Hadrian’s Wall: historical site and the focal point for one of the UK’s finest off-road runs
Best Trails in Scotland
Fort William and Glencoe, Scottish Highlands
This town is a basecamp for all kinds of outdoor activity, since it has mountains (such as Ben Nevis, right), water (such as Loch Linnhe) and beautiful scenery (such as Steall Falls and Glen Nevis) on its doorstep. Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Britain and is best approached, by experienced fell runners, via Carn Mor Dearg. If you’re looking for a challenge in a stunning setting, these are the trails for you.
Best stretches to run: Ring of Steall and Glencoe.
visit-fortwilliam.co.uk; glencoe-nts.org.uk
Cairngorms, Scottish Highlands
The most extensive range of high mountains in the UK and Britain’s biggest National Park (below), this is not to be missed by any hardened trailite. Its beautiful Highland immensity is broken up by valleys, lochs, pine forests and corries and wildlife abounds.
Best stretches to run: Loch Muick, Rothiemurchus and Lairig Ghru.
cairngorms.co.uk
Isle of Arran, Firth of Clyde
This remote island off the west coast of Scotland has a wide variety of terrain, including mountains, moorland and beaches. The Arran Coastal Way is a great trail (below), running around the edge of the island and covering 105K (65 miles). Those looking for a shorter run can try the 7K circuit around the stunning Holy Isle.
Best stretches to run: Holy Isle and Cir Mhor.
visitarran.com; nts.org.uk/arran
View from Cribyn in the Brecon Beacons – looking south east down the ridge of Craig Cwm Cynwyn
Best Trails in Wales
Brecon Beacons, South Wales
This mountain range sits in the middle of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the favoured training ground of the SAS. It’s little surprise, then, that it’s home to some challenging routes that will test even the most experienced off-road runners. As the highest mountain range in southern Britain, it’s also the closest place to London for a spot of proper fell running. So pop your trail shoes in the boot – it’s time to head to the hills.
Best stretches to run: Pen y Fan and Fan y Big.
breconbeacons.org
Snowdonia, North Wales
This gargantuan National Park is dominated by Mount Snowdon, which towers at 3,560ft (1,085m). If you want to avoid Snowdon’s tourists, head to another mountain range, such as Glyderau, or hit the lovely North Wales Path, which follows the coast and lower mountain slopes and will suit beginners.
Best stretches to run: Rhyd Ddu path Snowdon; Mary Jones Walk.
visitsnowdonia.info
A panoramic view of Ullswater in the Lake District
Best Trails in North England
Lake District, Cumbria
This mountainous National Park is a trail paradise, whether you want to run up one of its 200 fells or alongside one of the 20 lakes. Its downfall is its rainfall (it’s the dampest place in England) but when the sun shines, it’s hard to beat. The spiritual home of fell running, the Lake District provides a host of challenging routes, including the famous Bob Graham Round, a circuit of 42 fells in under 24 hours. Whatever challenge you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.
Best stretches to run: Helvellyn, Coniston, Keswick, Skiddaw.
golakes.co.uk
Hadrian’s Wall Path, Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyne Wear
This heritage trail runs for 135K (84 miles) from coast to coast, following for some of the way the World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall. Run alongside this incredible Roman defence, past forts, over rugged moorland and up steep crags to drink in the stunning views.
Best stretches to run: Chollerford to Walton.
english-heritage.org.uk
Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire
A favourite among fell runners, this vast heather moorland is an off-road Mecca. Some of the best places to run include Malham Tarn and Upper Wharfedale. If you want a long trail to follow, hop onto the James Herriot Way, which runs for 52 miles and encompasses Wensleydale and Swaledale.
Best stretches to run: Arkengarthdale and Swaledale.
yorkshire.com
A man overlooks the deep valley of the Pennine Way
Best Trails in the Midlands
Pennine Way, Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Northumberland
Known as the ‘backbone of England’, this tough 429K (267-mile) National Trail passes through the northern sweep of the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Park. Some hardy/unhinged types run the whole thing as part of ‘The Spine’ race in January. Mercifully, there are a number of shorter alternatives, although the undulating moorland terrain may make it too wild for beginners.
Best stretches to run: Malham to Tan Hill; Middleton-in-Teesdale to Dufton.
nationaltrail.co.uk/pennine-way
Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path
This 150K (93-mile) National Trail passes through the North Norfolk Coast, an Area of Outstanding National Beauty, with its low cliffs, sand beaches, dunes, woodland and river valleys.
Best stretches to run: Holme-next-the-Sea to Weybourne.
nationaltrail.co.uk/peddars-way-and-norfolk-coast-path
A stunning view of the South West Coast Path
Best Trails in South West England
South West Coast Path, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset
This 1,014K (630-mile) seaside path is a fabulous trail. It rises up onto rugged cliff tops and down to sandy coves and river mouths – the continuous ascent and descent beside the ocean makes it both picturesque and punishing. If you do it all, you will have climbed the height of Mount Everest four times!
Best stretches to run: The Jurassic Coastline in Dorset and Combe Martin to Braunton.
southwestcoastpath.com
Dartmoor, Devon
This wild moorland is 368 square miles and has a rugged beauty. Because it can be boggy and misty, this isn’t a good place for beginners, but seasoned trail runners will love the views and the challenge of the wilderness. If in doubt, run with a guide or a group (go to wildrunning.co.uk for top Dartmoor run coaches and classes) or join a race, such as the 10K Haytor Heller on 19 July.
Best stretches to run: The Templer Way and Haytor.
dartmoor.co.uk
Cotswold Way, Gloucestershire
This National Trail encompasses 164K (100 miles) along the Cotswold Edge escarpment of the Cotswold Hills, from Bath to Chipping Campden. Since this is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s no surprise the views are exceptional. Gaze over the Forest of Dean, the Welsh hills and the Severn Estuary as you run.
Best stretches to run: Broadway to Winchcombe and Cleeve Hill to Leckhampton Hill.
nationaltrail.co.uk/cotswold-way
A picture-perfect shot of the sunny South Downs Way
Best Trails in South East England
South Downs Way, Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex
This National Trail covers 160K (100 miles) from Winchester to Eastbourne. It runs along the South Downs, which is a low range of hills that skirt the coastline. This curvaceous chalk downland overlooking the sea is spectacular and will appeal to all outdoor enthusiasts.
Best stretches to run: Washington to Steyning; Seaford to Eastbourne.
southdownsway.co.uk
North Downs Way, Surrey and Kent
The North Downs is a ridge of chalk hills that encompass the Surrey Hills and the Kent Downs – both great places to trail run. Box Hill is managed by the National Trust and has some exhilarating woodland trails. The section of the North Downs Way between Wye and Dover has incredible views.
Best stretches to run: Box Hill and Leith Hill.
nationaltrail.co.uk/north-downs-way
Isle of Wight Coastal Path, Isle of Wight
The 67 miles of this coastal path encircle the island and pass through a variety of terrain, including cliff tops and sandy bays. The western stretches of the path are particularly beautiful, taking you high up chalk cliffs with great views.
Best stretches to run: Yarmouth to Niton and Sandown to Ryde.
visitisleofwight.co.uk
