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.
🎉 Happy Exmoor Day, @exmoornp!
Today, Exmoor National Park celebrates years of connecting people with nature, wildlife and the great outdoors.
From England’s largest wild red deer herd and native ponies to Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve and dramatic landscapes, Exmoor is a place full of life, history and discovery.
Its landscapes, wildlife and historic villages bring people closer to nature and create opportunities to explore, connect and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors.
Here’s to Exmoor – and many more adventures to come! 💚
#Exmoor #ExmoorNationalPark #NationalParksUK
Happy birthday @parc_eryri 🎂
From its towering peaks and sweeping valleys to its rich heritage, Eryri (Snowdonia) is a place that means so much to so many people.
It`s a landscape full of stories, shaped by generations of people and home to some of Wales` most treasured places, from the summit of Yr Wyddfa to the quieter corners.
Today, we`re celebrating everything that makes Eryri unique, from the people and traditions that give it its character to the ongoing work to protect its landscapes and wildlife.
Share your favourite memories of Eryri in the comments! 💬
📸Ogwen Valley, Snowdonia @cinqueportsphotography
#Eryri #EryriNationalPark #TheAnswerIsNationalParks
Autumn is a chance to give nature a helping hand. 🍂
From leaving fallen leaves to providing food for birds, small actions can make a big difference to the world around us.
Here are some of the ways to help nature this season.
#NatureRecovery #Autumn #NationalParks
An ancient wall almost 2,000 years old, and a catch-up with your mate? ✅
Historic landmarks like Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park have been connecting people for centuries.
While that connection looks very different today from the wall’s original role as a Roman defensive fortification, it’s still a place where people come together and explore history.
Because our National Parks are about so much more than great places for a day out. They’re places to connect with friends, clear your head, get active and learn about history, all in one place.
#Northumberland #HadriansWall #NationalParksUK
They’re more than just pretty places. 🌳
Our National Parks are home to some incredible trees, from ancient giants to England’s tallest tree.
Swipe through for a few #WildFacts about the trees growing across our 15 National Parks.
#NationalParksUK #Trees #Woodland
National Parks are places where animals make their homes, people catch up over coffee, and we pause to marvel at the dark skies above.
Places to connect, discover and look a little closer.
We’d love to see your images of autumn in action in a National Park. Tag us or use the hashtag #AutumnInAction 🧡
#NationalParks #Autumn
What if Middle-earth’s Rangers had more in common with National Park Rangers than we might think?
Of course, our National Park Rangers have a little less to worry about than Aragorn and his fellow Rangers.
But they do both know their landscapes well, protect the places they love and guide others to find their way.
Across the UK’s 15 National Parks, our Rangers are taking action every day. They may not be defending the Shire from the forces of darkness, but they certainly do an incredibly important job. 💚
#MiddleEarth #Rangers #NationalParksUK
15 National Parks. One shared challenge. Our climate is changing, and with it comes an increased risk of wildfire across our landscapes.
That’s why we’ve committed to taking action through our new Wildfire Management Position Statement. Together, the National Parks will work to support nature recovery to help manage wildfire risk, plan for and strengthen wildfire response and coordination, improve risk management and preparedness, and share clear, consistent public messaging.
But we can’t do it alone.
Communities, organisations, land managers and visitors all have a role to play in reducing wildfire risk. By working together, we can help protect our National Parks and prepare for a future where hotter, drier weather may increase the risk of wildfire.
Read the full statement by clicking on the link in our bio 🔗
Photos:
Slide 1 - Fighting the Glenmore wildfire, © Ed Smith. Slide 2 - Fighting the Glenmore wildfire, © Malcolm Smith. Slide 3 - View across Loch Morlich during Glenmore wildfire, July 2026, © Brenna Jessie. Slide 4 - Fighting the Glenmore wildfire, © Malcolm Smith. Slide 5 - View from the cab of a tractor aiding in fighting the wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park, CPNA. Slide 5 - Firefighting vehicles at the Glenmore wildfire, © Malcolm Smith.
#Wildfires #NationalParksUK
