This stunning wooded trail takes in some of the best scenery in the Lake District. You will achieve views of lakes, forests, streams and mountain peaks during your run. The terrain varies from wide vehicle paths to narrow forest tracks, but all paths are well defined and clear on the ground.

This is a crowded area, so to get the best out of this trail, try running it in early morning or evening. Quiet times of year are also magical - a crisp winter morning with clear skies would be ideal.

There are toilet facilities and car parks at both Tarn Hows and the Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre. 

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This name of this route should probably be "Allt a Coire Dubh Mor to Abhainn Coire Mhic Nobuil via Coire Mhic Fhearchair" but we'll call it Back of Liathach for short!

A breathtaking route through arguably the finest mountain scenery in the whole of Scotland.

The path is will maintained and very runnable throughout most of it's length. The path crosses slabby sandstone outcrops in places, which could be slippy. The only significant river has a bridge over it. The section which branches off to Coire Mhic Fhearchair is not as distinct, but still fairly easy to follow in clear weather. The Coire, being west facing, makes an ideal venue for an evening run or even a wild camp. This is a very special place. There are fine views out to sea, and the triple buttress dominates the Coire itself is one of the finest in Scotland.

In the summer breathe deeply and you will take in the smell of Bog Myrtle growing beside the path (if you don't swallow a midge!) Watch out for deer (common), and golden eagles (not so common!).

You will find a small Car Park at each end of the route. You could run back via the road (or over Liathach, which is a very serious ridge, only for the experienced scrambler / ridge runner.)

(Route - starting from Eastern end). Following the route is really very simple - the path is signed from the Car Park - simply follow it as it climbs gradually up the hillside. There is only one path along the valley, so you shouldn't get lost, although do make sure you stick to the path if the mist is down. As you come to the path junction for the turn off to the Coire, be careful as this is less distinct and easy to miss. You should be able to tell from distance / terrain if you have over shot. Around this area, you should get spectacular views up to the pinnacles of Liathach. Also, as you continue towards the Coire look out for views of An Teallach in the distance.

Returning from the Coire and heading right should lead you along the pleasant riverside path which takes you down the valley with Ben Alligin on your right, and views of Loch Torridon ahead of you.

A delightful route starting in Hayfield.

The route takes you past Kinder reservoir, up William Clough, along the Kinder plateau edge path via Sandy Heys to Kinder Downfall then on to Kinder Low, before dropping back down to Hayfield. Race report from Lynne can be found on her blog.

Route is approx: 15.4km / 9.6m with 600m / 1968ft ascent.

Parking: either in village of Hayfield (but please respect local homes and businesses) or in the car park to the west of the A624 main road, signposted for the Sett Valley Trail. You'll find a visitor centre in the car park and public toilets. This is also where buses leave/depart from. No train station in Hayfield. 

The route starts in the village centre, running up the road towards Kinder Reservoir. You quickly leave the tarmac behind as you climb up a stony dirt track, and into grassy fields. The ground then changes to typical peat bog/heather paths, characteristic of the Peak District and Kinder Plateau. As you climb up William Clough the path criss-crosses the stream and there are several trods you can take, but stay in the clough close to the stream. The top of William Clough finishes with a few stone steps and the route turns right at the finger-post. 

Next you have a step climb up the western end of Kinder, climbing up a rocky stepped path. At the top you will find yourself running on a sandy/peaty path with sufficient rocks around to keep your focus on foot placement. At Kinder Downfall you may be rewarded with magnificant views of the waterfall blowing upwards - expect a good drenching if there's a westerly wind blowing! 

Cross River Kinder and bear right, continuing along the edge path until you reach the trig point (633m) at Kinder Low....follow the narrow path as it descends down to Edale Cross. You now run down either the rocky path, or hop up onto the left bank for a nicer grassy descent. Bear right and over the stile just after crossing a ford and the route now takes you over farmers fields. Careful to chose the right of way going through Tunstead House Farm, then onto the hardpacked track for the descent down to Bowden Bridge. The route now follows the River Kinder through the campsite on hardpacked track and mud path, before rejoining tarmac on the outskirts of Hayfield and on to the finish.

