Best Trail Running Spots in the UK

It’s not only about taking yourself up against challenging and technical terrain – trail running also stands for adventure and exploring remote, beautiful landscapes. Thankfully, you don’t even need to travel far to find these beautiful landscapes either, with the breadth of the UK littered with picturesque runs that not only provide challenge, but also reward you with incredible views.

Here’s our run down of some of the best trail running spots the UK has to offer;

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1. SCOTLAND

Loch Ness, Inverness

Home of the beautiful Loch Ness road marathon, the heather clad moorlands surrounding the mysterious waters of Loch Ness are also the location of some fabulous off road running trails. Trails run both sides of the stunning loch with spectacular views across the water and a mixture of trail and forestry tracks that are suitable for all abilities.

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Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh

Easily accessible from Holyrood Palace, the trails surrounding the rocky summit of Arthur’s Seat offer stunning panoramic views of the city. Take the strenuous direct route up to the summit or a longer, more gentle approach through the surrounding hills and trails.

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Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh. Photo by Mike Newbry on Unsplash

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Arran Coastal Way, Isle of Arran

Described as “Scotland in miniature” this stunning 65 mile stretch around the beautiful Isle of Arran can be run in sections and offers a mixture of beaches, forest trails and rolling hills – all falling alongside a variety of wildlife and breath-taking scenery.

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2. NORTH WEST

Derwent Water, Lake District

The tranquil waters and surrounding fells of Derwent Water offer some of the UK’s best and most accessible running trails. From easy flat trails along the shore that weave through woodland and offer panoramic views across the lake, to more challenging climbs into the surrounding fells, that offer spectacular Lakeland vistas at any time of the year, Derwent Water has a trail suitable for all runners.

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Derwent Water, Lake District. Photo by Rick Sykes @ EGEMS Ltd. on Unsplash

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Forest of Bowland, Lancashire

A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and once described as the Switzerland of England, this vast heather moorland wilderness offers challenging, remote terrain that makes it great for trail and fell runners alike.

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3. NORTH EAST

Hadrian’s Wall Path

This challenging coast to coast route following the World Heritage listed Hadrian’s Wall is steeped in history and passes through Roman settlements and forts, as well as some of England’s most beautiful scenery. Spanning 84 miles in total, this route represents an epic coast to coast challenge for hardcore runners, but there are plenty of circular section trails to enjoy if you’re not up for running the whole thing.

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Sycamore Gap, Hadrian's Wall. Photo by Andrew Masters on Unsplash

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Northumberland Coastal Path

This stunning coastal path runs the entire stretch of Northumberland’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Encompassing sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and ancient ruins, this beautiful trail can be broken into 6 manageable sections of between 6 and 13 miles.

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4. YORKSHIRE

James Herriot Way, Yorkshire Dales National Park

This 52-mile circular route begins and ends in the Dales village of Aysgarth in the heart of Wensleydale. It takes in some of the most stunning Yorkshire Dales scenery from wildflower meadows and waterfalls, all the way to high open fells and vast heather moorland. Of course, this makes it a mecca for novice and experienced trail runners alike.

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Muker, Yorkshire Dales. Photo by Ian Cylkowski on Unsplash

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The Howgills, Yorkshire Dales National Park

Still relatively untouched by tourism, this lesser known network of trails running through the vast sweeping wilderness of the Howgills make for an exhilarating solitary trail run – you’re unlikely to set eyes on another person while you run.

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5. CENTRAL ENGLAND

Castleton, Peak District National Park

A network of trails running from this pretty Peak District village offer stunning views across the Hope and Edale valleys. Make sure to incorporate the formidable Mam Tor into your route for a steep, challenging climb and technical ridge section. Again, rewarding you with dramatic panoramic views whilst you catch your breath.

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Castleton, Peak District. Photo by Benjamin Elliott on Unsplash

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Clent Hills, Worcestershire

With mile upon mile of peaceful, easily accessible trails, the Clent Hills offer tranquil and beautiful far-reaching views over the Cotswolds, Shropshire Hills and Welsh borders with undulating trails for runners of all abilities.

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6. WALES

Rhossili and South Gower Coast

From long sandy beaches to cliff top stretches and stunning views of the Peninsula, this beautiful stretch of headland and its network of defined, well maintained trails, makes for an exhilarating trail run that is certain to keep you coming back for more.

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Cwm Idwal, Snowdonia. Photo by Erika Lahiza on Unsplash

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Cwm Idwal, Gwynned, Snowdonia National Park

Set within Wales’ oldest nature reserve, the National Trust trail circumnavigating the beautiful waters of Cwm Idwal offers a short but challenging trail run in a stunning mountain landscape.

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7. SOUTH WEST

Bodmin Moor, Cornwall

The bleak expanse of Bodmin Moor encompasses stunning trails across remote heather clad moorlands. Alternatively, you can also explore 650 acres of prolific running trails and forestry tracks at the scenic Cardinham Woods.

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8. SOUTH EAST

Beachy Head, Sussex

This stunning stretch of headland situated at the end of the South Downs Way takes in the iconic white chalk cliffs at Beachy Head, spectacular coastal scenery, and sweeping grassy trails with a network of demanding yet rewarding trails. A must if you live anywhere close to the south coast!

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