Running
Running wild
Whether you’re an experienced long-distance runner or someone who simply loves a steady jog, you’ll relish discovering the astonishing landscapes and nature the National Parks have to offer.
From loch shore to coastline, forest or mountain, there are a multitude of breathtaking landscapes and trails to enjoy while out running. Home to some of the most beautiful running routes in the UK, you’ll be spoilt for choice when deciding where your next trail will be.
Our Favourites
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs , Discover (opens in a new tab)
From the tranquil lochs to the challenging mountain terrains, there’s a route to challenge all abilities whilst offering stunning views of the landscape. You could even try running a stretch of one of the long distance trails which pass through the area including the West Highland Way, Rob Roy Way or the Three Lochs Way. Click here to discover popular routes.
North York Moors , Discover (opens in a new tab)
Whether you've just bought your first pair of trainers, or have 1000's of miles under foot, Dalby Forest has a wealth of trails for all runners. You can choose from a number of way marked running routes that range from 1km to 10km and explore this stunning forest at your own pace.
Northumberland , Discover (opens in a new tab)
The Park boasts trails which offer spectacular views and a variety of challenges to inspire runners of all levels. Fell running offers a specialised type of long-distance running over rough and rugged terrain. Runners cross moorland, rocky paths and steep hillsides. And there are plenty of areas to explore at a gentler place including Breamish Valley, College Valley and Simonside Hills.
Peak District , Discover (opens in a new tab)
Whether it’s the demanding 21 miles of the ‘Edale Skyline’ (with 4,500ft of climb to boot!) or a gentle jog on level and surfaced trails along the Peak District’s former rail routes, there’s plenty to suit every set of trainers.
New Forest , Discover (opens in a new tab)
The New Forest is fairly flat, with no mountains to slow your stride, and running is a wonderful way to see the New Forest National Park close up. There are many routes taking you into the woods, by the sea, over heath or past rivers and streams. Take a look at some great routes and download the free app for walking (and running).
Yorkshire Dales , Discover (opens in a new tab)
Fell running is one of the Yorkshire Dales oldest sports. There are nearly 50 unique fell running events throughout the year. If you are looking for a race in or near a picturesque village with a great pub, try Cracoe, Dent, Embsay or Kettlewell. For fell races with a bit more happening, such as music, food and fun stuff to do and watch, visit Arncliffe, Buckden, Burnsall, Halton Gill or Hebden.
Did you know?
Top tips
- Taking time to build up your strength and flexibility will help prevent injury.
- Make sure you always warm up and cool down and have water to help re-hydrate.
- If you’re running alone make sure you have some way of communicating in case of emergency.
- If you’re running on footpaths watch out for other walkers, particularly children and animals.
Has the rain reached you yet? 🌧️
A change in the weather is making its way across our National Parks. And with it comes a different rhythm to the landscape - changing how our surroundings look, sound and feel.
The sound of rain. The smell of wet earth. The air feeling fresher. Wildlife finding shelter.
What do you notice most when the rain arrives?
#RainyDay #BritishWeather #NationalParksUK
They may look like windmills, but in The Broads National Park, they are actually windpumps.
Rather than grinding flour, they were built to pump water from the marshes, helping to drain the land for agriculture and grazing.
Today, these distinctive structures are part of what makes the Broads landscape so recognisable.
And while this is a story from the Broads, it’s one that can be found across all 15 of our National Parks - landscapes shaped by people finding ways to adapt to live and work within their landscape. Something which still remains the case today.
Did you know that one of these mills is said to be haunted? Comment down below which one you think it is 👇
In photograph order:
📍1. St Benets Mill
📍2. Horsey Mill
📍3. Turf Fen Mill
📍4. Thurne Mill
📍5. Bograve Mill
#NorfolkBroads #NationalPark #Windpumps
✨🌙 Look up!
With a partial solar eclipse taking place tonight across the UK, we’re reminded about how important it is for our dark skies to be protected. Our National Parks are home to some of the best places in the UK to enjoy them, due to low levels of light pollution.
These incredible photos capture another recent celestial phenomenon that has been on display for stargazers and is peaking tonight - the Perseid meteor shower.
The sightings were captured in @northyorkmoors - home to one of the UK’s largest areas of protected dark sky.
🌟Tag us in your eclipse photos across our National Parks. Just be sure to follow safe viewing and photography guidance while you snap!
📷 1. Perseid meteor shower at Skelton Tower by Richard Horsman.
📷 2. Milky Way and Perseid meteor shower at Sutton Bank by Russ Norman.
📍North York Moors National Park #DarkSkies #SolarEclipse #Perseid #MeteorShower
Just goats being goats. 🐐
These incredible animals call the Valley of Rocks in @exmoornp home - scaling walls and cliffs, grazing on the rich meadows and, occasionally, blocking the roads!
They’re a wonderful reminder of why our National Parks are so important, providing a home for such a diverse range of wildlife.
Have you ever spotted one?
📷 Exmoor National Park
#ValleyOfRocks #Exmoor #Goats #NationalPark
Look out for us at the cinema. 🎬🌳
Our latest Wild Spaces episode, screening before selected films, takes you to Northumberland National Park. Their team, alongside farmers, landowners and volunteers, is working together to create healthier, more resilient landscapes through woodland creation and hedgerow planting.
It’s a story of partnership, long-term thinking, and the small actions that can have a lasting impact.
Find out more about the project and watch the episode via the link in our bio. 🔗
@northumberlandnationalpark
#WildSpaces #Northumberland #TreePlanting
💭You might have heard of peatland, but what exactly is it and why does it matter so much?
Peatlands are our natural climate allies. They store vast amounts of carbon, support rare wildlife, improve water quality, reduce flood risk and preserve thousands of years of archaeological and cultural history.
Some of the UK`s most important peatlands are found within our National Parks, making them critical places for tackling the climate and nature crises.
Across the UK`s National Parks, peatland restoration projects are helping damaged peatlands recover, benefiting both nature and people.
📍Dartmoor National Park
#NationalParks #Peatlands #NatureRecovery
Our National Parks tell the stories of the people and places that came before us.
A new Joint Statement on the Historic Environment in the National Parks of England, Scotland and Wales has launched.
Bringing together the 15 National Parks and heritage partners, the statement sets out a shared commitment to protecting the historic places and features that help shape our landscapes.
From ancient monuments and archaeological sites to historic buildings and traces of past generations, our National Parks are home to thousands of years of history.
Together, we’re working to care for these special places so their stories can continue to be discovered, valued and enjoyed for generations to come.
Read the full statement via the link in our bio 🔗
#NationalParks #UKHistory #Heritage
Hello, August. 💚
Some habits we’re holding on to this month, for our National Parks and for ourselves.
Little changes can have a lasting impact when it comes to caring for our 15 special places.
What will you be taking into August?
#UKNationalParks #UKOutdoors