This is a superb route - on a clear day you can see for miles from the Kinder edge path, you pass the famous Kinder Downfall and fully circumnavigate (from high up) Kinder Reservoir. At Bowden Bridge you pass the quarry which marks the start of the 1932 Mass Trespass onto Kinder, which eventually lead to the right to roam. Finally, Hayfield is a beautiful village with several pubs and cafes worth a visit. The village is also gaining popularity as it's one of the many filming locations for The Village tv show.

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A true classic. For many years, ascending these 3 iconic hills of Yorkshire this has been a badge of honour for walkers and runners alike. In running terms, the route surface is fairly easy under foot - the race, nicknamed 'The Marathon with Mountains' by the organisers has been regarded by some a trail race with 3 fell races in the middle of it. Don't let that make you underestimate it. One the half way point has been reached, there are still 2 mountains to go. The 6 miles of so back to Horton after the ascent of Inglebrough is enough to cause anyone to hit the wall. So fuel up well and bring a map - you're going to need it.

The Route

The route on this site is the race route as run in 2012. Do not attempt to follow this precisely - some of the gpx file takes you off rights of way, and the race even goes through someone's private garden in the last mile.

Set off from Horton towards Pen-Y-Ghent, following a walled bridleway. After about 3km you will find yourself in the open hills, follow the footpath to the right and ascent Pen-Y-Ghent. This ascent is genuinely runnable, although remember you have plenty of miles left to run! After coming off the summit and following your way back, you now follow a combination of footpaths and wider bridleways in the direction of Ribblehead Viaduct. Footpaths go through Sell Gill Holes, Middle Pasture, Borkwith Cave, Nether Lodge and Lodge Hall, to reach the main road which is follow north to Riddlehead Viaduct.

From the viaduct, follow rights of way (not the GPX file) to ascend Whernside from the north. The rocky descent leads you to Chapel-le-Dale where there is a pub!! This would be a good point for your support team (if you have one) to feed you and take any heavy stuff off you before the final push. The path up Ingleborough starts off through innocent looking fields on a wide and easy to follow track. The final pull up the side of the hill will find you climbing and scrambling up blocky rocks to reach the summit plateau area.

Enjoy the views out to the Lake District and then head off on the NE path towards Simon Fell. This path is a long and steady trudge, so take care on the loose parts. The path winds it's way past Nick Pot and the Sulber area before finally reaching Horton near the Railway station.

If you clocked out of the cafe, don't forget to clock back in again and gain membership of the Three Peaks Club (assuming you did this in the 12 time limit.)

Parking

Plenty is easily available in Horton and Ribblehead.

Food

 There are plenty of pubs and cafes in Horton-in-Ribblesdale.

A 3 mile/5km fell race route starting in Chunal, Glossop. Parking is on the main road so please be careful. There is a small layby on Turnlee Road near the start of the track up to Herod Farm but please park sensibly.

This is a cracking route, and given it's short nature you can be easily misled - but it's not for the faint-hearted as there are 2 significant climbs, but 2 lovely descents to enjoy and fabulous views from the top of the Nab looking back over Glossopdale, and beyond to Kinder and Bleaklow.

The route starts by ascending up a tarmac track for about 800m until you reach Herod Farm. The climb continues and steepens up a grass field for a further 400m, then levels across open moorland to almost reach Herod Edge Farm, before turning sharp right (at a random stone on the ground) and heading downwards. The route now takes you down moorland, before crossing a stream, over a stile, and picking up a heather trod, then dropping steeply down a couple of grass fields. Sharp right onto a track at the bottom then keep an eye out for the stone stile turning right back into the fields then across to go round Pennine View nursing home. Prepare yourself now for the second climb....first up a field that often has horses in it, then steeper still for the final 150m after the gate - proper hands on knees to to top of the climb. Turning left at the top you quickly start to descend a couple of grassy fields, before joining a heather trod and then back onto tarmac for the final 500m back down the track you started up.

