As the mornings get brighter, wildlife more colourful and weather more predictable, trail runners can once again enjoy the UK’s extraordinary range of landscapes in spring. From rugged Highland circuits to dramatic coastal paths, you’ll find a variety of routes to get your dream trail fix – from multi-day adventures to short mountain blasts.
Whether you’re after a physical challenge or just want to lace up your trail shoes to take in some stunning scenery, these trail running routes showcase some of the best spring training grounds throughout the UK.
Starting strong: few trail runs carry the legendary status of the Bob Graham Round. This iconic fell running challenge takes runners across a mammoth 42 peaks in the Lake District, covering roughly 106 km (66 miles) and more than 8,000m of ascent.
Starting and finishing at Keswick’s Moot Hall, the route traverses famous summits such as Skiddaw, Helvellyn and Scafell Pike. Completing it within 24 hours is considered one of the toughest endurance feats in British running. Even if you tackle only a section, the dramatic ridgelines, technical descents and expansive mountain views make this one of the most thrilling trail experiences in the UK.
Once the UK’s frontline in World War II, the White Cliffs of Dover on England’s southeast coast have already solidified their place in history. But they’re worthy of a legendary reputation in the UK’s trail running scene, too, with trails all along the coast – ranging from 1.6km (1 mile) routes such as the Langdon Stairs trail, to 16km (10 miles) via the main coastal route starting at the National Trust Visitor Centre.
The cliffs are an ideal spot for building grit, particularly on a windy day. Tackle undulating grassy cliff-top paths: combine sections or pick and choose routes that align most with your training needs. The mix of open sky, sea air and historic landmarks create an unforgettable coastal running experience. On a clear day, see if you can spot the French coastline across the water, too.
Stretching 85 miles (137 km) through the Scottish Highlands, the Speyside Way follows the River Spey from Buckie on the Moray coast to the Cairngorm village of Newtonmore.
This well sign-posted route weaves through coastal landscapes, forests, moorland and mountain glens, and offers mountain views worthy of a whisky bottle label, which makes sense given you’ll pass some of Scotland’s most celebrated distilleries along the way.
Choose to tackle the whole route over a multi-day adventure or pick one section at a time. You’ll also be well looked after with abundant cafés, eateries – such as KJ’s Bothy Bakery and Fiona’s Whole Foods in Grantown-on-Spey – in the many villages and towns dotted on the route.
Take to the trails on one of Britain’s oldest roads, the Ridgeway. For up to 140km (87 miles), follow ancient pathways across the chalk ridges of southern England, from Overton Hill, Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon, Buckinghamshire.
It’s a relatively flat option for runners seeking unbroken miles – perfect for city dwellers in the south getting in some trail training. Enjoy long ridge-top sections and wide, runnable paths above rolling countryside. See if you can spot the countless prehistoric landmarks and hillforts along the way.
If you’re after dramatic coastal scenery and serious elevation, the South West Coast Path delivers. Tracing more than 600 miles around England’s southwestern coastline – along Somerset, Devon and Cornwall – it’s the longest national trail in the country.
Cornwall’s sections are especially popular with trail runners thanks to its unique craggy cliffs, turquoise coves and constantly changing terrain. Expect steep climbs, technical descents and breathtaking ocean views that make every mile memorable.
Make your way to North Wales and you might stumble across the Anglesey Coastal Path, a 217km (135-mile) route circumnavigating the island of Anglesey. It combines wild sea views with quiet countryside stretches. The route passes sandy beaches, rocky headlands and historic landmarks such as lighthouses and ancient ruins.
It’s divided into manageable sections, meaning runners can tackle short scenic loops or weave together stages to make longer endurance efforts. And thanks to the varied coastline, every run feels different. Get there on a Saturday morning and it’s worth tackling Newborough Forest Parkrun, a 5km course of sandy coastal dunes and woodland trails that has to be one of the most spectacular Parkruns in Britain.
For a shorter but exhilarating mountain run, Conwy Mountain (244 m) is a 9.7km (6 miles) route serving up stunning views over the landscape of northern Eryri (Snowdonia). It’s a relatively accessible mountain run, ideal for those new to elevation.
