{"id":31334,"date":"2023-10-11T12:49:24","date_gmt":"2023-10-11T10:49:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/9831730e-8da0-4b47-8f61-ed97894c4881"},"modified":"2023-10-11T14:40:58","modified_gmt":"2023-10-11T12:40:58","slug":"10-most-beautiful-parkrun-routes-in-the-uk","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/10-most-beautiful-parkrun-routes-in-the-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"10 most beautiful Parkrun routes in the UK"},"content":{"rendered":"

Discover 10 of the most breathtaking Parkruns in the British countryside, from the rivers of Snowdonia and the mountains of the Cairngorms to the brilliant beaches of East Anglia. <\/p>

By Daniel Graham\n <\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 11 October 2023 at 10:49 AM<\/p>

\n\n

If you\u2019re up and out early enough on a Saturday morning, you may have noticed an unusual phenomenon taking place in your local area – Parkrun. Dozens, hundreds and sometimes even thousands of brightly dressed people moving en masse through parks, woodlands, hills and mountains. This is Parkrun.<\/p>

Parkrun is free, weekly, timed community events that take place all over the UK, from urban parks such Richmond<\/a> in London, Grangemoor in Cardiff and Holyrood in Edinburgh to more rural events such as Portrush on Northern Ireland\u2019s Causeway Coast, Dolgellau in Snowdonia in Wales, and Whinlatter Forest<\/a> in the English Lake District.<\/p>

No matter where you are in the UK, the chances are there will be a Parkrun<\/a> nearby. This means you can take part in one not only in your local area but when you’re on holiday, too.\u00a0<\/p>

Here, we reveal 10 of our favourite rural Parkruns, courses that not only deliver on community spirit and inclusivity but also on spectacular scenery.\u00a0<\/p>

