Unforgettable runs at the places we look after

Runners at Gibside, Tyne & Wear

Designed by our rangers, these invigorating trail runs will take you through spellbinding landscapes. Run along rugged coastal headlands and listen to the sea smashing against the rocks below.

Find your rhythm along rugged paths through ancient forests, discover mysterious ruins, and feel the wind on your face as you run across open moors met by endless sky.

Plus, our rangers share their thoughts on what makes running at the places we look after so special.

From the breezy summit of Dorset’s Golden Cap to the ghostly remains of the copper mines nestled among the peaks of Snowdonia, our trail runs will take you to some unforgettable locations.

Take a break from pollution, long lines of noisy traffic and pounding the tarmac. In fact, the only thing that will stop you in your tracks will be incredible wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery.

Plan your trail run today >

There’s a lot more to trail running than how fast you run or how far you go. We offer long and short trails to give runners of all abilities the chance to get close to wildlife and explore incredible landscapes.

Roisin Black, the Ranger for the Yorkshire Dales, says: 'There's always something new to see as the seasons change – migrating birds in spring and wildflowers in summer'.

Runners in the grounds of Lyme Park, House and Garden, Cheshire Play Video
Video

Why I run

Follow a group of trail runners as they summit the Golden Cap in Dorset. The trail is one of the routes created by National Trust rangers offering long and short trails to give runners of all abilities the chance to get close to wildlife and explore incredible landscapes.

Summit Dorset's Golden Cap and enjoy magical views of the Jurassic Coast

What makes our runs so special

Our rangers carry out painstaking work to protect wildlife and look after the landscape, and visiting trail runners support them in doing this. Tree planting projects and controlled grazing means that Malham Tarn and Fountains Fell in Yorkshire are full of life. The support we get from runners often goes beyond the money they spend at our places. Roisin says: 'If people love spending time in a beautiful place they generally want to take care of it. I know many runners who pick up rubbish as they go, which is a very simple way to help with conservation. Many runners volunteer with us because they want to learn more about the landscape they run in and play a role in protecting it for future generations.'

Plan your trail run
A group of runners make their way through Blickling's sweeping parkland.
Running

Blickling Estate, Norfolk 

With its red-brick mansion, ancient yew hedges, magnificent gardens and acres of historic parkland, Blickling Estate is a magical place to run. This varied and undulating loop will take you alongside glittering lakes and quiet woods, where barn owls can be spotted flying silently between the trees. Find your rhythm along winding paths, enjoying the shelter provided by towering trees, and admire vibrant gardens as you start your cool down.

Go on a Ranger Run at Blickling
An autumnal view of Coleton Fishacre
Running

Coleton Fishacre, Devon 

Starting off in Coleton Fishacre’s exotic garden, this run packs a punch before your feet have even left the ground. In no time you’ll find yourself running along coastal paths listening to the sea smashing against the jagged rock faces below. Other highlights include the aquamarine waters of Pudcombe Cove and Froward Point – a second world war gun emplacement with incredible views over the craggy slopes of Mewstone, where seals can sometimes be spotted basking on the rocks.

Go on a Ranger Run at Coleton Fishacre
The Giant's chair at Craflwyn, overlooking Dinas Emrys and Mynydd Sygun in Snowdonia
Running

Craflwyn, Gwynedd 

There are not many runs that will take you through territory fought over by dragons. Steeped in the magic of myth and legend, this rugged landscape will not fail to capture your imagination. Follow this circular trail through the rich green slopes of the Nant Gwynant valley, along the lower slopes of Snowdon, and past the ghostly remains of old copper mines. Run past waterfalls falling down craggy rock faces and listen to the roar of tumbling streams.

Go on a Ranger Run at Craflwyn
Competitive running along the coast
Running

East Soar, Devon 

Head out on this circular run along the rugged cliffs where 'Dartmoor meets the sea'. This trail will take you through a wild, partially-tamed landscape with views of the Atlantic ocean, sandy beaches and farm land. Run past long-horned highland cattle peacefully munching on the rich grassland and see raptors flying overhead.

Go on a ranger run in South Devon
A view you will see on this route.
Running

Fountains Fell, Yorkshire 

Fill your lungs with fresh air as you run along open spaces met by endless sky. Stop to admire the glittering glacial lake at Malham Tarn. We have planted trees and plants, which add to the area’s rugged beauty and attract wildlife. Follow the Pennine Way up across vast moorland and onto Fountains Fell, which boasts spectacular views of the Three Peaks and Ribblesdale.

Go on a Ranger Run at Fountains Fell
Looking out over fields on the Golden Cap estate
Running

Golden Cap, Dorset 

This figure-of-eight loop will get your heart pumping. Pass through hay meadows, follow coastal paths with enticing views of the sea and summit the Golden Cap – an impressive shoulder of rock, which is the highest point on the south coast. The beauty of the surrounding estate is largely thanks to our rangers, who work tirelessly to protect wildlife, harvest seeds from the meadows and plant flowers. Look out for buzzards and kestrels scanning the hedgerows and peregrine falcons coasting high above the clifftops.

Go on a Ranger Run at Golden Cap
Autumn colour at Polesden Lacey
Running

Polesden Lacey, Surrey 

Free yourself from the hustle and bustle of the city and run wild across historic parkland. Listen to your feet pounding the ground as you run through peaceful woods. Look out over acres of chalk grassland as you emerge from the trees. On a warm day you may see butterflies fluttering over the heads of wildflowers.

Go on a Ranger Run at Polesden Lacey
Running across the beach at Rhossili, Gower
Running

Rhossili, Gower 

This invigorating 10km trail will take you along stretches of golden beach and rugged headland overlooking silver sea. You’ll also see a a colourful patchwork of fields, testament to our traditional farming methods. We sew wildlife-friendly crops and create hay meadows. This means our farmland is buzzing with life and full of flowers. Take off your trainers when you’re on Rhossili beach so you can feel the sand between your toes.

Go on a Ranger Run at Rhossili
A wide view across the grassy meadows of Whitburn Coastal Park towards Souter Lighthouse
Running

Souter Lighthouse, Tyne and Wear 

Discover how wildlife now dominates a landscape once known for its coal mining industry. Starting at the striking red and white tower of the Souter Lighthouse, this short but enjoyable run takes in a full lap of the Whitburn Coastal Park nature reserve, once full of pitheads, and now home to a colony of sand martins. Look out for wildflowers and enjoy the sea air.

Go on a Ranger Run at Souter Lighthouse
A reflective Tarn Hows at sunrise, Lake District
Running

Tarn Hows, Cumbria 

Warm up for this scenic circular run in the peaceful surroundings of Yew Tarn – a sparkling lake overlooked by towering trees. Follow the trail along the Cumbria Way, which cuts through the heart of the Lake District, and will lead you on to the lower slopes of Tom Heights. Towards the end you’ll be rewarded with refreshing waterfalls.

Go on a Ranger Run at Tarn Hows

Latest visiting update 

Our gardens, parks, cafés, shops, countryside locations and many houses are open. You no longer need to pre-book at many places. Some still require booking ahead, so please check the property webpage before you travel.​

Visiting and booking changes