Fell running is not trail running

Slieve Donard mountain 850 m climb from sea level

For a while I have been asking myself what the difference is between fell running and trail running. Last weekend I found out the hard way, when I accompanied three fell runners up the highest mountain in N. Ireland, Slieve Donard in the Mountains of Mourne.

It was a humbling experience to watch the leader of the group effortlessly stride straight up like a mountain goat while I was reduced at times to going on all fours and being offered energy gells. The stamina required to go straight up a steep grassy sloop, maintaining forward momentum while a gale-force wind makes one side of your face feel numb and the mist disorientates you - cannot be overstated.

So if you asked me what's the difference, I would say that fell running involves setting a compass bearing to the summit and basically running the most direct route to the top and the same to the next checkpoint. Whereas trail running (as the name suggests) is about following the trail wherever it takes you (even if it is not the most direct route).

I now have a fresh appreciation and admiration for fell runners. I really appreciated the day out but my mind is made up – I'm staying with my Black Forest trails!


 Another post of mine on fell running

 For more on fell running in Northern Ireland visit: Northern Ireland Mountain Running Association