Trail running guide: what it is, benefits, what to wear, and getting started<\/a><\/li>
UK charity walks and races: the essential guide<\/a><\/li>
How to make walking with children fun and easy<\/a><\/li>
Active ways to enjoy the great outdoors<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Parkruns are free, weekly community events that take place all over the UK\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
What is Parkrun?<\/strong><\/h2>
Parkrun is a free community event where people walk, jog or run a 5k course. It takes place every Saturday morning. Don’t fancy completing the course? You can still get involved by volunteering as a marshal or spectating.\u00a0<\/p>
Junior Parkrun, dedicated to 4-14-year-olds and their families, is a 2k course, and takes place every Sunday morning.<\/p>
Parkrun prides itself on being positive, welcoming and inclusive \u2013 everyone is welcome to join in.<\/p>
$\"A$
Parkrun courses are 5k – you can walk, jog or run them, or participate as a spectator or volunteer\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
10 of the UK’s most breathtaking Parkruns<\/h2>
Dolgellau Parkrun, Snowdonia<\/h3>
$\"View$
The Dolgellau Parkrun heads along the Afon Mawddach Estuary towards Barmouth\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This West Wales Parkrun follows the beautiful Mawddach Trail<\/a> on an old railway line towards Barmouth, taking in views of the gorgeous Afon Mawddach and Snowdonia’s sky-high mountains. The course comprises two laps, each an out-and-back loop on the railway line.<\/p>
Dolgellau Parkrun<\/a><\/div><\/div>
Aviemore Parkrun, Cairngorms<\/h3>
$\"Autumn$
Autumn colours on the River Spey near Aviemore\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Somewhat predictably, Scotland’s Aviemore Parkrun is an undulating course. The out-and-back route follows a spectacular stretch of the Speyside Way through broadleaf woodland, coniferous forest and heather moorland. Mountain views across the Cairngorm National Park make this one of Britain’s most epic Parkruns.<\/p>
Aviemore Parkrun<\/a><\/div><\/div>
Portrush Parkrun, Causeway Coast<\/h3>
$\"Dunluce$
Run along East Strand Beach (seen here in the distance) with views of Dunluce Castle and White Rocks\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Looking for a challenge? Portrush in Northern Ireland is the first beach Parkrun in the world and takes place entirely on the golden sands of East Strand Beach on the Causeway Coast. Starting at the Watersports Centre, the there-and-back course follows the beach eastwards towards White Rocks before turning back west. There is a mix of soft sand and compacted sand (waters edge). <\/p>
Portrush Parkrun<\/a><\/div><\/div>
Fell Foot Parkrun, Lake District<\/h3>
$\"Fell$
Fell Foot on the shores of Lake Windermere\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The clue is in the name – Fell Foot Parkrun is a rolling course. The figure-of-eight loop begins on grass just below the main car park, heading towards Lake Windermere then on to a wildflower meadow. Shoreline stretches offer stunning views of the Lake District National Park.<\/p>
Fell Foot Parkrun<\/a><\/div><\/div>
Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire<\/h3>
$\"Ruins$
Discover the ruins of Fountains Abbey on this classic Parkrun in Yorkshire\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This sheltered course winds through the historic grounds of Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden<\/a>. Beginning at the abbey, the two-lap route undulates gently through National Trust land, rounding Half Moon pond and skirting the River Skell before ending with a stunning stretch through Studley Royal Water Garden.<\/p>
Fountains Abbey Parkrun<\/a><\/div><\/div>
Lews Castle Parkrun, Isle of Lewis<\/h3>
$\"View$
Run through the grounds of Lews Castle on this island Parkrun\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
What could be more thrilling than an island run in the ever-present company of an old castle? Well, Lews Castle Parkrun on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides<\/a> of Scotland offers just this. The out-and-back course begins at Stornaway beyond Cuddy Point, passing through the grounds of Lews Castle<\/a> and rounding the base of Gallows Hill. Every week, Parkrunners are invited to enjoy a post-event coffee at the Woodlands Centre<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>
Lews Castle Parkrun<\/a><\/div><\/div>
Lowestoft Parkrun, Suffolk<\/h3>
$\"Silhouette$
Lowestoft Parkrun passes the striking Claremont Pier\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This ‘one-and-three-quarter laps’ tarmac and gravel course starts at East Point Pavilion and follows Lowestoft Promenade past Claremont Pier and rows of colourful beach huts. The event, which offers vast views out over the North Sea, finishes within the gardens of the Royal Wellington Esplanade. There is a small hill that leads up to CEFAS Laboratory\/upper promenade. <\/p>
Lowestoft Parkrun<\/a><\/div><\/div>
Mount Edgcumbe Parkrun, Cornwall<\/h3>
$\"The$
Mount Edgcumbe estate seen from across Plymouth Sound\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Discover the charming grounds of Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park<\/a> on this sometimes hilly course on the border of Cornwall and Devon. The off-road route, which includes sections on grass and trail, navigates through woodland and across the top of Folly Slope, with stunning views of Drake’s Island and Plymouth Sound. Celebrate with a hot or cold drink at nearby Stables Caf\u00e9.<\/p>
Mount Edgcumbe Parkrun<\/a><\/div><\/div>
Abingdon Parkrun, Oxfordshire<\/h3>
$\"The$
Look for kingfishers on this watery Parkrun in rural Oxfordshire\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This one’s for the river and canal enthusiasts. Starting at Rye Meadow, the course passes through Abingdon Lock<\/a> before running parallel with the River Thames. Keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers<\/a> \u2013 there are two laps, so if you don’t spot one on the first round, don’t worry, you’ve got a second chance.<\/p>
Abingdon Parkrun<\/a><\/div><\/div>
Hamsterley Forest Parkrun, County Durham<\/h3>
$\"Autumn$
Walk, jog or run through the mixed trees of Hamsterley Forest\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Visiting the North Pennines? Hamsterley Forest Parkrun is the perfect way to begin your Saturday in the hills. The course is level to begin with, following Bedburn Beck, before rising on Windy Bank through beautiful mixed woodland high above the valley floor. With some inclines and protruding roots, rocks and stones, this is very much a trail route, so be sure to wear appropriate trail footwear. <\/p>
New to running or want to speed up? Check out expert run advice from our sister title 220 Triathlon<\/a><\/strong><\/p>
What is a good running pace?<\/a><\/li>
How to start running<\/a><\/li>
How to start interval training<\/a><\/li>
What are the benefits of running?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Hamsterley Forest Parkrun<\/a><\/div><\/div> <\/body><\/html>\n
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