Lynne's race report can be found on her blog, Running Delights.

For details of the race see the Glossopdale Harriers website.

Cracking and popular local race, normally held in May. 

Lots of mud to start, a good climb into the woods, and then away...fast and undulating around the reservoir before a massive drop tests the legs.  Back through more woods, this time on paved paths, then a swift drop down the embankment before diving through the trees to the finish line.

Great atmosphere for a midweek race, varied terrain and a great route to practice on, with a scenic view to enjoy at the end. 

This circular route takes in parts of the Southill Estate and has views over Shuttleworth College and the aerodrome.  Run it at the weekends and you'll often see flying displays from the historical Shuttleworth Collection.  

Much of the route is on well maintained woodland paths and tracks but some of the bridleway sections can be difficult under foot particularly after rain.  The section from Northill past the fishponds is often very wet underfoot.

Parking is available at the church at Old Warden (donation to church funds) or for a small fee at the Shuttleworth Collection.  Want something to keep the non-runners in the family occupied then the play equipment test area (free) or the Swiss Garden/Shuttleworth Collection (£) is on the route.

Leaflet including map available here.

This area is a trail runners paradise.

This route starts nearby to the National Trust tea shop, Car Park and public toilets. The entire valley is pay and display parking. In August 2014, the fee was £3.50 for the day. It's a nice spot for refreshments, but watch out ... it's very busy in the School holidays.

Follow the valley up from the tea shop, choosing any path you like either side of the stream. When there is an obvious fork on the valley, take the left hand fork which is signposted 'Waterfall.' Don't get excited... the Light Spout waterfall is only a trickle really. The path continue up on to lovely open heather moors. Use the small road to help aid navigation. There are numerous routes to choose from on the top of the Long Mynd, and some local knowledge can be useful to be sure you on the exact path you are aiming for. Use this route as a rough guide and find your own way back down to the valley bottom over Haddon Hill and Bodbury Hill. You may be interested to know that Bodbury Hill summit is a former Roman Hill Fort (as is Caradoc, across the valley.)

This route takes you on to the top of a rough moorland area - one of the most westerly on mainland Britain. It also takes you through some fascinating and ancient sites.

Park at the road junction where the footpath for Men-An-Tol. Follow the wide bridleway gently up hill. When you reach the footpath on your right which takes a short and direct diversion to Men-An-Tol don't be tempted to miss it out. This remarkable stone monument is quite unique and well worth a visit. Returning to the main bridleway, continue for a few hundred metres until you rach a wide and prominent path to the left. Make your way up to the trig point on Watch Croft (lovely views out to sea) and be careful of the descent to the Carn Galver beck. The path returns to high ground. Be aware here that there are several different path options here. You need to make sure you head towards the 9 maindens and eventually Ding Dong mine. In fine weather, the mine should help guide you.

The path to the Nine Maidens standing stones can be boggy and wet, so be aware. Continue towards the mines. Keep to the path as there are various air shafts here from old mines. These should be fences, but keeping to the path is still well advised.
As you continue down from the mines, there are once again several path options. The right path leads more directly to the excellent Lanyon Farm Tea Rooms, which are highly recommended!
After your cake break (not not) you can either return directly to your car via the road, or take a small diversion (also on road) to finish at Lanyon Quoit, another absolutely spectacular ancient site.

Sorry the is a toll road to access this route - but it does make for a lovely day out, with good access to toilets, refreshments, and post run barbecue facilities (ask at the information centre for the latest details on this.)

Park in High Staindale and follow the well signed path to Bridestones Moor. These spectacular sandstone outcrops will have you tempted to stop for a spot of climbing as you pass. There are various route possibilities on Bridestones moor - if you want to do a full loop of the moor and take advantage of the weather to view all the stones, why not make up your own route at this point?

