The best running trails in Somerset

Embark on the Cheddar Gorge loop from Cliff Street, a moderate jogging route that plunges you into the dramatic scenery of England's largest gorge. This 3.9 miles (6.3 km) trail involves a significant elevation gain of 858 feet (262 metres), which you can complete in about 48 minutes. As you jog, you will encounter towering limestone cliffs and impressive rock pinnacles, with panoramic views stretching across the Somerset Levels and even to Glastonbury Tor from the clifftops.

Before you head out, be aware that the terrain on this route is varied; expect rough, rocky, and potentially muddy sections, especially if it has rained recently. Good footwear is essential to navigate the unpaved paths and steep climbs safely. You will find convenient parking available near Cliff Street in Cheddar, making it an easy starting point for your run.

This route offers a unique opportunity to experience the Mendip Hills National Landscape while jogging through a truly iconic natural wonder. Keep an eye out for the feral goats that often roam the cliffs, adding to the wild and distinctive character of the area. The combination of challenging terrain and stunning vistas makes this a rewarding experience for those with good fitness.

Embark on a challenging 9.7-mile (15.6 km) jogging loop through the iconic Cheddar Gorge and Mendip Hills, featuring 1274 feet (388 metres) of elevation gain and taking around 1 hour and 47 minutes to complete. This difficult route offers spectacular views of England's largest limestone gorge, with its towering cliff faces and unique rock pinnacles. You will traverse diverse terrain, from accessible paths to rocky, uneven sections, enjoying panoramic vistas across the Somerset Levels from clifftops and reaching the Beacon Batch Summit for extensive views.

Be prepared for a strenuous experience, especially the initial ascent from Cheddar, which can include Jacob's Ladder, a 274-step climb. The route demands good to very good fitness and sure-footedness due to its steep climbs and varied surfaces. If you encounter road sections within the gorge, exercise caution as paths can be narrow with limited dedicated footpaths alongside traffic.

This trail is a highlight of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, renowned for its geological significance and rich history. The area is archaeologically important, being the discovery site of "Cheddar Man," Britain's oldest complete skeleton. Keep an eye out for feral goats grazing on the cliffs, and enjoy the outstanding 360-degree views from Pavey's Lookout Tower and the Beacon Batch summit.

Embark on a moderate jogging loop from Webbington Road, taking you across Wavering Down and Crook Peak. This 6.5-mile (10.4 km) route offers a diverse experience, winding through open common land, green fields, and quiet wooded hollows. You will gain 838 feet (255 metres) in elevation, with the entire journey typically taking around 1 hour and 13 minutes to complete. From the summits, you can enjoy wide-ranging views across the Mendip Hills National Landscape, spotting landmarks like Glastonbury Tor and the Bristol Channel.

When planning your visit, note that the trail is easily accessible, especially if you begin from Webbington Road. While the path is generally not overly technical, be ready for some strenuous sections and steep climbs as you ascend towards Crook Peak and Wavering Down. If you are jogging after rain, be aware that some woodland parts of the trail can become muddy, so it is wise to check the weather beforehand.

This route showcases the distinctive hill landscape of the Mendips, providing a rewarding experience for those who appreciate varied terrain. The panoramic views from the peaks are a highlight, offering a chance to see far-reaching vistas that even include glimpses of Wales on a clear day. It is a great way to explore the natural beauty and unique geological features of this part of the National Landscape.

Embark on the Cheddar Gorge and Beacon Batch loop from Blackrock Gate, a moderate jogging route that offers varied terrain and expansive views across the Mendip Hills. This 8.3-mile (13.4 km) loop includes steep climbs and rough, rocky sections, gaining 709 feet (216 metres) in elevation, and typically takes about 1 hour and 29 minutes to complete. You will jog past the dramatic limestone cliffs of Cheddar Gorge, catch glimpses of Cheddar Reservoir, and traverse open moorland and woodlands, with panoramic vistas extending to the Bristol Channel.

This trail is best suited for joggers with good fitness levels due to its challenging ascents and uneven paths. While the research does not specify trailhead access or parking details, assume you can begin your journey from Blackrock Gate. Always check local conditions before you go, especially regarding weather, as some sections can be rough. Plan your visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the scenery and ensure safe navigation on the varied surfaces.

The route is notable for several significant landmarks, including Cheddar Gorge, Britain's largest gorge, known for its impressive rock formations. You will also reach Beacon Batch, the highest point in the Mendip Hills, which offers exceptional panoramic views from its trig point and features ancient Bronze Age barrows. The trail also passes through Velvet Bottom Nature Reserve, an area with a rich history of lead mining dating back to pre-Roman times.

