The best running trails around Somerset

Somerset offers a wide variety of running experiences, with over 270 routes available on komoot. These range from easy, flat paths to more challenging trails through hills and along the coast.

Yes, Somerset has 22 easy running routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a less strenuous jog. The expansive flatlands of the Somerset Levels and Moors, for instance, provide excellent, gentle terrain. While specific easy routes are not highlighted in the intro, you can find many options on komoot.

Somerset's diverse landscape offers varied terrain for runners. You can find everything from the dramatic coastal views and heather moorland of Exmoor National Park, to the heathland and woodlands of the Quantock Hills, and the distinctive limestone ridges and gorges of the Mendip Hills. The Somerset Levels provide contrasting flat, wetland routes.

Absolutely. For experienced runners seeking a challenge, Somerset offers 43 difficult routes. Areas like Exmoor National Park and the Mendip Hills provide rugged terrain, steep inclines, and dramatic elevation changes. The Fishing Shore Beach – Dalecarlia Tunnel loop from Brookmont is a difficult 14.5-mile trail featuring varied coastal and moorland scenery.

Somerset is rich in scenic viewpoints. The Mendip Hills offer opportunities to climb Crook Peak for breathtaking views, and Glastonbury Tor provides panoramic vistas of the Somerset Levels. Many coastal paths, particularly in Exmoor and along Brean Down, also offer stunning sea views. You can often find viewpoints marked as highlights on komoot tours.

Many of Somerset's natural areas and trails are dog-friendly, including numerous nature reserves managed by the Somerset Wildlife Trust. It's always best to check specific route details on komoot for any restrictions or requirements, especially regarding livestock or protected wildlife areas, and to keep dogs on leads where necessary.

The komoot community highly rates the running routes in Somerset, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. Runners often praise the region's diverse landscapes, from quiet woodlands and riverside paths to challenging coastal and hilly trails, and the well-maintained network of routes that cater to all abilities.

Yes, if you're looking for routes with waterfalls, Somerset has options. For example, you can find highlights like Scott's Run Falls or Dead Run Waterfalls which are often incorporated into local running trails. Check the 'Waterfalls around Somerset' guide on komoot for more specific routes.

Yes, many of the easier and moderate routes in Somerset are suitable for families. The flatter sections of the Somerset Levels and Moors, or well-maintained paths through woodlands, can be great for a family jog. Look for routes with lower difficulty grades and shorter distances on komoot.

Many running routes in Somerset are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Dalecarlia Tunnel – Dalecarlia Tunnel loop from Bethesda is a moderate 6.7-mile path offering a mix of shaded forest and riverside views, perfect for a circular run.

While specific public transport access varies by route, many towns and villages in Somerset are served by bus or train, providing access points to nearby trails. For detailed information on public transport options to specific trailheads, it's recommended to check local transport schedules and route starting points on komoot.

Somerset is home to iconic natural landmarks. You could run near the dramatic cliffs of Cheddar Gorge in the Mendip Hills, explore parts of Exmoor National Park with its ancient woodlands, or enjoy views of the iconic Glastonbury Tor. The county's diverse landscapes, from coastal paths to expansive wetlands, offer a rich visual experience for runners.

Many trailheads and popular starting points for running routes in Somerset, especially in areas like the Quantock Hills, Mendip Hills, and Exmoor National Park, offer designated parking facilities. It's advisable to check the route details on komoot or local signage for specific parking information before you go.