Kirsty’s recommended running routes
Kirsty is a very keen runner and has found the transition from city/road running to trail running amazing:
It takes a bit of getting used to as you need to keep a constant eye on where you are going to place your feet and, of course, it’s not as fast as road running. However, the feeling of being out in the open without cars buzzing about and having to stop and traffic lights or dodging through traffic, is a huge bonus.
A selection of some of the routes Kirsty runs from her base in Tyndrum
As By The Way is directly on the West Highland Way route, you can run for miles north or south. In fact, this is the perfect place to spend a few days if you are training for any of the ultra runs which either start, finish, or pass through Tyndrum – check out our Ultra-runs page for more information.
Recommended Running Routes
#1 – the ‘Gentle’ run
This run is about 4 miles and runs in a loop around the forest tracks to the south and west. Perfect to get you started for the day ahead!
It starts from By The Way and goes along the forest track at the back of the site (you have to cross over the level crossing at the railway track), as if you were going towards Ben Lui. At the bottom of the road you come to a gate. Instead of going right to Ben Lui, go left, and follow the road. You will go under a railway bridge. About a quarter of a mile on from that you will come to the turn off for the West Highland Way (the sign will be facing the other way, as it gives directions to those coming from the south). Continue along the West Highland Way and you will end up back at By The Way
#2 – Tyndrum to Loch Lyon and back again
This run starts and finishes at By The Way and is about 35 miles. There are a few river crossings on this route, so depending on the weather (and how resilient you are) you may need to prepare to get your feet a bit wet in some places. The route is ‘gently undulating’, so there aren’t any high gradients to tackle. This is also a great cycling route – if you have friends that don’t fancy the 35 mile run, they can cycle alongside!
Running on the West Highland Way
As By The Way is right on the West Highland Way you have excellent running routes going both North and South..
Heading North
To the North you have Bridge of Orchy which is about 7 miles starting at By The Way (14 mile round trip). If you don’t fancy the run back, you can take the train or catch a CityLink bus from Bridge of Orchy back to Tyndrum. Further North you have Kingshouse which is about 19 miles from By The Way (38 mile round trip). You can also catch the CityLink bus from Kinghouse back to Tyndrum.
Heading South
To the South, you have Crianlarich (about 7 miles) and Bein Glas (12 miles). Note that the West Highland Way doesn’t run through Crianlarich, but passes about a mile away, however there is a sign-posted trail from the West Highland Way that takes you straight into the village. If you’d rather relax in Crianlarich and get public transport back – there’s the both trains and CityLink buses that go through Crianlarich to Tyndrum. Note that trains from Crianlarich go to both train stations in Tyndrum. Lower Tyndrum station is right outside By The Way (about 50 yards away), Tyndrum Upper is about a 10 minute walk.
From Bein Glas, you can also take a bus back to Tyndrum (especially if you stop off at the Drovers Inn!).
Our Address
By The Way Hostel and Campsite
Lower Station Road,
Tyndrum,
Stirlingshire,
FK20 8RY
(see location in larger map)
Tel: 01838-400-333
Email: info@tyndrumbytheway.com
(or use our Contact page)
Free WiFi
Exploring the West Highlands
Tyndrum is an excellent base for you to explore all the activities and outdoor pursuits available in Scottish West Highlands – please check out the Activitiessection of our site for more info.
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