What are the best trails to run in the UK?

The UK is one of the best places in the world to go trail running. With a nationwide network of well-maintained public footpaths, bridleways, and towpaths and some jaw dropping scenery, you don’t have to travel far to run on paths in the great outdoors. 

While there will likely be many great trails near where you live, in this guide, we’re going to shine a light on what we think are some of the best UK trail-running routes. We’ll also cover a handful of competitive running routes too (although you can visit these trails even when races aren’t happening).

Nick Hancock, a specialist ultra-running and marathon coach, worked with us to identify the best trail runs in the UK - Nick has firsthand experience of many of these routes himself. 

We think the following 10 routes are among the best running trails in the UK. What do you think? Get any tips or alternatives you think we should include? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. 

1. Great Langdale, Lake District

Great Langdale in the Lake District is a runner’s paradise, with some awe-inspiring peaks to gaze up at as you scramble along the network of lower-level trails. If you’re looking for some healthy competition, the Langdale Horseshoe fell race, held in October every year, is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque of all the UK running events. However, if you prefer to run at your own pace, the 6.5-mile Loughrigg Fell, which starts and finishes in the Rydal Water car park, is a beautiful route for runners of every ability.

The Lake District is packed with incredible trail running routes. Once you’ve completed Great Langdale, you could also explore:

• The Fairfield Horseshoe, starting in Ambleside

• Helvellyn Ridge

• The ascent of Scafell Pike

2. Cotswold Way National Trail

The Cotswold Way National Trail is an entire network of running routes that stretches 102 miles, all the way from Chipping Campden in Worcestershire to Bath in Somerset. Along the way, it offers up some of the UK’s finest scenery, ranging from classic Cotswold villages to Iron Age hill forts and ancient beech woodland. Perhaps the best part of the stretch for hill runners is the northern end of the trail, where higher climbs offer panoramic views. However, the entire stretch is excellent trail-running fodder, with its moderate difficulty and location making it accessible for runners of every ability.

3. Snowdonia National Park

As Wales’ largest national park, Snowdonia is one of the most exciting destinations for trail runners in the UK. There are so many routes through the park that it’s almost impossible to choose one. But Nick highlights the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia by UTMB- it’s the UK’s only UTMB World Series destination, and gets the highest attendance of any trail race in the UK. 

But there are dozens of other options too, including:

• Ascents up Snowdon itself: Try The Farmer’s Track, The Watkins path, the Tourist Track, The Pyg Track etc.

• The rest of the park: Popular routes include the Glyders, Cryb Goch and Slate Trail. 

• Peaks: Peaks such as Moel Eilio are an easier climb, but offer jaw dropping views of Snowdon itself

4. North Downs Way National Trail

Runners living in London who are fed up with pounding the pavements can find some of the best UK trail running routes just a short train ride away. The North Down Way National Trail stretches 123 miles from Farnham in Surrey eastwards to Dover in Kent. This wonderfully varied and tranquil trail might not offer much in the way of elevation, but the diverse scenery of the chalky North Downs more than makes up for it. You can jog through beech and oak woodlands, across springy downland, and take in unspoilt views of the garden of England. If it’s elevation you’re looking for, the stretch from Box Hill to Reigate Hill has plenty to keep you entertained, while the trail from Detling to Lenham, in Kent, is arguably the most scenic.

5. Jurassic Coast and the South West Coast Path

If your perfect trail run includes plenty of ascending and descending, then the South West Coast Path, and more specifically, the 96-mile stretch that takes you along the Jurassic Coast from Dorset through to East Devon, is certainly one for you. This is not a route for the faint of heart though, as the hill climbs can be brutal. However, if you’re an experienced trail runner, this well-maintained coastal path cannot be missed. As you’d expect from a route so close to the coast, there are plenty of pubs, cafés and ice cream shops, so you can stop for a well-deserved rest along the way.

Feeling competitive? Then sign up for the Arc of Attrition, which is now the marquee race along the South West Coast Path (and is also a Western States 100 qualifier). 

More advice: Read all our guides, advice and safety tips for trail running

6. Best running trails in London

Given the size of the capital city, it’s harder for runners here to get into the great outdoors than people living elsewhere in the country. Nevertheless, there are still several options for running on trails in London:

• North London: The Parkland Walk is a 4.5 miles stretch of the Jubilee Greenway, a 60-mile loop of (mainly) connected outdoor paths around the city. And the Parkland Walk is easily one of the best trail runs in the city. Starting at the edge of Finsbury Park, you run along the route of an abandoned railway line passing through Crouch End and up to Highgate. You then continue down through Highgate Woods and follow another footpath to Alexandra Palace. 

