The best running trails around Knook
4.0
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1,574
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144
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Jogging routes around Knook are primarily found within the wider Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs area, characterized by rolling hills, open downland, and rural village landscapes. The region offers a mix of challenging ridgeway paths and gentler village loops. Elevation changes are present, particularly on routes that traverse features like Horse Hill and the Wessex Ridgeway.
Best jogging routes around Knook
- The most popular jogging route is Knook Horse Hill & Wessex Ridgeway loop from Heytesbury — Cranbourne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs, a 14.6 miles (23.5 km) trail that takes 2 hours 36 minutes to complete. This difficult route offers expansive views along the Wessex Ridgeway and includes significant climbs.
- Another top favourite among local runners is Route 24 Bicycle Repair – Cranborne Chase Village loop from Heytesbury, a moderate 3.9 miles (6.3 km) path. This route explores the rural village surroundings of Heytesbury with minimal elevation gain.
- Local runners also love the Cranborne Chase Village – Route 24 Bicycle Repair loop from Sutton Veny, a 4.7 miles (7.5 km) trail leading through the Cranborne Chase Village area, often completed in about 47 minutes.
- Jogging around Knook is defined by rolling hills, ridgeway paths, and rural villages. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult routes, catering to various ability levels.
- The routes in Knook are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 1600 runners have used komoot to explore Knook's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
1
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
18
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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17
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
runners
13.5km
01:28
150m
150m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
runners
10.2km
01:10
130m
130m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Stunning, nice gently rolling gravel road with climb and descent options. If approaching from the east or the west (i.e. trying to stay on the hill to connect to Grovelly or Monkton Deverill) please be aware that the byways entering are not so much fun as the wood itself.
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The Wessex Ridgeway Trail follows a brilliant gravel track from the Wylye valley up to the Great Ridge. It's easy and fun traffic free running.
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Knook Horse Hill stands at 178 m to the south-east of the Imber Range. It's a good climb up from the River Wylye and makes a nice loop from Heytesbury.
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Knook Horse Hill stands at 178 m to the south-east of the Imber Range. It's a good climb up from the River Wylye and makes a nice looping walk from Heytesbury.
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he parish church of St. Peter and St. Paul was founded in the late 11th century. It was given to Salisbury Cathedral c.1115 by Henry I to form part of a living. The value of this church was soon increased by other gifts of property, and within a few years there were canons at Heytesbury. By c.1160 it was established as a collegiate church with a dean and four prebendaries, two each of priests and deacons. A collegiate church was effectively a 'mother church' with resident priests whose task it was to go out into the wider community as missionaries, with the aim of encouraging new 'daughter churches'. In the 13th century the holder of the deanery became, and remained, the Dean of Salisbury. The college at Heytesbury and its property belonged to him. Most parishes came under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of the Diocese, but Heytesbury belonged to the Dean and was therefore known as a peculiar. The Cathedrals Act of 1840 dissolved the college and abolished the prebends. The church itself is described by Pevsner as 'a large and impressive church, but an over-restored one'. The external view is dominated by its low, massive and square Norman tower in the centre. Most of the building dates from the late 12th, the 13th and the 15th centuries.
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Great Ridge is alway a good one to loop into a ride and is rideable (pretty much) all year round
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Run past the farm house & just follow the route. Slight cut at end, but a great path to run/walk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many running routes are available around Knook?
There are over 140 running routes around Knook, offering a diverse range of options for all fitness levels. You'll find 13 easy routes, 99 moderate trails, and 34 challenging paths to explore within the wider Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs area.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly jogging routes near Knook?
Yes, for those seeking a gentler run, there are 13 easy routes available. A good option for beginners is the Route 24 Bicycle Repair – Cranborne Chase Village loop from Heytesbury, which is a moderate 6.3 km path with minimal elevation gain, perfect for exploring the rural village surroundings.
What do other runners enjoy most about jogging in the Knook area?
The running routes around Knook are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 17 reviews. Runners often praise the varied terrain, from rolling hills and ridgeway paths to charming rural villages, catering to different preferences and ability levels.
Are there any long-distance running trails around Knook?
Absolutely. For a more challenging and longer run, consider the Knook Horse Hill & Wessex Ridgeway loop from Heytesbury. This difficult route spans 23.5 km and offers expansive views along the Wessex Ridgeway, including significant climbs.
Can I find circular jogging routes in the Knook region?
Many of the running routes around Knook are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Cranborne Chase Village – Route 24 Bicycle Repair loop from Sutton Veny, a 7.5 km trail, and the Knook Horse Hill & Wessex Ridgeway loop from Heytesbury.
What kind of scenery or landmarks can I expect to see along the running routes?
The routes around Knook traverse the beautiful Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs area, characterized by rolling hills, open downland, and rural villages. You might encounter historical sites like Westbury White Horse and Bratton Camp, or enjoy panoramic views from spots like Cold Kitchen Hill Trig Point and Cotley Hill.
Are there any running routes that offer scenic viewpoints?
Yes, several routes provide excellent scenic viewpoints. The Knook Horse Hill & Wessex Ridgeway loop, for instance, offers expansive views along the Wessex Ridgeway. You can also find specific viewpoints like View of Wylye Valley and View of Westbury White Horse from Lower Westbury Road near some trails.
What is the terrain like for running around Knook?
The terrain for running around Knook is quite varied. You'll encounter rolling hills, open downland, and ridgeway paths, particularly on routes that traverse features like Horse Hill and the Wessex Ridgeway. Village loops tend to be gentler with less elevation change.
Are there any routes suitable for a moderate run?
The majority of routes, 99 to be exact, are classified as moderate. A popular choice is the Great Ridge Gravel Trail – Wessex Ridgeway Trail loop from Corton, which is a 10.2 km route offering a balanced challenge.
Can I find routes that pass through rural villages?
Yes, many routes in the Knook area emphasize the rural village landscapes. The Route 24 Bicycle Repair – Cranborne Chase Village loop from Heytesbury is a great example, exploring the charming surroundings of Heytesbury.
What kind of elevation changes should I expect on these trails?
Elevation changes are a characteristic feature of running around Knook, especially on routes that traverse prominent features like Horse Hill and the Wessex Ridgeway. While village loops might have minimal gain, more challenging routes like the Knook Horse Hill & Wessex Ridgeway loop can involve significant climbs, with over 260 meters of ascent.
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