Find a running route near you
Our wild spaces offer beautiful scenic running routes
We've rounded up some Wildlife Trust nature reserves fantastic for exploring in your running shoes. Now you can keep fit, discover new places and enjoy breathtaking scenery. Whether you are looking for a easy jog around a wetland or an invigorating trail run through woodland we have something for everyone.
Terry Whittaker/2020VISION
Find some of the best Wildlife Trust nature reserves for running
Whereabouts are you based?
North
Northumberland Wildlife Trust
Hauxley - With a brand new circular route Hauxley Nature Reserve is perfect for runners. Right next to the beach, it offers fantastic views across the length of Druridge Bay and is internationally renowned for its birds. Chattering in the woods you might even see red squirrels.
Northumberlandia - The world’s largest landform structure is managed by Northumberland Wildlife Trust. Various routes snake their way through the breathtaking sculpture. The paths are well maintained so although it is a trail run the paths are hard packed and easy to run on.
Durham Wildlife Trust
Rainton Meadows - There is an excellent network of pathways linking viewing areas that look across the lakes and wetlands, with areas of grassland and woodland completing the habitats on site.
Tees Valley Wildlife Trust
The River Tees - Jog along the route that joins up Portrack Marsh and Maze Park. When you reach the reserves networks of surfaced footpaths allow you to explore the reed beds.
Lancashire Manchester and North Merseyside Wildlife Trust
Brockholes - The footpaths are great with options to branch off and run a wider route outside of the reserve too.
South
Surrey Wildlife Trust
Norbury Park - With areas of paved private road and stone tracks this site is ideal. If you're up for a challenge zigzag uphill and you'll get to appreciated the lovely views. If you come by car it is close to Denbies Wine Estate which has a nice cafe and more walks.
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Sarsen Trail and Neolithic Marathon - Entries for one of the counties most spectacular challenge events, Wiltshire Wildlife Trusts Sarsen Trail and Neolithic Marathon, have now opened. Those up for the challenge in May can choose to walk, run or cycle the route which goes between Avebury and Old Carter Barracks near Bulford, taking in spectacular views across Salisbury Plain and of Stonehenge.
Midlands
Nottingham Wildlife Trust
Attenborough Nature Reserve - This beautiful complex of flooded former gravel pits and islands provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife. Networks of trails and riverside paths make the site ideal for running.
Harrison's Plantation - This stunning woodland will help clear any cobwebs away. A circular route can be followed along a path that runs through the site from Lambourne Drive & connecting with Martin’s Pond.
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust
Doxey Marshes - A wetland oasis near the centre of Stafford, this site is excellent for running and has good surfaces.
Scotland
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Seafar Wood - A path winds through this young strip of woodland west of Cumbernauld Village. Run through clusters of bluebells and other woodland flowers and explore the flat surfaced paths that link across the nature reserve.
Oldhall Ponds - A mosaic of willow carr, semi-mature planted woodland and tussocky grassland. Paths around the ponds provide opportunities for viewing waterfowl as you jog past.
