The best running trails in Cumbria

The Fairfield Horseshoe from Ambleside offers a challenging jogging experience across varied terrain, covering 11.0 miles (17.7 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2856 feet (870 metres). You can expect continuous ascent and descent throughout this difficult route, which typically takes around 2 hours and 36 minutes to complete. As you climb, you will be treated to expansive views across much of Lakeland, including the entirety of Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells, making the effort worthwhile.

Planning your visit requires careful consideration, especially regarding navigation. The flat summit plateau of Fairfield can be particularly tricky in poor visibility or mist, so a compass and strong navigational skills are essential to avoid getting disoriented. While listed for jogging, many find the challenging terrain better suited for hiking, and sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended due to the often unstable surfaces you will encounter.

This classic route is notable for its stunning vistas and historical connections within the Lake District National Park. From the Fairfield Summit, you can look north towards the dramatic Helvellyn range and Dollywagon Pike. The trail also passes by significant cultural landmarks like Rydal Mount, once home to the renowned poet William Wordsworth, and Rydal Hall, known for its beautiful gardens and waterfall.

The Buttermere loop offers a scenic jogging experience around Buttermere Lake in the Lake District National Park. This route, considered difficult, covers 4.3 miles (7.0 km) with an elevation gain of 190 feet (58 metres), and you can typically complete it in about 47 minutes. You will enjoy continuous views of the lake, framed by dramatic fells like Haystacks and Red Pike, as you navigate mostly flat, well-trodden paths. Expect some rockier, uneven, and potentially muddy sections, especially in woodland areas or after rain, adding to the adventure.

Planning your visit to the Buttermere loop is straightforward, as Buttermere Village serves as a convenient starting and ending point. The village provides amenities such as hotels, pubs, cafes, and public toilets, making it easy to prepare for your run or relax afterward. The trail is generally accessible, but be aware that some parts can be muddy, particularly after rainfall, so appropriate footwear is advisable. This loop is popular and suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, making it a great choice for a refreshing jog.

What truly sets the Buttermere loop apart is its unique combination of natural beauty and interesting features. You will pass through the distinctive 50-foot long Hassness Tunnel, a rock tunnel carved through a cliff, which adds an element of surprise to the route. The ability to jog all the way around the lake provides uninterrupted views of the water and surrounding mountains, including impressive waterfalls like Sour Milk Gill. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as Herdwick Sheep, otters, and red squirrels, which often frequent the area.

The Coledale Horseshoe from Braithwaite is a difficult 8.8-mile (14.2 km) route in the Lake District National Park, offering a challenging experience with 2963 feet (903 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect a diverse and often technical terrain, including steep ridge paths, sections of scree, and broad grassy tops. Some parts feature rocky steps that may require simple scrambling, while others can be boggy or involve pushing through heather and thick bracken. This route is better suited for experienced fell runners or strenuous hiking, rather than casual jogging, and typically takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes to complete.

As you traverse this horseshoe-shaped route around the Coledale Beck valley, you will find yourself on rough fell paths, some very steep and stony. The trail provides spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding fells, including Skiddaw, Blencathra, and the Scafell range. From Grisedale Pike, one of the peaks on the route, you can enjoy superlative views, while Crag Hill, the highest point, offers stunning vistas down the Coledale Valley, encompassing Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite Lake, and Crummock Water.

This classic Lake District round is renowned for taking in multiple Wainwright fells, such as Grisedale Pike, Hopegill Head, Crag Hill, Sail, Outerside, and Barrow. Alfred Wainwright himself praised a section of the southern ridge over Scar Crags and Causey Pike as a grand ridge walk. The route's demanding nature is underscored by its role as host to the Coledale Horseshoe Fell Race, confirming its suitability for experienced fell runners. Due to the steep climbs, mild scrambles, and exposure on high-level ridges, it is not recommended to attempt this route in poor visibility or strong winds.

Prepare for a challenging jogging experience on the Aira Force & Gowbarrow Fell loop, a difficult 4.3-mile (6.9 km) route with a significant 1003 feet (306 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 58 minutes to complete. You'll begin in ancient woodland, passing through lush ferns and towering conifers before reaching the spectacular Aira Force waterfall, a 65-foot drop crashing through a deep gorge. Beyond the well-surfaced paths near the waterfall, the trail becomes more demanding, featuring narrow sections with steep drops, numerous steps, and rocky terrain. As you ascend towards Gowbarrow Fell, the path transitions to open fellside, which can be muddy or boggy, especially after rain, requiring careful footing for joggers. This varied terrain makes it ideal for experienced trail runners looking for a diverse and rewarding workout.

While the Aira Force area is popular and accessible, the full loop to Gowbarrow Fell presents a moderately challenging ascent. The path can be steep and slippery in places, with some sections being indistinct or wet, particularly on the fell. Good sturdy footwear is essential for navigating the varied surfaces, which range from well-maintained stone-pitched paths to uneven, rocky ground. This route is not recommended for individuals with mobility impairments or those pushing prams, with baby carriers being a more suitable option for families.

This loop offers a striking contrast between the picturesque woodland and the expansive views from Gowbarrow Fell. From the fell, you'll be rewarded with panoramic vistas over Ullswater and the surrounding Lakeland fells, including Place Fell, Red Screes, and the Helvellyn ridgeline. You might also spot Lyulph's Tower, an 18th-century hunting lodge designed to resemble a castle, adding a touch of historical charm to the natural beauty. The trail's transition from dramatic waterfalls to open fellside makes it a notable and diverse experience within the Lake District National Park.