Rising above the historic town of Conwy, the trails climb quickly through heathland and rocky slopes before rewarding runners with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, the Irish Sea and Conwy Castle. See if you can spot evidence of Neolithic hut circles along the way.
Take to the Fife Coastal Path for a majestic coastal route that connects the Firth of Forth to the Firth of Tay. From Kincardene to Newburgh, journey through 188km (117 miles) of award-winning sandy beaches and impressive cliffs, with plenty of quaint fishing villages – such as Crail, Pittenweem and Anstruther – to call in for a pit stop. A post-run fish and chips pick up form the famous Anstruther Fish Bar is a must.
From smooth paths for faster efforts to rocky coastal sections that demand more careful footing, trail runners can enjoy a wide range of terrain. Depending on the paths chosen, the route accumulates approximately 1,865m to 2,801m of ascent. Tackle a section (or sections) at a time to match your running goals.
Excellent bus services operate along the coast, enabling you to enjoy the adventure of a point-to-point run.
This circuit in the Cairngorms National Park is a fantastic Highland trail run with iconic views at every step. Runners can choose from two routes: 8km or 16km (5 or 10 miles).
Both start at the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Glenmore, before climbing through forest to emerge onto open mountain terrain. Pass An Lochan Uaine (the Green Lochan), an Alpine-like freshwater lake, and idyllic Ryvoan Bothy, which marks the beginning of the climb to the summit of Meall a’ Bhuachaille.
From the top, enjoy spectacular views across the Cairngorm plateau and nearby peaks. The five-mile route flows back through woodland trails, creating a varied and satisfying loop, or choose to carry on the mountain ridge, ascending further mountain peaks, before circling back via Badaguish. For those new to skyrunning, the ten-mile route serves as an ideal starting point for building confidence.
Set in the wild landscape of Torridon, this scenic 9.6km (6 mile) loop circles two stunning Highland lochs beneath towering mountains. By Highland standards, the route is relatively gentle, making it ideal for a longer steady run.
Wide estate tracks and forest paths guide runners past mirrored waters and dramatic peaks, including views of Liathach and Beinn Eighe. The combination of accessibility and breathtaking scenery makes it one of Scotland’s most picturesque trail runs.
Encircling the vast reservoir of Kielder Water, this 41km (26-mile) trail offers smooth, runnable terrain through England’s largest forest. The route winds around the lake’s shoreline, providing peaceful views of water, woodland and wildlife.
With gentle gradients and well-maintained paths, it’s a great choice for longer endurance efforts when life offers little-to-no time to plan a run route. And with plenty of picnic stops, it’s ideal for sport crossovers, too: grab your biking pals, partners and kids and have them cycle alongside you.
Towering above the village of Glencoe, the Pap of Glencoe delivers a short, steep mountain run. The climb is relentless, gaining height quickly over rocky, grassy terrain – scrambling may be required in some sections.
The views are worth it though: soak up the sweeping views across one of Scotland’s most famous landscapes. The dramatic setting, combined with the intense ascent, makes this a classic Highland trail challenge.
Image credits: [HEADER] Trail runner at Loch Leven by fschuetz via Adobe Stock, Trail running in Lake District fells by Samuel via Adobe Stock, White Cliffs of Dover by James Heming via Adobe Stock, Speyside Way footpath by Simon Whaley Landscapes via Alamy, The Ridgeway National Trail at Fyfield Down by David Matthew Lyons via Adobe Stock, Woman running on Porthmeor beach at sunset by Jennika Argent via Alamy, Woman jogging on Traeth Llanddwyn by PBimages via Alamy, Conwy Mountain by Gail Johnson via Adobe Stock, Fife Coastal Path by Rosana via Adobe Stock, Meall a' Bhuachaille by Antonio Siwiak via Alamy, Liathach across Loch Clair by mountaintreks via Adobe Stock, Kielder Reservoir from Lakeside Way by Graeme J Baty via Adobe Stock, Trail runner at Loch Leven by fschuetz via Adobe Stock.
