Jen - Short Runs in Beautiful Places

View to Ibsley Common from Rockford Common in Hampshire.

Bath Skyline (see ).

RUNNING IN BEAUTIFUL PLACES

The British Isles are home to an incredible variety of places to run. Across the length and breadth of the nation, an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways winds along spectacular stretches of coastline, through leafy woodland, over mountain ridges and down sheltered valleys. There are rivers and lakes to traverse, islands to circumnavigate, open areas of moorland, heathland, parkland and common to explore, and many excellent urban trails offering a great way to see some of the UKs most beautiful architecture.

The National Trust maintains many of Britains trails and the surrounding areas, including almost 775 miles (1,247km) of coastline and more than 300 historic buildings across 613,000 acres (248,000ha) of land. The National Trust for Scotland has over 187,000 acres (over 75,000ha) of countryside, including 11,000 archaeological sites and 38 gardens and designed landscapes.

The National Trust works with many partners, from the National Trails to the National Parks; from English Heritage to Cadw; and from the John Muir Trust to the Landmark Trust, to maintain each mile of footpath and bridleway so that beautiful places are accessible. By buying this book and taking simple steps such as using local car parks and businesses, adhering to the Countryside Code and Scottish Outdoor Access Code and supporting conservation organisations through membership or donations, you are helping to look after the trails for future runners to enjoy.

RUNNING WITH THE NATIONAL TRUST

Research from England Athletics found that during 2018, 11.5 million people in England went for a run, with around 7 million doing so on a regular basis. Recent sport and physical participation data report that 17 per cent of people in Wales and 14 per cent in both Scotland and Northern Ireland participate in running or jogging. The National Trust works closely with Sport England to encourage running as well as other activities, including cycling and walking, at its places. The trust also links with England Athletics to promote its RunTogether initiative, a community of over 100,000 runners celebrating running and jogging as an activity for all.

Runners at Ashridge estate, Hertfordshire.

An estimated 140,000 people take part in organised running events at National Trust places each year, from free, timed, weekly 5km (3-mile) parkruns to free, monthly Trust10 runs for those wanting to hit that 10km (6 miles), as well as local groups offering training and motivation to help you reach your goals and have a great time along the way. Keep an eye out for organised night runs, dusk runs and, should you wish to give racing a go, the many competitive events that take place all across the country. If you prefer the peace and quiet of self-guided trails, a series of Ranger Runs takes in fascinating conservation stories, with routes chosen by the Trusts team of expert Rangers to showcase their local areas. Full details on all the National Trusts running activities can be found at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/running.

This book shares 100 of the very best trails, either wholly or partly maintained by the National Trust and the National Trust for Scotland, while at the same time celebrating these special places for their history, wildlife and people.

Country lane on Bignor Hill in spring at Slindon estate, West Sussex.

A RUN AROUND THE BRITISH ISLES

Starting in the south west of England, youll discover dramatic stretches of Cornwalls coastal paths, the tor-studded wilds of Dartmoor and Exmoor, the romantic ruins of Corfe Castle and the rolling ranges of the Quantock, Blackdown and Mendip Hills.

Heading east you can run in the footsteps of Tennyson on the Isle of Wight before relaxing with tea and scones overlooking The Needles. Follow the undulating trails that cross the North and South Downs or climb to the top of Box Hill and Leith Hill, both within easy reach of London.

The routes in central England and East Anglia take you from the rolling farmland of the borderland country of the Welsh Marches, across the gritstone edges of the Peak District to the Cambridgeshire Fens and the sandy beaches of the Norfolk coast, home to seals and seabirds.

Further north youll find a higher, wilder kind of running. Trails cut through the Yorkshire Moors and Dales and along Hadrians Wall to the big skies and castle-studded coast of Northumberland. Discover some of the areas most impressive buildings, including the remarkably beautiful Fountains Abbey and the eccentric genius of Cragside. In the Lake District, recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, youll follow waterside trails looping the lakes of Tarn Hows and Buttermere, pass the tumbling waterfalls at Aira Force, or trace the meanders of Great Langdale Beck to the National Trusts Sticklebarn pub.

Venturing into Wales youll discover the contrasting coastlines of Gower and Pembrokeshire, rich in wildlife and ideal for combining running with sea swimming, surfing or family sandcastling. Youll conquer some mini mountains in the Brecon Beacons, taking in the breathtaking summit views from Skirrid and Sugar Loaf in the peaceful Black Mountain range. Heading north, past the castles and gold mines of central and eastern Wales, to the rugged peaks and ridges of Snowdonia, youll explore some of the best lower-level trails, encircled by the jagged crags and ridges of the Carneddau and nearby Glyderau ranges.

Across to Northern Ireland and the Belfast Hills, trails pass through wildflower-rich grassland and overlook the city landscape. Nearby, the Castle Ward estate and the shores of Strangford Lough offer a network of waymarked trails through beautiful scenery.

Finally, to Scotland, where the dramatic headland and vast seabird colonies of St Abbs Head complement the peaceful wooded hills of the Balmacara estate, overlooking the serene expanse of Loch Alsh. And then there is Glencoe, which needs no introduction ...

BEST FOR

Running buggies and wheelchairs

- Plymbridge (see )

- Tarn Hows (see )

- Stowe (lakeside trail) (see )

- The Lodes Way (see )

- Cragside (see )

Families

- Lacock (see )

- Corfe Castle (see )

- Osterley Park (see )

- Formby (see )

- Nostell (see )

Beginner friendly

- Morden Hall Park (see )