Top running routes with a view

A group of runners at Lyme, jogging across the landscape with far-reaching views in the background beyond a stone tower. — A group of runners at Lyme Park, Cheshire | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

When it comes to open views, fresh air and encounters with nature, the gym just isn't the same as running along outdoor trails. Take a look at some of the best running routes with a view, including trails across the countryside and coast.

Blickling Estate, Norfolk: Follow this 6.3-mile trail through historic parkland, beautiful woodland and alongside lake shores. There's a chance you'll spot barn owls darting between the trees, while the sweeping views of the Jacobean mansion are hard to miss.Run at Blickling
Castle Drogo, Devon: Perhaps the most famous walk on Dartmoor, the Teign Gorge classic circuit also makes a great running route. You'll begin next to the historic Castle Drogo – the last castle to be built in England – and follow the Hunter's Path high above the River Teign. Passing through woodland, over packhorse bridges and across open commons, there’s plenty to spot along the way.Run at Dartmoor
Cheddar Gorge, Somerset: A run at Cheddar Gorge isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you’re ready for the incline you’ll be rewarded with far-reaching views from the top. This route takes you on a loop around both sides of the gorge. Or, for a gentler route, head along the bottom of the valley.Run at Cheddar Gorge
Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire: Explore acres of parkland, heathland and woods on a run at Clumber Park. The area is mostly flat with a few small inclines, and you can find all the details of the different routes at the visitor information point. Or join a group – there are running groups every Wednesday and Saturday.Run at Clumber Park
Derwent Water, Lake District: Go on a gentle run along the quiet side of Derwent Water, often called 'The Queen of the Lakes'. Then head through tranquil parkland at Brandelhow, which is where the National Trust was founded in the Lake District.Run at Derwent Water
Divis and the Black Mountain, County Antrim: If you’re after sweeping views, the Black Mountain Ridge Trail is hard to beat. You’ll need to be reasonably fit as there are some steep sections and parts that are rough underfoot. It’ll be worth all the effort when you get to the top and see the city of Belfast laid out at your feet. On a clear day, spot the Antrim Plateau to the north, Scotland to the east and Mourne Mountains to the south.Run at Divis and the Black Mountain

Three people running on a path through woodland — Running on the estate at Blickling, Norfolk | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, Bedfordshire: Take in the extensive views from the highest point in Bedfordshire on a run around Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate. There are miles of footpaths across rolling chalk grassland in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This 4.5-mile route takes you past the Whipsnade Tree Cathedral before climbing up through Whipsnade Heath and returning to the Chiltern Gateway Centre.Run at Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade
Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire: Explore 800 acres of countryside at Fountains Abbey. Try a 5-mile loop around the estate, taking in the dramatic abbey ruins, the elegant 18th-century water garden and the quiet wilderness of the deer park. Please be aware that there are some loose stone paths and steep inclines on this route.Run at Fountains Abbey
Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland: Head out for a run at Hadrian’s Wall from Housesteads Fort to the iconic Sycamore Gap. Although the tree is no longer present at Sycamore Gap, the stump remains and may regrow so please do not climb on it. Explore the natural wilderness and follow in historic footsteps as you return via the Roman Military Way.Run at Hadrian's Wall
Leith Hill, Surrey: Leith Hill has been a popular spot since the 19th century, thanks to the panoramic views from the top. Tackle the climb on a clear day to see 13 counties stretching out below you. This is the highest point in south-east England, so take in the well-earned view.Run at Leith Hill
Lyme, Cheshire: Lyme is a great training spot, especially if you head out to some of the less-visited corners of the park. On this trail, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with spectacular views over to the Peak District and the Cheshire plains. Look out for Lyme’s red deer herd, which often spends time in the east of the park.Run at Lyme
Penrhyn Castle, Gwynedd: Soak up the views of Eryri (Snowdonia) and the Menai Straits on the parkrun at Penrhyn Castle, every Saturday morning. Get your fill of history as you loop around the castle and walled garden, surrounded by tranquil woods and scenic parkland.Run at Penryhn Castle

A women runs past a rocky outcrop on a hillside, with a landscape of rolling hills behind her — Give yourself a challenge on an outdoor run | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Sheringham Park, Norfolk: This 2-mile run is on the shorter side for regular runners, but has some undulating terrain to add a bit of interest. Sheringham’s landscape gardens were designed in 1812 by Humphry Repton and now offer views of the countryside and towards the coast.Run at Sheringham Park
Speke Hall, Liverpool: Why run on the treadmill when you could be running along a coastal reserve path? Explore the full Speke Hall estate on this 2-mile route with views of the Wirral, North Wales and Liverpool’s city-centre skyline.Run at Speke Hall
Stackpole, Pembrokeshire: If you’re looking for a challenge, try this 6-mile route that leads you around serene lily ponds, up onto wild coastal headlands and across beaches. You can even end your run with a paddle in the sea. You'll be running through some of Pembrokeshire's finest wildlife habitats, so look out for guillemots and otters along the way.Run at Stackpole
Tennyson Down, Isle of Wight: Head up from Freshwater, across grassy fields and to the top of towering Tennyson Down. You’ll be running in illustrious footsteps as Alfred Lord Tennyson walked here every day, taking in views of the sun sparkling on the Channel and Dorset in the distance.Run at Tennyson Down
Toys Hill, Kent: Go on a run around Toys Hill, the place that inspired Octavia Hill to found the National Trust. Just shy of 6 miles long, this Run England route will take you through Toys Hill and past Emmetts Garden, with vast views over the Weald of Kent.Run at Toys Hill
Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire: Choose Wimpole's multi-use trail for a safe circular route around the estate, perfect for families looking to get active together. The trail is 5.5 miles, or 8.5 kilometres long, and you'll have views of the Lake, the Gothic Folly and the house. The all-weather surface also means you can head out whatever the season.Run at Wimpole Estate

A group of about 8 people running to the left of the frame doing the trail running challenge during the South West Outdoor Festival at Cheddar Gorge, Somerset

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