Next follow the obvious track at the forest edge north. You can either follow the same path until you join the vehicle track (turning left) or dip down to Dovedale Griff and re-ascend to the main path again. Follow the wide and obvious path to the main road, and Hole of Horcum. There are various refreshment possibilities around here. From here, the route takes a steep dip down to the bottom of the Hole or Horcum and follows the stream along the bottom of Levisham Beck.As you pass away from the woods, follow the path up to Dundale Pond, keeping another long strip of woodland on your right.

Double back towards the main Hole of Horcum viewpoint, passing another pond and generally following the obvious line back to the main road.

You now have a few choices. You can return the exact way you came. But but why not go north again, take in a loop of Whinny Nab, drop down to Malo Cross on the edge of the forest again? Climb back up to join the wide vehicle track above Bridestones moor again and descend back to your starting point.

This route makes for a cracking moorland challenge with great views. What a shame the area is spoilt by the main road.

The route starts in Bassenthwaite and heads up the Newlands valley to Dale Head Tarn via Little town.

From Dale Head Tarn the route swings sharp left then right across boggy ground before dropping steeply down a rocky path through the old Rigghead Quarries. At the bottom of the quarries bear right on the path coming from Castle Cragg and follow this until it drops into Seatoller.

Follow the road through Seatoller (ignore the road bearing right up the valley to Seathwaite) cross over the River Derwent and bear right on the path which takes you through Thorneythwaite, Seathwaite and up the valley to the Stockley Bridge.

From Stockley Bridge follow the path up towards Taylorgill Force then onwards to Styhead Pass following Styhead Gill.

From Styhead Pass the route drops steeply down towards Wasdale Head. Take time to stop and admire the views as the panoramic scenery is stunning!!

Bear right just prior to Wasdale Head and follow the Lakeland 100 route up Mosedale and onwards over Black Sail Pass and down into Ennerdale towards Black Sail Hut.

The route continues to follow the L100 route back to Braithaite via Scarth Gap, Buttermere, Sail Beck, Sail Pass, High Moss before dropping back down into Braithwaite. Route shown to me by @marko_richo

Start from the small car park at Troutbeck bridge at the bottom of Kirkstone Pass just of the A592. Follow the road uphill towards Town End, turn left at the T junction and then take the RH path after the Post Office (Robin Lane) follow the path through High Skelghyl Farm into Skelghyll Woods and down hill into Ambleside. From Ambleside turn right at Barclays Bank and follow the road past Stockghyll Force (worth a detour for a photo opportunity of the waterfalls) keep on uphill towards High Grove. The road continues uphill turning into a track then a path which eventually joins the road at The Struggle, just below the Kirkstone Inn. Turn left at the T junction going past the Kirkstone Inn and take the path to the right towards St Ravens Edge. Continue steeply uphill over Cauldale Moor towards Stoney Cove Pike. From Stoney Cove Pike the path drops down steeply over uneven ground to Threshwaite Mouth. Follow the steep path uphill to Thornthwaite Crag (good photo opportunity). The route now skirts the top of Bleathwaite Crag towards Mardale Ill Bell before dropping steeply down over uneven ground to the top of Nan Bield Pass. Climb steeply uphill towards Harter Fell bearing right on a faint path which passes below "The Knowe" heading onwards towards Brown Howe then Kentmere Pike. Drop down over boggy ground to Wray Crag and down again until the path joins a track. Turn right down past farm buildings, when the path joins the road turn left through a metal gate and downhill to a signposted stile in the wall on the right. Drop down through bracken on a grassy path to go over a wall step stile, go straight over track and another step stile in wall opposite. Drop down to cross the river over a wooden foot bridge, straight across field to gap stile in wall. Turn left and follow walled path down into Kentmere. At the T junction turn right past the Kentmere institute (GR456041). Follow the road uphill passing Green Head House turning right up rocky track sign posted Troutbeck. Follow the track uphill to the top of Garburn Pass. Drop downhill through 3 gates and take the right fork down towards Troutbeck ignoring the path which drops right to Limefitt Park. Follow the right hand fork and continue as the track turns sharp right down to the A592. Turn right over the bridge then left back to the start point.

