The Kintyre Way is one of Scotland’s most scenic long-distance paths offering serious trail running in idyllic surroundings. Returning on 11 May, the Kintyre Way Ultra will make perfect use of this stunning setting, with runners invited to take on the epic 31 mile course either alone or as part of a team.

With varied terrain from hill paths and forestry tracks to beaches and seaside rocks, runners will enjoy stunning scenery with views across the sea to Arran, Islay, Jura and Gigha at various times as well as Ailsa Craig and Northern Ireland from the southern section.

The Kintyre Way Ultra was first run in 2007, from Tarbert to Campbeltown. Both solo and relay runners took on this massive 67 mile challenge until the introduction of a shorter 35 mile option from Tayinloan. The shorter option proved so popular that the long option was dropped.

Organisers say: "Our plan is to alternate the Ultra over one of the three sections, Tayinloan to Tarbert, Tayinloan to Campbeltown or Machrihanish to Campbeltown. There is an option to run in a relay team of up to three over the two northern sections or two over the southern section.

"This year we will be running the section from Tayinloan to Tarbert. The 50.5K route with 960m of climb is on a mix of beach, rough hill tracks and forest roads.

"Enter as a solo runner or as a relay team of three (or two if you wish). Each relay runner must enter separately and you don't all have to enter at the same time, the only link being your team name which should be agreed beforehand."

If you'd like to know more, visit the Kintyre Way Ultra website.

Image: Kintyre Way Ultra