There are some great trail runs near London. Within 30 minutes you can find yourself in the countryside and get the trails all to yourself. Here are our Top 5 destinations for trail runners based in London.
With the holiday season upon us, it’s the perfect time to escape to the countryside for a refreshing trail run. Whether you’re looking to clear your mind, breathe in some fresh air, or explore scenic green spaces, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top 5 trails near London, each within 1.5 hours of travel—making them ideal for a day trip.
1. The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, spans 800 square miles and includes five counties. Known for its charming stone villages and picturesque landscapes, it’s a runner’s paradise. Direct trains from Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh take about 1.5 hours, and to Bath, about 1 hour and 20 minutes. If you’re up for a challenge, the 102-mile Cotswold Way National Trail from Bath to Chipping Campden offers stunning views and quaint villages. With 3,000 miles of public footpaths, you’ll have plenty of routes to explore.
2. The South Downs Way
Just an hour to an hour and a half from Waterloo or Victoria, the South Downs is perfect for those who love wide-open vistas and chalky hills. This 260-square-mile National Park offers excellent running on rolling hills with short grazed turf, which means less mud and faster runs. The South Downs Way stretches from Winchester to Beachy Head near Eastbourne, offering breathtaking scenery along the way.
3. Suffolk
Often overlooked, Suffolk provides a serene and rural running experience. With flat terrain, charming villages, and gentle rivers, it’s a delightful place for a trail run. Trains from Liverpool Street to Suffolk take around 90 minutes. The uncrowded and well-marked paths through farmland and woodlands make for a peaceful run. Highlights include Dedham and the 112-mile Icknield Way path, which connects Suffolk to Buckinghamshire.
4. The Thanet Coast
For coastal running enthusiasts, the Thanet Coast is a gem. Just over an hour by train from Kings Cross St Pancras to Ramsgate, you’ll find yourself in a classic Victorian seaside town. The coastal path links Broadstairs, Ramsgate, and Margate. History buffs will appreciate Broadstairs, where Charles Dickens wrote “David Copperfield.”
5. The Chilterns
As a personal favorite, the Chiltern Hills cover 660 square miles to the northwest of London. Easily accessible by trains from Euston, Paddington, or Kings Cross, the journey takes 20 to 45 minutes. The Ridgeway National Trail starts at Ivinghoe Beacon and runs 87 miles to Overton Hill. With 1,200 miles of footpaths, there’s plenty to explore. Highlights include Haddington Hill and Coombe Hill near Wendover. In late spring, the hills are adorned with bluebells, and Red Kites often circle overhead. For a guided experience, consider joining one of our Run the Wild trips.
Written by Karin – Running Guide first published April 2023