Leave Braithwaite on the Swinside road. Shortly after leaving the village bear right on a track going uphill towards a farm. Pass through the farm and pick up the public footpath going steeply uphill. Bear right and continue to climb steeply up Barrow

(Picture shows the view back down from Barrow towards Braithwaite)

From the top of Barrow follow the path down to Barrow Door, ignore the paths dropping left towards Stoneycroft and right back to Braithwaite. Instead follow the path straight ahead as it skirts around Outerside then climbs up a rocky path towards Sail Pass. Climb steeply up the narrow path to the top of Sail Pass then turn right up the zig zagging path to the top of Sail

(picture shows the view looking back down from the path climbing Sail towards the top of Sail Pass with the path climbing towards Scar Craggs in the background)

(The picture shows your eventual route down from Coledale Hause passing below Force Crag mine).

Continue up the obvious path to the top of Sail and continue on steeply down to the saddle before climbing steeply again to the top of Eel Crag

 (The picture shows the cairn on the top of Eel Crag. Sadly when I was last up there the cairn was on it's side!)

From the Cairn drop down the obvious path towards Grassmoor then bear right on the path going to Coledale Hause.

From Coledale Hause follow the steep rocky path down passing below Force Cragg Mine. Cross Coledale Beck and follow the mine road down towards Braithwaite.  

As the road passes above the village look out for the public footpath on the right. Follow this path as it drops down through bracken and joins the road just prior to the village. 

Start from the Car Park at Low Hartsop and follow the path up through the sheep folds.

At the Y fork on the track bear to the right crossing Hayeswater Gill and follow the track uphill to the left through the gate.

Continue uphill following the track above Hayeswater Gill until you reach Hayeswater. Cross Hayeswater Gill at the reservoir and follow the grassy track steeply uphill towards Kidsty Pike.

 The picture shows the track crossing Hayeswater Gill just prior to Hayeswater reservoir. Looking back from the path climbing uphill towards Kidsty Pike.

When the path reaches the Coast to Coast path follow it to the left towards Satura Crag.

 The picture shows Satura Crags on the right and Brock Crags on the left.

Follow the defined path downhill over Cross Prison Gill and climb up and over Satura Crag.

 View back down to Hartsop from the Coast to Coast path.

Follow the path down to the right of Angle Tarn and around under Angle Tarn Pike, down to Stone Rigg and Rake Cragg to Boredale Hause.

After crossing the beck prior to Boredale Hause, follow the path downhill before dropping steeply down to the left towards Hause Gate.

When the path joins the track at the bottom of the fell turn left passing through Hause Gate & Cross Gate. Cross over Angle Tarn Beck using the footbridge and continue along the track past Hartsop Fold onto the single track road which will take you to a T junction below Hartsop Village.

Turn left through the village back up to the car park.

Footnote: Ignore the section on the GPX file that shows the route going from Hartsop to the Brothers Water Inn. I did the run on News Years Day after seeing the New Year in at the pub! After doing my 1st run of the year from Hartsop I ran back to the pub to pick the car up:)

This route is truly worthy of 'Hand Picked Trails' status. The beach is rated as one of the best in Scotland and is the only fresh water beach to receive a seaside award by the Keep Scotland Beautiful campaign.

Park at the Water Sports Centre for a small fee or on the road nearby. Try and pick a still, clear winter day if you can for the best views of the Cairngorm mountains.

Start your run on the sand, or along the track between the campsite and the lake. (You are heading away from the Water Sports centre, towards the mountains.) Continue in this clockside direction around the lake, on easy to follow well defined paths which will bring you back to the road. Avoid the road on your way back to the car by following the parallel path on the north side. The main route is very easy to follow, but there is a plethora of extensions possible with a quick glance at the map.  Badaguish Outdoor Centre or the obvious loop south of the Loch are just two possiblities.

Finish your run with a snack at the Water Sports Centre if you fancy one!

