Firmounth trail run

This is a route we have done many a time along with a few variations that can add or remove distance....and climb with of up. The ups and downs of this along with long flat sections make it a good, if perhaps tough, training route.

The route starts of off outside the Boat Inn in Aboyne where a short section takes you across the bridge and onto the Fungle path to start with. A short climb takes you onto a short section of single track road then dirt road.

A small bridge takes you across the burn and from there you are on a mix of mainly forest road with small sections of good trail. The path head up alongside the burn before starting to climb uphill. A style marks the start of the cross along the front of Craigendinnie where the climb goes on. Although still in the trees there are frequent openings to see the view across Deeside.

The path then descends through the trees but gives views into the Glentannar estate up ahead. The route flattens out then takes a left into Glentannar where you have a few kms of almost flat running. Make the most of it as soon you are heading back uphill.

The uphill section is long but does offer some respite in sections where the gradient is not steep.

Eventually you are out in the open and near the top of the hill as the path starts to bend back to the start. This can be windy, this can be frozen, this can be misty, but this part can also be glorious running. The path takes you down to a wee burn, for a wee drink, before heading back up the last climb.

Once at the top of the last climb a short takes you back into the tress and the long descent all the way back to the Boat Inn. If you have time, this is a great place for fish and chips amongst other offerings.