Running routes with a view

When it comes to beautiful views, treadmills can't compete with trails in the great outdoors. We’ve hand-picked some of our favourite running routes with a view, so you can enjoy stretching your legs that little bit more.

A group of runners make their way through Blickling's sweeping parkland.

Blickling, Norfolk 

Set in Norfolk’s beautiful Bure meadows, this trail offers sweeping views of the impressive Jacobean mansion and the surrounding parkland, woods and fields. If you’ve got a light step you might get to spot some of the local wildlife – barn owns can often be seen hunting in the woods during daylight hours.

Look out for wildlife at Blickling
Bubbling river passing over granite stones

Castle Drogo, Devon 

This is perhaps the most famous walk on Dartmoor, but it also makes a great running trail. Begin beneath the imposing bulk of Castle Drogo – the last castle to be built in England – and follow the Hunters Path high above the river Teign. Passing through woodland, over packhorse bridges and across open commons, there’s plenty to keep you interested.

Run wild on Dartmoor
The view from the Gorge walk

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset 

A run at Cheddar Gorge isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you’re fit enough to manage the climb you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views from the top. This route takes you on a loop around both sides of the gorge, or for a gentler route you can stick to running along the bottom of the valley.

Discover an iconic landscape
View of the bridge at Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire

Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire 

Running is great exercise, and it’s even better when there’s a view to go with it. At Clumber you can explore acres of parkland, heathland and woods and get fit at the same time. The area is mostly flat with a few small inclines and you can get all the details of the different routes from the visitor information point.

Run with a scenic views
View along stone path from Mam Tor.

Dark Peak, Derbyshire 

Whether you’re walking or running, the steps up to the top of Mam Tor are sure to get you working that bit harder. Fortunately the views from the top are more than worth the effort; providing a dramatic 360 degree panorama over the Derwent Moors and the Edale valley.

Panoramic views from the top
The Memorial Stone in Brandelhow Park, commemorating the first National Trust acquisition in the Lake District

Derwent Water, Cumbria 

Pull on your trainers and enjoy a gentle run along the quiet side of Derwent Water before heading through the tranquil parkland at Brandelhow, birthplace of the National Trust in the Lake District.

Take a gentle jog along Derwentwater

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, but it’ll be worth all the effort when you get to the top and see the city of Belfast sprawled out at your feet. You might also be able to spot the Antrim Plateau to the north, Scotland to the east and Mourne Mountains to the south.

Enjoy the view from the top
The view over the Half Moon Pond and weir of Studley Royal Water Garden towards Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire

Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire 

There are 800 acres of countryside to explore at Fountains Abbey, so you’ll never be short of somewhere to run. For a good leg stretch try a five-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. Wherever you go, you’re sure to get some great views along the way.

Explore the estate's highlights
Two walkers under Sycamore Gap

Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland 

Head out for a run along Hadrian’s Wall to the iconic Sycamore Gap to enjoy magnificent views of Hadrian's Wall country, explore natural wilderness and follow in the historic footsteps as you return via the Roman Military Way.

Run in the footsteps of Romans
National Trust woodland with people

Kingston Lacy, Dorset 

Kingston Lacy’s 8500 acres are laced with trails, so you’ll never be short of somewhere to explore. The Woodland Trail is a handy three-mile loop that leads you among the trees and along old carriage drives that were created by the Bankes family. You’ll be treated to stunning views of the house and parkland, and you might even come across the estate's herd of Red Ruby cattle along the way

Get fit at Kingston Lacy
The sun rises over Leith Hill and Leith Hill Tower on a winters' morning

Leith Hill, Surrey 

Leith Hill has been a popular picnic spot since the 19th century, thanks to the panoramic views from the top. You might not carry a hamper on your runs, but it’s still worth the climb on a clear day to see 13 counties stretching out below you. This also happens to be the highest point in south-east England, so you’ll definitely have earned that sense of achievement.

Take in panoramic views
Visitors running in the grounds of Lyme Park, House and Garden, Cheshire

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. You might even spot Lyme's red deer herd, who often spend their time in the east of the park.

Run through glorious parkland at Lyme
A beautiful view down a hillslope. Autumnal trees can be seen.

Polesden Lacey, Surrey 

Take a run at Polesden Lacey and you'll be rewarded by stunning views over the Surrey Hills. This trail takes you through a wooded valley, past historic farmsteads and over rolling downland. There are a few slopes in places so you'll be able to test your stamina too.

Explore the estate
The bay at Porthdinllaen, Llŷn Peninsula

Porthdinllaen 

There’s nothing better than a coastal trail to blow away the cobwebs. This run will reward you with stunning views in all directions as you follow it out along the Porthdinllaen headland - an outstanding wildlife haven. Grey seals are a particular highlight, and can often be seen hunting for fish along this stretch of coastline.

See marine wildlife at Porthdinllaen
A view across Sheringham Park, Norfolk

Sheringham Park, Norfolk 

At two miles long this is a fairly easy leg stretch for regular runners, with some undulating terrain to add in a bit of interest. Sheringham’s landscape gardens were designed in 1812 by Humphry Repton, and now offer stunning countryside vistas as well as views towards the coast. The best views can be found from the top of the gazebo, and climbing all the steps will definitely get your heart pumping.

Enjoy the views at Sheringham Park
Daffodils on the main drive at Speke Hall

Speke Hall, Liverpool 

Why pound the treadmill when you could be running along a coastal reserve path? Explore the full Speke Hall estate on this two-mile route and let the fine views of the Wirral, North Wales and Liverpool’s city centre skyline inspire you.

Run around Speke
Looking down to Barafundle Bay from coast path

Stackpole, Pembrokeshire 

Stackpole is the perfect spot for getting fit while still being able to enjoy the view. If you’re looking for a challenge, try this six-mile route that leads you around serene lily ponds, up onto wild coastal headlands and across beaches of golden sand. You can even end your run with a paddle in the sea. If you need a bit of motivation then you can join in with the regular Stackpole Striders sessions, covering everything from beach circuits and yoga to a weekly fun run and summer family fitness club.

Go wildlife spotting