Best places for coastal running

Runners running up a coast path with a beach behind and to the left of them — There are miles of coastal trails for runners to enjoy around the UK | © National Trust Images/John Millar

For an invigorating run, leave the treadmill behind and embrace the fresh sea air on these coastal trails. Whether you run for fitness, inspiration or to get away from it all, there are miles of coastline waiting to be explored with wildlife around every corner.

Baggy Point, Devon: Take a run along one of Devon's most scenic headlands at Baggy Point. With views of 40km of coastline, this route is a popular spot for walkers, runners and wildlife.Visit Baggy Point
Brean Down, Somerset: Run along Brean’s 1.5-mile peninsula and take in far-reaching views across the Bristol Channel and the Somerset Levels. If you get there early enough, you’ll see the sun rise over the Mendip Hills and fill the downs with sunlight.Visit Brean Down
Heddon Valley, Devon: Hidden on the West Exmoor coast, Heddon Valley lies between the cliffs of Hangman Hills and the tree-lined cove of Woody Bay. Race through open moorland, pause for breath by woodland waterfalls and take in the views over Combe Martin.Visit Heddon Valley
The Leas, Tyne and Wear: See how many different types of birds you can spot as you run along the grassy clifftops from Souter Lighthouse. Watch kittiwakes, fulmars, cormorants, shags and guillemots diving into the sea, nesting in the limestone cliffs and soaring across the sky.Visit the Leas
Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down: Put on your running shoes to explore Murlough National Nature Reserve, a fragile 6,000-year-old sand dune system overlooked by the Mourne Mountains. Take this three-mile route along the beach before turning back to the nature reserve, home to colonies of the endangered marsh fritillary butterfly.Visit Murlough National Nature Reserve

Jogger on Branscombe Beach, Devon | © National Trust/Chris Mason

Rhosili and South Gower Coast, Swansea: Discover the beauty of Rhosili on a scenic run along the Wales Coast Path. Follow the trail alongside Rhosili Down, cross the golden three-mile beach and circle around the dramatic headland at Worms Head.Visit Rhosili and South Gower Coast
Sheringham Park, Norfolk: With 1,000 acres of landscaped park and woodland gardens to discover, Sheringham Park has a variety of running trails to choose from. Follow the path through the estate, down past the Second World War pillboxes and up to the coast, where skylarks and sand martins make their home.Visit Sheringham Park
Stackpole, Pembrokeshire: Race along Stackpole’s eight miles of coast and discover a landscape that alternates between cliffs and coves, rolling dunes and hidden bays. Head inland around the Bosherston Lakes to spot the resident otters or see birds gliding across the water.Visit Stackpole
Tennyson Down, Isle of Wight: Take a break from the treadmill and run across Tennyson Down, which has wide-reaching, dramatic views across the sea. It's where Poet Laureate Alfred Lord Tennyson took his daily walk and once remarked on how fresh the air is.Visit Tennyson Down
Whitehaven, Cumbria: Once a hive of coal-mining activity for more than 250 years, Whitehaven has now been reclaimed by nature. Run along the clifftops towards St Bees Head and you might spot some of the guillemots and razorbills that live here. You could also take a detour to one of the secluded beaches along the way.Visit Whitehaven