The Butcombe Trail: Western Loop offers a challenging jogging experience across the varied terrain of the Mendip Hills National Landscape. You will cover a significant 29.6 miles (47.6 km) with an elevation gain of 3340 feet (1018 metres), making this a difficult route that takes around 5 hours and 35 minutes to complete. Expect predominantly off-road surfaces, including fields, woodlands, and natural ground like rocks and mud, with panoramic views across the Mendip Hills, including landmarks such as Crook Peak and the Iron Age Hill Fort at Dolebury Warren.

When planning your visit, be aware that this route demands good physical conditioning due to its significant elevation and varied terrain. The trail is well way-marked, which helps with navigation, and its pub-to-pub concept means you will find amenities along the way. While there are no specific warnings about permits or seasonal closures, parking in Cheddar is suggested as a convenient starting point for your jogging adventure.

This western section of the Butcombe Trail is notable for its blend of natural beauty and historical interest within the Mendip Hills. Beyond the challenging workout, you will pass through charming villages and might spot seasonal wildflowers like bluebells and primroses in wooded areas. The route's design also highlights the region's unique character, offering a distinct experience compared to other trails in the area.

Embark on a difficult jogging adventure with The Butcombe Trail eastern end loop from Cheddar. This challenging route spans 25.4 miles (40.9 km) and features a significant elevation gain of 2632 feet (802 metres), taking around 4 hours and 36 minutes to complete. You will navigate varied terrain, including limestone gorges, rolling hills, and uneven paths with exposed rock and tree roots. The trail rewards you with awe-inspiring panoramic views over the Mendip Hills, the Somerset Levels, and Cheddar village, especially from the dramatic cliffs of Cheddar Gorge.

Planning your visit requires good fitness and sure-footedness due to the trail's demanding nature. You can expect sections with a technical descent into Cheddar and a set of 140

Embark on the Selworthy Beacon & Hurlstone Point loop from Selworthy, a challenging jogging route spanning 9.9 miles (15.9 km) with a significant 1517 feet (462 metres) of elevation gain. This difficult trail, which you can complete in about 1 hour and 56 minutes, takes you through varied terrain including wooded combes, open hillsides, and rugged coastal paths. You will experience steep ascents and descents, particularly when climbing to Selworthy Beacon, and enjoy dramatic coastal views across the Bristol Channel from Hurlstone Point. The path includes natural tracks, stony sections, and areas with gorse and bracken, demanding good grip from your trail running shoes. Expect an energetic experience with continuous changes in elevation. A windproof layer is also advisable for the exposed coastal sections.

For your visit, be prepared for the trail's hard difficulty, which requires very good fitness for jogging. The route passes through picturesque villages like Selworthy and Bossington, known for their traditional thatched cottages. While the research does not specify trailhead access or parking details, planning your journey to Selworthy will be your starting point. The trail is accessible year-round, but the heather moorland is especially vibrant in August and September, offering a beautiful backdrop to your run.

This loop is notable for encompassing two iconic Exmoor landmarks: Selworthy Beacon, a Marilyn offering extensive panoramic views, and Hurlstone Point, a dramatic headland featuring a disused coastguard lookout station. Sections of the route follow the renowned South West Coast Path, providing breathtaking clifftop experiences. You will also pass through the National Trust's Holnicote Estate, an area rich in natural and historical significance, where you might spot Exmoor ponies. On clear days, views extend to Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor's highest point, adding to the trail's memorable vistas.

The Tarr Steps loop from Dulverton offers a difficult jogging experience through Exmoor National Park, covering 12.4 miles (20.0 km) with a challenging 1456 feet (444 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete this route in about 2 hours and 19 minutes. The trail winds through ancient oak woodlands and riverside meadows alongside the River Barle, leading you to the historic Tarr Steps. This ancient clapper bridge, with its massive stone slabs, is a striking landmark as you navigate the varied terrain.

Be prepared for a mix of natural stone and earth paths, which can be uneven with exposed tree roots. Gradients can be steep, particularly a 1 in 6 section near the start and end. Some parts of the trail can also be rocky and muddy, especially after heavy rainfall, so appropriate footwear is highly recommended. If you are looking for a less strenuous option, a shorter, more accessible path runs beside the river from a disabled parking area near Tarr Steps.

This route takes you through a National Nature Reserve, teeming with wildlife such as red deer, otters, and various bird species like dippers. In springtime, the woodlands are carpeted with spectacular bluebells. The Tarr Steps themselves are a notable feature, being the longest and oldest clapper bridge in Britain, with origins debated between the Bronze Age and medieval times. You can also find refreshments at the Tarr Farm Inn near the steps.