This route is arguably the most spectacular and most runnable section of the West Highland Way. It starts at Bridge of Orchy, which enjoys a railway station, and a hotel. Sadly the bunkhouse has now closed, but please let us know if anyone gets an update on that. The gpx file takes you on a short diversion to Kings House Hotel, which is a great place to fuel up. Kinlochleven, the final destination, has plenty of amenities. You can stay over night, arrange transport back to your start point, or even grab lunch and then run back!

Photo by https://www.flickr.com/photos/nkhosi1/

Rannoch moor is absolutely spectacular open moorland wilderness and enjoys breathtaking views, particularly of the iconic Buchaille Etive Mor (not runnable!) The route follows the well sign posted West Highland Way throughout, so navigation shouldn't be a problem although you will be very exposed in poor weather. Rannoch Moor is very exposed to high winds as they sweep down Glencoe. The Devil's Staircase has a reputation for being very steep - watch out for waist deep snow in winter! 

One of my favourite routes, a 10 mile trail loop starting and ending in the village of Melthan just outside Huddersfield.

If you're travelling to the area to do the run, I'd recommend you plan a weekday or Saturday because it finishes a lovely local cafe so you can treat yourself to a well earned coffee and bit of flapjack afterwards. It's not open on Sunday's though. 

The run itself has a pretty brutal initial profile, climbing nearly 1,000 feet in about 2 miles, the good news though is that's climbing up the stunning Royd Edge - a valley which in the summer is full of amazing colour and plants and a hell of a view and in the winter, challenging weather almost guaranteed! Take it easy climbing up this but you can at least be happy knowing the bulk of your work is done early while your legs are fresh. 

Royd Edge climb

You only need follow the path up Royd Edge and then you'll reach a footpath through a field which again you continue running up until you join Wessenden Head Road. Once you reach the road, turn left and keep climbing, you're only about half a mile from Wessenden Trail at this point. Take care on the road, it's not especially busy but cars do travel fast up and down it. 

After about 2.75 miles, you'll see a turn off the road to your right where you join the Wessenden Trail part of the Pennine Way running down towards the reservoirs you'll have seen from the road. On a good day, the view is stunning! 

Onto the trails!

Once you're on the Pennine Way, it's a good stretch of downhill for a mile or so before you reach a small dip where there's a few basic wooden planks across a mini stream and you need to pay attention here as you come off the main trail and fork right up a small singletrack 

When you reach this, climb up the other side on the trail and fork off right to the narrow track about 10 meters up the hill.

Once you're on the top trail, you'll have a stunning view of Butterley Reservoir and the valley as you work your way around to Deerhill Reservoir but pay attention to your footing as there is some tricky singletrack, thick ferns and obscured rocks ready to trip you up or twist an unsuspecting ankle!

Much of the remainder of the route now is pretty flat as you run around the side of West Nab and as you come off the Marsden Moor towards Deer Hill Reservoir you can push on from this point as it's flat to downhill all the way into Meltham and back to a well earned coffee at Cafe 33 or if you're here on a Sunday you might have make do with a Mars Bar from the Coop over the road. Either way, you've just done a scenic 10 miles with about 1,300ft of climbing.

For those travelling to the area, the 324 bus from the bus station in the center of Huddersfield will bring you straight to Meltham and you can get off outside the Coop/Cafe33 or if you're driving, there's a free public car park behind the Coop over the road.

Happy trails!  

The route starts out at the White Bridge by the River Otter at Budleigh Salterton and then proceeds around eastwards over the coastal path towards Ladram Bay.
On route to Ladram Bay is the Brandy Head lookout post from World War 2. On reaching Ladram Bay there is a very steep climb towards Mutters Moor, known for it's old smuggling route. At the top is Peak Hill. There is then a descent into the seaside town of Sidmouth.
You need to run along the seafont and towards the far east end. You cross a small bridge and then ascend up a residential area (there has been a lot of coastal erosion here) towards the start of Salcombe Hill. When ascending the hill you go through a field and then a wooded section. The views at the top are spectacular across the whole of Lyme Bay. If you carry on eastwards you reach an extremely steep downhill section (to steep to run).