Best Trail Runs in the UK: 10 Routes Every Trail Runner Should Experience
The UK has an incredible amount of trails to offer to those runners who love to be immersed in nature and beautiful landscapes.
If you are from the UK you don't need to fly across the world to find a great trail running adventure. From the rugged coastline of Cornwall and Pembrokeshire to the mountains of the Lake District, and the Scottish Highlands, there are some seriously beautiful places to run right here in the UK.
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South West Coast Path, Cornwall
If you want a coastal trail with dramatic scenery, wildlife, and lots of cafes to stop at along the way, the South West Coast Path is hard to beat.
The 630 mile South West Coastal Path passes through some of the UK's most spectacular coastal scenery. In Cornwall alone, you have dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, hidden coves, fishing villages and huge views across the Atlantic.
It is exactly the sort of route that makes you forget about your pace and concentrate on where you are.
There are plenty of challenging climbs along the Cornish coast, but that's part of what makes it such a great trail running adventure. One minute you're running high above the sea and the next you're dropping down towards a secluded beach before climbing back onto the cliffs.
And you certainly won't be short of options.
You can pick a section that suits your distance and ability, or spend several days exploring different parts of the coast as part of a proper trail running holiday.
Why go trail running on the South West Coast Path?
• Spectacular coastal scenery
• Dramatic cliffs and beaches
• Hundreds of miles of trails to explore
• Plenty of challenging climbs
• An ideal destination for a coastal running holiday
If you want your running holiday to feel like a proper adventure, Cornwall is a very good place to start.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Wales
Wales has some incredible trail running, but the Pembrokeshire Coast Path has to be one of the best places to start.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path follows 186 miles of spectacular coastline from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south, passing through Pembrokeshire Coast National Park along the way.
The scenery changes constantly, with cliffs, beaches, coves, estuaries and tiny coastal villages all appearing along the route.
For trail runners, it's the variety that makes the Pembrokeshire Coast Path so good. You can have a fast section along a grassy cliff top before dropping towards a beach and then climbing back up again.
There are steep and hilly sections throughout the trail, so don't expect an easy run just because you're beside the sea. The full route involves around 11,000 metres of ascent.
Of course, you don't need to run all 186 miles.
That's one of the great things about a long distance trail. You can choose a section that works for you and turn it into a running weekend, or spend several days exploring the coast.
Why go trail running on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path?
• Beautiful Welsh coastline
• Dramatic cliffs and beaches
• 186 miles of trail to explore
• Passes through a National Park
• Perfect for a coastal running holiday
If your ideal running holiday involves sea views, fresh air and a good excuse to eat fish and chips afterwards, Pembrokeshire should definitely be on your list.
The Fairfield Horseshoe, Lake District
If you want one route that sums up everything that's brilliant about trail running in the Lake District, the Fairfield Horseshoe is a pretty good place to start. The Lake district is often referred to as the 'home of fell running' and boasts some pretty impressive mountainous routes for runners and hikers.
Starting and finishing in Ambleside, this classic circular route takes in the peaks surrounding Rydal. The route climbs over Low Pike, High Pike, Dove Crag and Hart Crag before reaching the summit plateau of Fairfield. From there, you head along Great Rigg, Heron Pike and Nab Scar before descending towards Rydal and back to Ambleside.
At around 17km with approximately 1,090 metres of ascent, this is a proper mountain run.
It's challenging, with steep ridges, high mountain terrain and a stony summit plateau. But that's exactly what the Lake District is known for.
Once you're up on the ridges, the views open out across the surrounding fells, with some incredible views towards Helvellyn and the valleys around Rydal and Grasmere.
The best thing about the Fairfield Horseshoe is that you get a real mountain experience while still being able to start and finish your run in Ambleside.
Just make sure you check the weather before setting off. The summit plateau can become difficult to navigate in poor visibility, so this isn't a route to underestimate.
Why run the Fairfield Horseshoe?
• Incredible Lake District mountain scenery
• Around 17km of challenging trail
• More than 1,000 metres of ascent
• A classic circular mountain route
• Great for experienced trail runners and hikers
And when you finish back in Ambleside, there are plenty of places to find a coffee, cake or well earned pint.
The West Highland Way, Scotland
The West Highland Way has to make the list.
Running from Milngavie to Fort William, this famous Scottish route covers 96 miles and takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.
The route takes you alongside Loch Lomond, across open moorland and through increasingly rugged Highland scenery before reaching Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis.
This is less of a single day trip and more of a multi day running adventure.
