Wild Trails Group

Urban trail running in Glasgow’s southside parks.

Fancy trading the pavement for some muddy trails and fresh air? Join the Wild Trails Group for laid-back, inclusive, and social trail running meet-ups.

Sessions are open to women and non-binary people, whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out on the trails.

The focus is on enjoying the outdoors, getting a bit muddy, and connecting with other like-minded folk to run with.

Where We Run
We meet at three beautiful parks in Glasgow’s southside (the location varies from session to session):

  • Pollok Park
  • Linn Park
  • Rouken Glen Park

Each location offers unique and varied trails through woodlands, along rivers, and up to viewpoints. The runs are all about having fun while exploring the best of Glasgow’s green spaces and less well trodden tracks and hidden paths.

Who We Are
The runs are led by me, Gaby, and are for women and non-binary people of all ages (16+). There’s no pressure, no competition—just a small welcoming group of runners who love the outdoors. Whether you’re a beginner looking to try trail running or an experienced runner seeking new challenges, you’re welcome to come along. The runs are designed to be social, relaxed, and welcoming.

How fast do you need to be:

We run at a social and relaxed pace, with plenty of breaks. Here is some guidance on what to expect:

  • The 60 minute sessions are suited to runners who already enjoy running 5km on roads at a relaxed pace (running 5km in 45 minutes).
  • The shorter 30 minutes sessions are suited to any runners who are comfortable running 3km in 30 minutes.

If you’re not quite ready to join one of these sessions, you might find other groups through Jog Scotland where you can build up your pace and endurance: https://jogscotland.org.uk/

Why Join Us?

  • Inclusive and Supportive: Whether you’re new to trail running or a seasoned pro, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere here.
  • Get Outdoors: Escape the pavements and discover the joy of running through woods. We run all year round and experience all the seasons in all their glory!
  • Meet Like-Minded People: Trail running is as much about the people as it is about the running. Join us to make new friends and connect with fellow runners.
  • Stay Active & Have Fun: From muddy trails to moonlit woods, every run is an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and move your body.
  • It’s free! While there is a fee for other Skylark Guiding activities, I lead these sessions on a voluntary basis.

Give it a go!
Ready to hit the trails? Join anytime and come as frequently or infrequently as you like. Check out the upcoming events to sign up, or let me know if you have any questions. (contact me here)

If you want to explore some trails further afield check out my Guided Runs outside Glasgow: https://skylarkguiding.co.uk/trail-running-glasgow/

What to bring?

  • Trail running shoes are recommended as they offer extra grip on mud and slippery ground. Regular running shoes are fine but they might get muddy.
  • Waterproof jacket – recommended
  • Hat/buff, gloves – recommended in colder weather
  • Head torch from mid-September to end of March
About me:

I love running off road! After years of road running, discovering trail running in 2019 was a revelation and has opened up so many adventures. From running the trails in Pollok Park during lockdown, I’ve then gone on to take my running to the Scottish hills and mountains, allowing me to experience these environments in a new way. For me running off road feels like what my body is meant to do: navigating tree roots and rocks, hoping over fallen trees, jumping puddles, and really paying attention to the environment around me.

I hold Leadership in Running Fitness. Mountain Leader, and Outdoor First Aid qualifications. These sessions are run through Jog Scotland who offer lots of other running groups.

Credit Kai Wheeler, 2024.

COVER IMAGE CREDIT: Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash