the adventure. Depending on weather conditions, we strongly advise you to be equipped with a thermal insulation layer (top) as well as waterproof pants, a fleece style jacket or down jacket, hat and gloves. The use of sticks is allowed.

RACE RULES : More informations here.

The track of the short distance ICI / the long distance ICI

The track of the short distance ICI / the long distance ICI

The track of the short distance ICI / the long distance ICI

The track of the short and long distance ICI

The track of the short distance ICI / the long distance ICI

Please note that those tracks can move in function of the weather.

The “Scottish Highlands Trail” is obviously a running trip above all. But it’s also an opportunity to immerse yourself in Scottish culture through organized tours and free time.

FREE TIME

In Edinburgh on the last day essentially (because the program of the rest of the week is very dense) where you will have to make choices because 2 to 3 days are necessary to fully discover the Scottish capital. Walking through the Old Town and visiting the castle, followed by a stroll along the Royal Mile to the Parliament and Holyroodhouse Palace can be your day’s programme. Unless you prefer a more cultural program with a visit to the “National Museum of Scotland” and the ship the “Britannia”. Another nice activity to do for the more athletic: the ascent of “Arthur’s Seat” – vestige of an extinct volcano – which culminates at 250m and offers a superb panorama of the city as well as a unique picnic spot.

We will also have time to walk around and discover the cities of Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness, Aviemore and the village of Callander. Of course Scotland is also the Scottish folklore and the atmosphere in the pubs that will be the subject of outings and discoveries.ORGANIZED VISITS

Our road trip, from the Cairngorms National Park to the Trossachs National Park, in addition to the superb panoramas it will offer us on the mountains, lakes and forests of Scotland, will give us the opportunity for some emblematic visits of Scottish culture:

• Balmoral Castle Distillery (one among hundreds…)
• Cruise on Loch Ness in search of Nessy – Castles
• Castle of Balmoral and Urquhart

AIR TRAVEL : The organisation also manages the trip for all participants from Paris to the final destination Edinburgh, with the exception of foreign residents who would like to travel to Edinburg by their own means from their country of residence. If you find yourself in this situation, please contact us at: contact@exaequovoyages.com

• Sunday 14th May : Paris 11:45am – Edinburgh 4:40pm with a stopover at Amsterdam. Plane AF1640+ Plane KL1289
• Sunday 21th th July : Edinburg 6:10am – Paris 9:00am. Plane AF1887

ACCOMMODATION : Depending on the stage, you will be accommodated in 2* or 3* hotels. You will be accommodated in double rooms (for couples) and in a two-bed room for singles. Accommodation in a single room will also be possible but with an additional cost (230 € for the week) and subject to availability.

CATERING : All breakfasts and dinners will be taken at the hotel. Lunches will be organized either in the form of a picnic (packed lunch) or in the restaurant depending on the configuration of the stages and in particular the cities of arrival. Note, the lunch and the dinner durig your free day in Edinburg will be free and at your expense.

TRANSPORT : All transfers will be organized by bus.

ADMINISTRATIVE PART

VISA AND PASSPORT : Once you enter in Scotland, your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months.

VACCINES AND MEDICAL RECOMMENDATIONS : No vaccine is needed.

INSURANCE : The organization is covered by an organization liability insurance policy. Repatriation insurance is to be taken out by each participant on a compulsory basis – it must be taken out personally.

OTHER : As a reminder, the Pound Sterling is the local currency. 1 Pound Sterling = 1.12 euros (Sept.2019). Like London, the cost of living is high in Scotland and especially in Edinburgh. Most credit and debit cards are accepted and used at ATMs. Most credit and debit cards are accepted and used at ATMs. However, provide cash on you to avoid bank payment fees. An electrical adapter is to be provided.

COMMUNICATING FROM SCOTLAND : All the hotels in which we are going to stay will have free wifi access. To be called from France, your family and friends will have to dial 0044 and then your mobile number without 0. The communication of the event will be ensured on the various social events of the event, the Facebook page and the Instagram account of Exaequo Voyages. In addition, a discussion group between participants and the organization will be created on the What’s App app.

COVID : In case of cancellation of the event by the organizer, in particular due to the health situation, participants will be fully refunded or their registrations will be postponed.

The total number of participants in 2023 is limited to 35 competitors spread over the two distances: long (106km) and short (70km). Registration is open until 31 March 2023 inclusive, subject to availability on that date.