• East London: Epping Forest is probably the top destination for East London runners - with close to 300 km of paths criss-crossing the area. You can also get most of the way to the River Thames offroad via the River Lea, or follow offroad connections to Wanstead Flats.. 

• South London: Up for a challenge? Then south London has some of the hardest running trails in the city due to the area’s hilly topography. Greenwich Park and Blackheath are an ‘easier’ option, but if you want to really push yourself, you could follow the footpaths connecting Camberwell new cemetery with Sydenham Woods via the Horniman museum gardens (there are trails connecting most of the route) - it’s about two miles and very hilly! 

• West London: With its many parks and woodlands, West London is an urban trail runner’s paradise. Richmond Park is, obviously, the best place to go off road and there are endless options there. But you could also try Hampstead Heath, with its rolling hills and tracks which can sometimes get surprisingly challenging. 

• Box Hill: You’ll need to take public transport or drive, but Box Hill offers tons of hilly trail routes but still sits within the M25. 

8. Goat Fell, Isle of Arran

This 10.5km run will take you up Goat Fell, the highest peak on the island. It’s not too challenging and there are no scrambles or technical terrain. Besides the beauty of the island, you also get stunning views across the Irish Sea to mainland Scotland. 

9. West Highland Way

Likely on the bucket list for many trail runners, the 97 mile West Highland Way is a fantastic, multi-day run. You’ll typically have to carry your own gear - there are guest lodges and B&Bs on the route and companies that can transport your belongings. The route itself runs from Milngavie to Fort William, and takes in country parks, steep mountains, open moorland and loch shore paths. Most of the route is paved. 

10. The Pennine Way and around

The Pennine Way stretches all the way from Derbyshire to the Scottish borders - 268 miles  in total. If you live in any of the counties it passes through, this well signposted route provides a brilliant focus for your runs, and there are countless paths away from the main route to discover nearby forests, villages and other areas of natural beauty. There are also many trail races along the Pennine Way - Pennine Trails organises events year round. Looking for a serious challenge? The Pennines are also host to the incredibly tough winter Spine Race.

Honourable mentions

The UK has some of the best trail runs in the world, so you’ll really be spoilt for choice. Here are some more routes to discover, in addition to our top 10:

• Beacons Way in South Wales. It’s less technical than Snowdonia, but has some stunning scenery. 

• The Ridgeway in the Chilterns. This 5000-year old trail is possibly England’s oldest ‘road’. A popular 86-mile trail running section connects Ivinghoe Beacon in Hertfordshire with the Avebury Stones in Wiltshire. 

• Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh is a challenging 2.5 mile trail run which offers fantastic views of the city. In fact, the route was recently ranked as the most popular trail run in the whole of the UK!

Tips for enjoying the UK’s best trail runs 

Trail running is such a great way to explore the UK, challenge yourself, and have a lot of fun on the way. Here are some tips and advice from ASICS and Nick Hancock to get the most out of your runs:

• Accessibility: Some of the trails mentioned here can be easily accessed by public transport - particularly those near larger cities. Others really require a vehicle of your own. If you are parking a car or running away from a station, it’s also important to check in advance if there’s a way of getting back to the start (such as local buses). 

• Support and safety: Some of the trail runs we’ve mentioned are challenging, technical and remote. It may be best to attend organised events where there will be refreshment stands and medical crew on hand than going it alone. If you’re running alone, choose routes that have higher foot traffic (with other runners and recreational walkers).

• Experience level: To begin with, focus on shorter, less challenging routes. As you get more experienced, you’ll be able to take on longer runs. 

• Weather: Particularly in mountainous regions, the weather can change quickly. Always monitor the weather and choose days with more stable conditions. 

• Tell people your route: Particularly for more remote trail runs, inform friends and family (or even park rangers) where you plan to run. In the ASICS Runkeeper app you can enable live tracking, so people may be able to find you if you get lost (so long as there is mobile signal). 

• Get the right gear: Trail running requires appropriate footwear and clothing. Choose footwear that’s durable, cushioned, water resistant and which offers plenty of grip. For trail running clothes, layering is key - you want to be able to add or remove layers to respond to the changing conditions. It should also be breathable and lightweight. You’ll also benefit from carrying plenty of fluids and snacks with you. 

• Maps: Often the route is clear, but sometimes paths cross and you can take a wrong turn. Particularly on more remote trails, it’s always valuable to bring a paper map as a reference. 

With you every step of the way

If you’re taking on one of the UK’s best trail runs, then you need running shoes, clothes and equipment that can support you every step of the way. Browse our range of men’s and women’s premium trail running shoes, running clothes and accessories to find all the gear you need to enjoy trail runs in the UK.