The best running trails in England

England offers a vast network of running routes, with over 139,000 tours available on komoot. This includes a wide variety of trails suitable for all levels, from easy jogs to challenging trail runs.

England's diverse landscape provides a rich variety of running terrains. You can expect everything from extensive coastlines and serene national parks to ancient woodlands and urban green spaces. This includes rolling hills, limestone valleys, flat riverside paths, and challenging fell running routes in areas like the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales.

Yes, England has many routes perfect for beginners. There are over 14,600 easy running tours available. For a gentle, scenic option, consider the Colwick Lake & West Lake circular in Colwick Country Park, which is an easy 4.9 km (3 miles) loop.

For those seeking a challenge, England's National Parks offer demanding trail running experiences. The Three Peaks Challenge in the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a difficult 40.6 km (25.2 miles) route with significant elevation gain. Another challenging option in the Lake District is the Fairfield Horseshoe from Ambleside.

The running routes in England are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.36 stars from over 400 reviews. Runners often praise the diverse scenery, from iconic city views along the Thames to the tranquil beauty of national parks and forests. The well-maintained paths and variety of terrains for all skill levels are also frequently highlighted.

Absolutely, many running routes in England are circular, offering convenient starting and ending points. Popular examples include the Carsington Water circular run in Derbyshire, a 12.3 km (7.6 miles) loop, and the Blakemere Moss loop in Delamere Forest, a moderate 6.3 km (3.9 miles) trail.

England's running routes often pass by stunning natural attractions. In the Lake District, you might encounter majestic peaks like Helvellyn Summit or unique geological features like Rydal Cave. The Peak District features vast moorlands and limestone valleys, while the Jurassic Coast offers dramatic cliffs and formations like Durdle Door. Many routes also feature picturesque lakes and forests.

Yes, especially in urban areas. The Thames Path loop from Charing Cross in Greater London provides iconic views of landmarks along the River Thames. Another route, the Tamsin Trail loop — Richmond Park, offers panoramic views of London and its famous park known for wildlife.

Many of England's forests and country parks offer family-friendly running options with well-maintained, relatively flat paths. Forests like Dalby Forest and Alice Holt Forest have waymarked routes of varying lengths that are suitable for families. Look for 'easy' graded routes in parks and along disused railway lines for the most family-friendly experiences.

Yes, many running routes, particularly those in and around major cities or national parks, are accessible by public transport. For example, routes in London like the Thames Path loop from Charing Cross are easily reached by train or tube. National Parks often have bus services connecting to popular trailheads, though checking local timetables is always recommended.

England is home to numerous beautiful lakes and reservoirs, many of which feature excellent running paths. The Carsington Water circular run in Derbyshire is a prime example, offering scenic views around the reservoir. In the Lake District, the Derwent Water and Surprise View loop from Keswick provides stunning lakeside running.

England boasts many beautiful forests perfect for running. Dalby Forest in the North York Moors offers a variety of waymarked routes. Other notable forests include Alice Holt Forest in Surrey and King's Forest near Bury St Edmunds, known for their peaceful trail running options. The Blakemere Moss loop in Delamere Forest is another great choice for forest running.