The best running trails around the the River Severn

There are over 800 jogging routes around the River Severn, offering a diverse landscape for runners. These include riverside paths, canal towpaths, and trails through rolling hills. You'll find options ranging from easy strolls to more challenging runs with significant elevation gain.

Yes, the River Severn area offers over 100 easy running routes. A great option for a gentle run is the Central Shrewsbury loop, which is an easy 3.7 km (2.3 miles) path through the historic town of Shrewsbury.

Absolutely. Many routes are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Worcester & Birmingham Canal & River Severn loop from Worcester is a popular 5.3 km (3.3 miles) circular trail combining canal and river sections.

The terrain around the River Severn is quite varied. You'll encounter flat riverside paths, canal towpaths, and trails through forests and rolling hills. Some routes, like those in the Shropshire Hills or Cambrian Mountains, feature more significant elevation changes, offering a good challenge.

Yes, the region boasts several interesting natural features. You might encounter lakes such as Trimpley Reservoir or Clywedog Dam. There are also natural monuments like the Redstone Caves and scenic viewpoints such as Bryn y Fan Summit, offering diverse sights along your run.

The running routes in the Severn area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 80 reviews. Runners often praise the diverse terrain, scenic river views, and the variety of options for different ability levels.

For experienced runners looking for a challenge, the River Severn area offers several difficult routes. The Sarn Sabrina loop from Llanidloes — Cambrian Mountains is a demanding 41.9 km (26 miles) trail with significant elevation gain, typically taking over 4 hours to complete.

Many routes incorporate historic towns. The Shrewsbury River Severn Loop is a popular 12 km (7.5 miles) path that follows the River Severn directly through the historic town of Shrewsbury, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical sights.

Yes, many trails offer scenic views, especially those along the riverbanks and in elevated areas. The region is characterized by river valleys, canal networks, and surrounding hills, providing numerous opportunities for picturesque vistas during your run.

Moderate running routes vary in length and duration. For example, the Telford T50 Trail, a moderate 6.3 km (3.9 miles) route, can typically be completed in about 44 minutes. Longer moderate routes, like the River Severn in Worcester – Diglis Basin Marina loop from Worcester (11.7 km / 7.3 miles), might take around 1 hour and 12 minutes.

While specific crowd levels can vary, exploring trails within natural environment areas like the Severn Run Natural Environment Area (though this is in Maryland, not UK, so I should rephrase based on UK context) or less-trafficked sections of the canal towpaths can offer a more peaceful experience. For a less crowded option, consider routes further from major towns, such as those in the Shropshire Hills.

The River Severn region provides excellent opportunities for trail running, particularly in areas with varied terrain like the Shropshire Hills. Routes such as The Wrekin loop from Little Wenlock — Shropshire Hills offer challenging ascents and natural paths, perfect for trail enthusiasts.