You can take on the full route over several days, or choose one of the individual sections for a shorter trip. The official route is normally completed from south to north, with the easier southern sections providing a good introduction before the more demanding northern stages.
There are lots of hotels and campsites along the West Highland Way too, but be sure to book in advance!
Why run the West Highland Way?
• 96 miles of incredible Scottish scenery
• Loch Lomond and Highland mountain landscapes
• A genuine multi day running adventure
• Plenty of options for shorter sections
• One of the UK's most iconic long distance routes
Llanberis Path, Yr Wyddfa, Eryri
For a mountain running adventure in Wales, it's difficult to look beyond Yr Wyddfa.
There are six main routes to the summit, but the Llanberis Path is the most popular and offers the most gradual climb. Starting in Llanberis, the route climbs around 975 metres to the summit and is 14.5km there and back according to the current Eryri National Park route information.
The National Park classifies it as hard and strenuous, with steep and rough terrain. A good level of fitness and appropriate mountain experience are essential.
On a clear day, the views are incredible!
The run becomes less about pace and more about the experience of climbing higher into the mountains, looking back towards Llanberis and eventually reaching the summit of the highest mountain in Wales.
If you're looking for a mountainous trail running holiday in Wales, this is a route that gives you that proper sense of adventure.
Why run the Llanberis Path?
• Spectacular Eryri mountain scenery
• Technical trail and elevation
• Incredible views from the summit
• Perfect for a mountain running weekend
Edale, Mam Tor and Kinder Scout, Peak District
Kinder Scout is the highest point in the Peak District, while the paths around Edale give you a mixture of steep climbs, open moorland, rocky trails and huge views.
Many routes can be accessed by starting in Edale. There is a train station here too, so you can travel by car or train. One popular route from Edale heads up towards the Kinder plateau via Jacob's Ladder before crossing the moorland and descending back towards the village.
Mam Tor is another iconic Peak District landmark, with the Great Ridge providing some of the best views in the area.
You can create a longer running adventure by linking the two routes mentioned above, giving you a day of classic Peak District trail running.
This is also one of the best options on the list for runners who live in or around the north of England.
You don't need to plan a week away to experience it.
Book a night somewhere nearby, get out for a few hours on the trails and you've got yourself a pretty perfect running weekend.
Why run around Edale, Mam Tor and Kinder Scout?
• Classic Peak District scenery
• Accessible and marked trails
• Open moorland and rocky trails
• Easily accessible for many UK runners
• Great for a trail running weekend
Malham Cove and Gordale Scar, Yorkshire Dales
If you want a route that packs a lot of scenery into a relatively short distance, the Malham area is hard to beat.
Starting around Malham, you can link together some of the Yorkshire Dales' most famous landmarks, including Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Janet's Foss.
The area is famous for its limestone scenery, with Malham Cove rising dramatically above the valley and Gordale Scar creating a spectacular limestone gorge nearby. Janet's Foss adds another beautiful stop to the route.
For trail runners, it's a brilliant combination.
You get hills, woodland, open countryside, waterfalls and some genuinely impressive scenery without committing to a huge multi day route.
The huge limestone cliff rises above the valley and makes for a spectacular backdrop as you approach. Gordale Scar is equally impressive, with towering limestone walls creating a dramatic natural gorge.
This is a great choice if you want a trail running adventure without committing to a huge distance.
Why run around Malham?
• Some of Yorkshire's most spectacular scenery
• Malham Cove and Gordale Scar
• Waterfalls and limestone landscapes
• Great for a shorter trail running adventure
• Perfect for a weekend in the Yorkshire Dales
The Mourne Way, Northern Ireland
If you're looking for a trail running adventure that feels properly wild, the Mourne Way should be on your list.
Running from Newcastle to Rostrevor, the route crosses the Mourne Mountains and covers around 40km, taking you through forests, mountain passes, and open mountain landscapes before finishing with views towards Carlingford Lough.
You start near the coast in Newcastle before heading into Tollymore Forest, passing beneath the granite peaks of the Mournes and eventually reaching Butter Mountain, the highest point on the route. From there, the trail continues towards Spelga Dam before eventually descending towards Rostrevor.
The terrain is challenging, with forest trails, mountain paths, open moorland, and some boggy sections.
You could tackle the whole route over a few days, making it a fantastic option for a multi day running trip.
You start beside the Irish Sea and finish overlooking Carlingford Lough. Not a bad journey for a couple of days on the trails!
Why run the Mourne Way?
