Running off-road

Ianjames

I've been road running for a while now, and have found myself thinking it might be nice to try something slightly different.  I really don't know where to start.  I'm crap at hills, don't have any trail shoes and have minimal experience in mud (running along canal paths in Birmingham gave me some practice).  I've just moved to Scotland (Glasgow) and I guess am looking for advice on: good routes, particularly for those of us who need a gentle introduction to hills; appropriate shoes (I use neutral shoes at present - I weigh 80 -85 kg depending on how many pies I've been eating) and just any general tips. 

 Thanks.