Arran Runners third trail race will be held on Sunday, October 3 in Whiting Bay.

The race starts by heading up from Whiting Bay village to Glen Ashdale Falls, one of the iconic beauty spots of Arran. Crossing the Ashdale Burn immediately above the Falls, the route takes runners through the forest to join a Forestry road that continues northward for two miles above and behind Whiting Bay.

The course then turns right descending down a footpath to Hawthorne Farm. Runners turn right here and contour southward along the farm track, through a wicket gate into a field, and over a footbridge through the Fairy Glen, and onto a footpath which takes us to the Golf Club road.

The route continues contouring south till it descends over a footpath to the north bank of the Ashdale Burn, and emerges in Montrose Terrace to the finish.

Views of Holy Isle and Ayrshire from the Forestry road should be, weather permitting, spectacular.

As only about half a mile of the five-mile course is on tarmac road, trail shoes, with grip, would be the recommended footwear. Whiting Bay has cafes and eating places and the pub is 250 yards from the finish of the race.

The race starts at 2.30 p.m. allowing time for mainland runners to day-trip to the Island. The 12.30pm ferry from Ardrossan (11.15am train from Glasgow Central) connects with the 323 bus to Whiting Bay Ashdale Bridge (arriving 2.05pm), from where the race will start.

Travellers should check with Scotrail ( possible industrial action), the Calmac website and with Stagecoach buses for details of any Covid 19 travel restrictions, especially on capacity.

Entry is open to all 16 years old and over. The race is licensed by Scottish Athletics. entry is online on the SiEntries website.