The best running trails around Kent

There are over 10 dedicated running routes around Kent featured on komoot, catering to various fitness levels. You'll find a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging trails to explore.

Kent, known as the 'Garden of England,' offers a diverse landscape for runners. You can expect routes through rolling countryside, ancient woodlands, and scenic coastal paths. Many trails also follow tranquil river paths, such as those along the Green River and River Stour.

Yes, Kent has several easy and well-maintained paths suitable for beginners or those looking for a relaxed run. For example, the trails within Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest are known for being wide and flat, ideal for 5-10 km runs through beautiful woodlands. The region offers 2 easy routes on komoot.

For a more challenging run, consider routes that venture into the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Sections of the North Downs Way offer significant elevation changes and rewarding vistas. On komoot, there are 2 difficult routes, including the 21.9 km Van Doren's Landing Park – Green River Trail loop from Valley Floor Community Park.

Absolutely! Many routes in Kent provide stunning scenery. The White Cliffs of Dover offer dramatic clifftop views, while the Kent Downs provide picturesque countryside vistas. For a unique perspective, the View of Mount Rainier from Briscoe Park is a notable highlight. You can also find tranquil spots like the Soos Creek Duck Pond along some trails.

Yes, many of Kent's parks and well-maintained trails are suitable for families. Parks like Clark Lake Park and Briscoe Park offer serene environments with extensive, easy-to-navigate trails. The wide, flat paths at Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest are also a great option for family outings.

Many of Kent's outdoor spaces and trails are dog-friendly, especially in country parks and woodlands. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding leash requirements or restricted areas, particularly in nature reserves or areas with livestock. Generally, trails through parks like Mote Park or Shorne Woods Country Park are popular choices for running with dogs.

Yes, many popular running spots in Kent offer convenient parking. For instance, routes like the Van Doren's Landing Park loop from Green River Trail Parking are designed with easy access to parking facilities. Larger parks and forests, such as Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest and Shorne Woods Country Park, also typically have dedicated parking areas for visitors.

The running routes in Kent are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 5.0 stars from over 3 reviews. Runners often praise the diverse landscapes, from quiet woodlands to scenic river paths, and the variety of routes suitable for different abilities.

Kent's coastline provides invigorating running opportunities with fresh sea air and dramatic views. The iconic White Cliffs of Dover offer a stunning clifftop experience. Another excellent option is sections of the Saxon Shore Way, which includes routes passing landmarks like Deal Castle.

Kent boasts numerous natural areas perfect for running. The Kent Downs AONB offers rolling countryside and ancient woodlands. Other notable spots include Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, Clark Lake Park, and Mullen Slough Natural Area. For river-side runs, the Green River Trail is a popular choice, with routes like the Green River Trail – Van Doren's Landing Park loop from Grandview Park.

Yes, many of the running routes in Kent are designed as loops, offering a convenient way to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the popular Soos Creek Trail loop from Fern Crest and the Lake Meridian Park – Soos Creek Trail loop from Open Space.