Trail running on the wild islands of Brittany
Duration : 5 days
France, Brittany
Level : sporty
from 950 € / p. from 3 to 8 persons
Infos & BookingDescription
Do you want to discover trail running differently, between land and sea, on wild and preserved trails?
I suggest you go for 5 days of trail running along the most beautiful trails of the Breton coast, with a unique route linking several emblematic islands: Île-aux-Moines, Belle-Île-en-Mer and the island of Groix.
Between wild coves, steep cliffs and fine sandy beaches, you will navigate varied and technical terrain, perfect for progressing on trails while enjoying an exceptional environment. We will alternate running and active walking depending on the profiles and terrain. Transfers between sites will be by minibus and boat, adding a traveling and exotic dimension to the stay.
This course is also an opportunity to progress technically: effort management, descent, restarts, reading the terrain, use of poles.
In addition to trail running, this stay is a real immersion in the Breton maritime world. Every day, we will take the time to enjoy the landscapes and the ocean: swimming in wild coves, moments of recovery by the sea and moments of relaxation facing the horizon.
Depending on the conditions and the wishes of the group, additional activities may be offered: stand-up paddleboarding, sea kayaking along the cliffs, swimming in open water and recovery sessions (mobility, breathing, stretching facing the ocean).
These moments are an integral part of the stay and allow you to combine trail progression, active recovery and pleasure.
Technical information:
- Intensity: moderate to sustained.
- Technicality: varied terrain with coastal paths, rocks, natural stairs and rolling sections.
- Prerequisites: run regularly (2x/week minimum), be able to run 20 kilometers in varied terrain and already have experience in running and active hiking.
- During the stay:
- Distance: 10 to 25 kilometers per day.
- Elevation gain: 200 to 500 meters per day.
- Duration: 3 to 6 hours per day.
- The routes are adaptable depending on the weather and the level of the group.
To vary the pleasure, I also offer other trail stays:
- 2 days of trail discovery in Savoie in the Beaufortain massif,
- the tour du Beaudortain trail
- and an introductory and advanced training course in Savoie.
Program
🌿 Day 1: Île-aux-Moines, gentle immersion in the Gulf of Morbihan.
From the first strides, the atmosphere is set. Departing from the pier, we set off for a complete tour of Île-aux-Moines, a true pearl of the Gulf of Morbihan.
The path winds between small typical ports, fishermen's houses, discreet coves and shaded paths. We pass along calm, almost Mediterranean waters, with constant views of the islets of the Gulf. We pass in particular by the Pointe du Trec’h and the Bois d’Amour, with several hidden beaches ideal for a first swim.
The course is fluid and accessible, perfect for getting into shape and starting to soak up the marine atmosphere.
Distance: 18 km, elevation gain: 350 meters.
🌊 Day 2: Belle-Île-en-Mer, the wild coast.
Total change of atmosphere with the arrival on Belle-Île-en-Mer and its famous wild coast. From the first kilometres, the scenery is beautiful with its steep cliffs, its technical trails and the ocean as far as the eye can see. The wind, the spray and the light give a unique atmosphere to this day.
We pass by emblematic places such as Pointe des Poulains, Donnant beach and the needles of Port-Coton. The terrain becomes more demanding with natural steps, frequent restarts and more challenging sections. Breaks are planned to fully enjoy the setting, with the possibility of swimming in a cove or enjoying a picnic facing the ocean.
It’s a real trail day, intense and spectacular.
Distance: 32 km, elevation gain: 550 meters.
🌾 Day 3: Belle-Île-en-Mer, from Bangor to Locmaria by the coast.
This third day is intended to be lighter, to allow us to recover while continuing to fully enjoy the exceptional setting of Belle-Île-en-Mer.
We leave Bangor to reach Locmaria following the coastline. The trail alternates between cliffs, small coves and smoother sections, with a constant view of the ocean. The route is shorter but remains varied and aesthetic. The atmosphere is ideal for taking it easy and working on fluidity. We cross wild and less frequented areas, with several spots perfect for taking a break and swimming.
This day is thought of as a moment of breathing in the stay, between two more involved stages.
Distance: 15 km, elevation gain: 350 meters.
🌬️ Day 4: Groix, the wild and authentic island.
Direction the island of Groix, more confidential and particularly suitable for trail running. The coastal path plunges us into a more raw atmosphere with its steep cliffs, wild moors and narrow paths. We pass by notable sites such as Pointe des Chats, Trou de l’Enfer and Grands Sables beach, known for its unique convex shape.
The terrain is playful and technical, ideal for working on supports, descents and restarts. The atmosphere is wilder, more immersive and often calmer, which reinforces the feeling of escape.
Distance: 26 km, elevation gain: 400 meters.
🌅 Day 5: Groix island, sunset run and swim.
For this last day, we have time for active recovery and pleasure. We leave for a shorter outing, along the ocean and in a peaceful atmosphere. The pace is free, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the sensations and the setting. The highlight of the day is the run followed by a swim, in a cove or on the Grands Sables beach.
It’s a special moment to release tension, breathe and end the stay gently. The opportunity also to end these few days with strong images, a feeling of freedom and great energy.
Distance: 10 km.
The price includes
- Supervision by the mountain leader, specialist of trail running.
- Full board accommodation.
- Picnics from day 2 to day 5.
- Local transfers by minibus.
- Boat crossings between the islands.
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to the meeting point.
- The picnic of day 1.
- Additional activities not planned in the program (stand up paddle, kayak, etc.).
- Personal expenses (drinks, snacks, etc.).
- Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".
Accommodation
- Accommodation in a lodge, inn or hotel.
- Single or double rooms.
- Showers and standard comfort.
- Dinners and breakfasts prepared on site.