A single rate is set at 2350 euros per competitor + online payment fees (1.5% of the sale price) or 35.25 €

GROUP DISCOUNT AND PRIZE

You can benefit from a group discount:

• 5% from 5 people

The registration fee is the same for accompanying persons who will benefit from almost all the services listed below. As a reminder, accompanying persons are allowed to walk on the short version.

Note that any participant who has already traveled with Exaequo Voyages on at least one of our other destinations also benefits from a 10% discount (excluding online payment fees). This discount cannot be combined with the group discount.

CANCELLATION CONDITIONS (according to Article 5 of the General Terms and Conditions of Sale) : Cancellations of reservations and refund requests must be made by registered letter to: Exaequo Communication – 85, rue de l’avenir, 14790 VERSON

THE REFUND BAREMES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• 100€ will be retained for administrative fees in case of withdrawal before 03/02/2023
• 10% of all rights will be retained in case of withdrawal between 04/02/2023 and 05/03/2023 inclusive
• 30% of all rights will be retained in case of withdrawal between 31/03/2023 and 04/04/2023
• After the date of 04/04/2023 at midnight, no refund request will be accepted

These costs correspond to the deposits incurred by Exaequo Communication for the preparation of the event.

Exaequo Communication therefore strongly recommends that each competitor take out cancellation insurance or on a personal basis with an insurer of their choice.

In case of cancellation of the event by the organizer, in particular due to the health situation, participants will be fully refunded or their registrations will be transferred to the 2024 edition.

REGISTRATION INCLUDES

• Your bib and your participation in the race
• Technical supervision for the organization of the stay, the race and the tourist activities
• Medical assistance during the race and stay
• The international flight Paris Edinburgh with Air France KLM
• Local transfers by minibus
• 7 nights in accommodation in a twin or double room (single accommodation at extra cost)
• Catering for the entire stay, with the exception of meals during your free day in Edinburgh
• Refueling (water, fruit …) after the races
• Entrance fees and rental costs for all leisure activities
• The medal and a technical T-shirt in the colors of the event

REGISTRATION DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• The 2 meals during the free day in edinburgh (lunch and dinner)
• Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks during meals
• Your personal consumption during tourist activities or free evenings

As the total number of participants is limited, the organization will retain files according to the places available and only applications whose administrative file will be complete before March 31, 2023.

REGISTRATIONS IN TWO INSTALLMENTS BY SECURE ONLINE PAYMENT, BEFORE MAY 15, 2023

• 1st transfer of € 800 to be made at the time of registration with the complete administrative file + online payment fee (€ 35.25)
• 2nd transfer of 1550€ (minus your possible discount) to be made before March 30th. You will receive a balance call from us

A confirmation email will be sent to you by the organization as well as by your bank to confirm your registration and inform you of the debit on your account.

THE ELEMENTS TO SEND TO THE ORGANIZATION TO VALIDATE YOUR REGISTRATION

• Photocopy of your passport or other valid ID
• 1 passport photo or portrait (scan of an identity photo, photo by mobile phone, etc.)
• Your medical certificate dating from June 2022 at the latest (optional if walker or accompanying person) of “no contraindication to the practice of running in competition” (this formulation is mandatory)
• Your certificate of repatriation insurance which is mandatory

CANCELLATION CONDITIONS (according to Article 5 of the General Terms and Conditions of Sale)

Cancellations of reservations and refund requests must be made by registered letter to: Exaequo Communication – 85, rue de l’avenir, 14790 VERSON

THE REFUND BAREMES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• 100€ will be retained for administrative fees in case of withdrawal before 27/02/2023
• 30% of all rights will be retained in case of withdrawal between 28/02/2023 and 30/03/2023 inclusive
• 60% of all rights will be retained in case of withdrawal between 31/03/2023 and 30/04/2023
• After the date of 30/04/2023 at midnight, no refund request will be accepted

These costs correspond to the deposits incurred by Exaequo Communication for the preparation of the event.

Exaequo Communication therefore strongly recommends that each competitor take out cancellation insurance or on a personal basis with an insurer of their choice.

In case of cancellation of the event by the organizer, in particular due to the health situation, participants will be fully refunded or their registrations will be transferred to the 2024 edition.

To consult the GTC and the regulations: click here.