Highland fitness weekends at The Lovat

Fitness enthusiasts are being offered the opportunity to experience the exhilaration of the outdoors on a running and fitness break in the stunning surroundings of the Scottish Highlands.

The Lovat, located at Fort Augustus at the southern tip of iconic Loch Ness, has put together a challenging package for those who want to work on their fitness and endurance in an outdoor environment, learn about diet and nutrition, and enjoy a few of life’s little luxuries as well.

Led by personal training professionals John Macnamara and Lesley Laird, from Glasgow-based fitness firm Functional PT, the two-night break is geared toward the needs of the regular runner and combines outdoor endurance running sessions in stunning surroundings with complementary courses from educational seminars to yoga sessions.

Guests will enjoy exceptional accommodation in this landmark Victorian hotel, which offers panoramic views towards Loch Ness, the Caledonian Canal and the spectacular surrounding scenery. Meals are served in the Lovat’s 2AA rosette restaurant, with menus featuring seasonal local ingredients cooked to the highest of standards.

The Lovat’s Caroline Gregory, who is herself in training to run this year’s New York marathon, said the break was designed to appeal to anyone with an interest in endurance running and offered an exciting alternative to daily gym sessions and repeated running of the same routes.

She said: “It is important for people to have variety in their training and everyone is continually looking for something that is a little bit different.

“The Lovat has unrivalled access to the great outdoors - within two minutes of leaving the hotel you can be in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by hills, trees and fresh air – it is truly invigorating”

And for those who feel they have earned a treat after their exertions, there is the chance to indulge in additional extras, from beauty and spa treatments to professionally led Pilates classes.

Caroline Gregory added: “We wanted to offer something that was challenging, but with the option to experience a little bit of luxury as well.”

The Lovat’s fitness and running weekend takes place from 12th-14 November, 2010 and costs £250 per person, including two nights accommodation in a twin room, breakfast, dinner, brunch and fitness sessions. Additional fitness weekends are planned for 2011. Further information available at: thelovat.com