Bridge of Orchy 10k
The Bridge of Orchy 10k route is a trail and road run within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. The loop covers a distance of 10.09 Kms ( 6.27 miles )
and has an elevation gain of 217 m ( 711 feet )
.
Length
10.1 Kms
Elevation
216.7 m
Max elevation
321.4 m
Difficulty
****
Rating
****
Main road
0 Kms
Country road
6.3 Kms
Dirt road
0 Kms
Dirt path
0 Kms
Trail
3.8 Kms
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Description
This race starts on the grass behind the hotel and very close to the bridge. Given a November date and the fact that it is the west of Scotland there is a good chance of cold and rain. However it's a stunning place to start and end a race.
The race crosses the bridge over the River Orchy and heads off uphill on the West Highland Way. This is trail and for the first
2.3 Kms
you could be running up what feels like a small stream with muddy sections. There is also about 167 m
of climb in this section so not an easy start. At the top of the climb the views are wonderful, but you have a tricky descent for the next 1.4 Kms
on rough trail with lose stones before reaching the tarred road at 3.7 Kms
.
On reaching the single track road you turn left for a short out and back which turns at the Victoria Bridge car park. From that point the return is an easy tarred road alongside Loch Tulla then the River Orchy all the way to the finish line. A few minor undulations on this section.
This is a great race to do but is very low key so don't expect large cheering crowds unless you bring them yourself. Highly recommend a stay in the hotel after the race if you can manage it.
Getting in
A very popular race and so sells out very quickly. Opens around May time and does run a waiting list.
Getting there
For a remote location there is a surprising amount of ways to get to Bridge Of Orchy. You can take the train with the station very close by, or a bus that is even closer. Running from Glasgow. Driving is also an option with access to both the hotel car park and the nearby forest car park. If using the forest car park then a payment is due using Ringo.
Start
The start is on the grass at the back of the hotel, just before the actual bridge which is less than
10 m
away. The race has a limited amount of runners so it is all very low key and friendly.End
The finish is back where you started on the grass beside the bridge.
Finish
There are cakes, water and a finishers coaster (See Pictures). Due to the rain in 2025 it was a bit of a cold finish, so into the hotel bar for a wee celebration beer.
Staying
We stayed in the Bridge of Orchy hotel and were very pleased with it. Nice accommodation, food and staff. Well recommended.
Details last updated in November 2025.
Cost
The cost in 2025 was £21
When
November
Entry Opens
Early May
Web site
Race size
120 Based on 2025 numbers
Last ran by us
2025
Route images
