The UK boasts some of the most scenic running routes in Europe, from the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail to Arthur’s Seat.
But which routes are the most scenic, according to social media? There is something for everyone, whether an experienced athlete or an amateur.
To find out, Idealo has shortlisted the most scenic running routes across the UK, using data from Instagram and TikTok.
Let’s take a look more in detail about their findings with a few surprise listings along the way.
The research found the Forest of Dean as the most popular online location for a run. The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail boasts the most Instagram posts, with 348,999 posts, and ranks second in TikTok posts, with 6,931.
The Trail is a contemporary art exhibition set within the ancient forest on the England-Wales border. This trail features art installations inspired by the natural landscape.
Arthur’s Seat ranks second in Instagram posts among UK trails, with 309,260 mentions, and is in the top ten on TikTok with 4,482 posts.
Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano in Edinburgh, Scotland, is rich in history and beauty, with its name linked to King Arthur’s legends.
Located in Surrey, Box Hill Circular trail is the third most scenic running route. It boasts 210,499 posts on Instagram and 5,705 posts on TikTok.
The trail is known for its picturesque landscapes and charming woodland paths, this trail offers runners an immersive experience through Surrey’s rolling hills and breathtaking viewpoints.
Here are the top 10 most popular running trails in the UK:
1. Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail – Gloucester
2. Arthur’s Seat – Edinburgh
3. Box Hill Circular – Guildford
4. Malvern Hills Circular – Worcester
5. Epping Forest Main Path – Chelmsford
6. Cannock Chase Circular
7. West Highland Way
8. Mam Tor and the Great Ridge
9. Thames Path
10. Helvellyn – Carlisle
Meanwhile, the study also looked at the best running trails in the UK. They found St Ives to Zennor trail, with the highest rating of 4.7 out of 5 along with the highest safety score of 82.3 out of 100.
The St Ives to Zennor circular route is the UK’s top-rated running trail. The 18.7-kilometer trail can be challenging with uneven, rocky terrain, so proper gear is essential.
It has the highest rating among all trails analysed, with a 4.7 out of five, and the highest safety rating at 82.3 out of 100, making it both beautiful and safe to explore.
The Box Hill Circular comes in second as the UK’s best running trail, boasting an impressive rating of 4.7 out of five. It also holds the third-highest safety score at 75.7 out of 100.
Whether you’re an experienced runner or just starting, this trail offers an excellent mix of challenge, beauty, and safety.
Ranking third among the top UK running trails, the Cannock Chase Circular in Stafford offers a serene and scenic route through one of the most beautiful woodlands in the country.
Covering 11.1 km, this trail is a favourite among runners looking for a tranquil escape into nature.
Here are the top 10 best running trails in the UK:
1. St Ives to Zennor – Truro
2. Box Hill Circular – Guildford
3. Cannock Chase Circular – Stafford
4. Cheddar Gorge – Bath
5. Arthur’s Seat – Edinburgh
6. Helvellyn – Carlisle
7. Epping Forest Main Path – Chelmsford
8. Peddars Ways – Norwich
9. Gower Peninsula – Swansea
10. Snowdon Llanberis Path – Cardiff