Christmas at Glamis Castle is usually associated with decorations, celebrations and centuries of Scottish history. On Sunday 6 December, however, there will be rather more running shoes than royal footwear when Wild Deer Events brings Glamis Castle Festive Trail Runs to the famous Angus estate.

The setting is certainly special. Glamis Castle has been the ancestral home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne since 1372 and was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Princess Margaret was born here in 1930, while the castle also has a famous association with Shakespeare's Macbeth. It's quite a backdrop for a Sunday morning trail run.

Three distances give runners the opportunity to explore the private grounds. The 5 mile route winds through the estate's woodland and parkland, while those tackling the 10 mile challenge complete two circuits. Both races begin at approximately 9:45am, with a mixture of natural trails and open estate scenery providing a welcome change from the roads.

Younger runners can enjoy their own festive adventure in the family mile, starting at approximately 9:15am. Children aged three to 11 can take part, with an accompanying adult running free. The longer races are also canicross friendly, allowing runners to bring one well controlled dog on a lead.

Wild Deer Events has arranged some appropriately seasonal rewards. Finishers receive a bespoke medal designed to hang on the Christmas tree, event merchandise and a festive snack and drink. Children completing the family mile will also receive a selection box.

With entries available across the three distances, Glamis Castle presents an opportunity to combine a little exercise, a little Christmas cheer and a remarkable piece of Scottish history. Not many trail races can claim quite such distinguished surroundings.

Entries are available now via the runABC race hub.

Image courtesy Wild Deer Events.