• Spectacular Mourne Mountain scenery
• Around 42km of challenging trail
• Forest, mountain and coastal landscapes
• A genuine point to point adventure
• A fantastic Northern Ireland running adventure
The Southern Upland Way, Scotland
If you're looking for a Scottish trail running adventure that feels a little more off the beaten track, the Southern Upland Way is well worth a look.
Running from Portpatrick on Scotland's west coast to Cockburnspath on the east coast, this 344km coast to coast route crosses forests, moorland, hills, and some of the more remote landscapes in southern Scotland. It is Scotland's first officially recognised coast to coast long distance route.
It's a proper multi day running adventure, but you don't have to tackle the whole route. It can be split into sections, making it easier to create a running trip that suits your time and fitness.
There are lots of towns along the way so you could stay somewhere local and spend a day or two on the marked route.
Why run the Southern Upland Way?
• A genuine coast to coast adventure
• Remote Scottish landscapes
• Forest, moorland and hill trails
• A fantastic multi day running trip
• A quieter alternative to Scotland's better known routes
Hadrian's Wall Path, England
While some running routes are memorable because of the scenery, others are memorable because of the history behind them.
The Hadrian's Wall Path runs for around 84 miles across northern England, following the line of the Roman frontier from the Tyne towards the Solway Coast.
Along the way you'll encounter sections of the ancient wall, Roman forts, earthworks and some spectacular northern landscapes.
The section around Steel Rigg, Sycamore Gap and Housesteads is particularly spectacular, with the wall following the ridgeline through a series of steep hills and dramatic viewpoints.
You're running through thousands of years of history across incredible landscapes.
The route is undulating and can be surprisingly challenging, with plenty of short, sharp climbs and descents.
For runners who enjoy longer adventures, and learning about history along the way, the full trail makes a brilliant multi day running trip. Alternatively, you can pick one of the more scenic sections and turn it into a running weekend.
Why run Hadrian's Wall Path?
• Incredible history
• Dramatic northern landscapes
• Roman forts and ancient ruins
• Plenty of challenging hills
• A trail running adventure with a difference
Which UK Trail Running Route Is Right for You?
Every route on this list offers something different.
If you want dramatic coastal scenery, the South West Coast Path and Pembrokeshire Coast Path are hard to beat.
If mountains and technical trails are your thing, the Fairfield Horseshoe and Yr Wyddfa should be near the top of your list.
If you want a proper multi day adventure, the West Highland Way or Southern Upland Way are the obvious choices.
If you're looking for somewhere easier to get to, the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales offer incredible trail running routes.
If you want to experience Northern Ireland, the Mourne Way offers a fantastic combination of mountains, forests and coastal scenery.
Finally, if history is your thing, Hadrian's Wall gives you the chance to combine running with exploring one of the UK's most famous historic landscapes.
UK Trail Running Routes at a Glance
Trail | Location | Terrain | Highlights | If you're looking for: |
South West Coast Path | Cornwall | Coastal paths, cliffs, beaches | Dramatic coastline, sea views, hidden coves | Coastal running |
Pembrokeshire Coast Path | Pembrokeshire, Wales | Coastal paths, cliffs, beaches | Rugged coastline, beaches, wildlife | Coastal running holidays |
Fairfield Horseshoe | Lake District | Mountain paths, rocky trails, ridges | Mountain views, classic fell running, circular route | Mountain running |
West Highland Way | Highlands, Scotland | Moorland, mountain paths, forests | Loch Lomond, Highland scenery, point to point adventure | Multi day trail running |
Llanberis Path | Eryri, Wales | Mountain paths, rocky terrain | Yr Wyddfa summit, mountain views, sense of achievement | Mountain challenge |
Edale, Mam Tor & Kinder Scout | Peak District, England | Moorland, rocky paths, ridges | Kinder plateau, Mam Tor, huge views | Classic UK trail running |
Malham Cove & Gordale Scar | Yorkshire Dales, England | Limestone, woodland, countryside | Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, waterfalls | Scenic trail running |
Mourne Way | Northern Ireland | Forest, mountain paths, open moorland | Mourne Mountains, remote scenery, point to point route | Trail running adventure |
Southern Upland Way | Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland | Moorland, hills, forest tracks | Coast to coast adventure, remote landscapes | Multi day running |
Hadrian's Wall Path | England | Grass paths, hills, historic trails | Roman history, Steel Rigg, dramatic landscapes | History and trail running |
Ready to find your next running adventure? Explore the Run Weekends trips and start planning your next trail running holiday.
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