The best running trails around Allerdale

The Buttermere loop offers a scenic jogging experience around Buttermere Lake in the Lake District National Park. This route, considered difficult, covers 4.3 miles (7.0 km) with an elevation gain of 190 feet (58 metres), and you can typically complete it in about 47 minutes. You will enjoy continuous views of the lake, framed by dramatic fells like Haystacks and Red Pike, as you navigate mostly flat, well-trodden paths. Expect some rockier, uneven, and potentially muddy sections, especially in woodland areas or after rain, adding to the adventure.

Planning your visit to the Buttermere loop is straightforward, as Buttermere Village serves as a convenient starting and ending point. The village provides amenities such as hotels, pubs, cafes, and public toilets, making it easy to prepare for your run or relax afterward. The trail is generally accessible, but be aware that some parts can be muddy, particularly after rainfall, so appropriate footwear is advisable. This loop is popular and suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, making it a great choice for a refreshing jog.

What truly sets the Buttermere loop apart is its unique combination of natural beauty and interesting features. You will pass through the distinctive 50-foot long Hassness Tunnel, a rock tunnel carved through a cliff, which adds an element of surprise to the route. The ability to jog all the way around the lake provides uninterrupted views of the water and surrounding mountains, including impressive waterfalls like Sour Milk Gill. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as Herdwick Sheep, otters, and red squirrels, which often frequent the area.

The Coledale Horseshoe from Braithwaite is a difficult 8.8-mile (14.2 km) route in the Lake District National Park, offering a challenging experience with 2963 feet (903 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect a diverse and often technical terrain, including steep ridge paths, sections of scree, and broad grassy tops. Some parts feature rocky steps that may require simple scrambling, while others can be boggy or involve pushing through heather and thick bracken. This route is better suited for experienced fell runners or strenuous hiking, rather than casual jogging, and typically takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes to complete.

As you traverse this horseshoe-shaped route around the Coledale Beck valley, you will find yourself on rough fell paths, some very steep and stony. The trail provides spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding fells, including Skiddaw, Blencathra, and the Scafell range. From Grisedale Pike, one of the peaks on the route, you can enjoy superlative views, while Crag Hill, the highest point, offers stunning vistas down the Coledale Valley, encompassing Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite Lake, and Crummock Water.

This classic Lake District round is renowned for taking in multiple Wainwright fells, such as Grisedale Pike, Hopegill Head, Crag Hill, Sail, Outerside, and Barrow. Alfred Wainwright himself praised a section of the southern ridge over Scar Crags and Causey Pike as a grand ridge walk. The route's demanding nature is underscored by its role as host to the Coledale Horseshoe Fell Race, confirming its suitability for experienced fell runners. Due to the steep climbs, mild scrambles, and exposure on high-level ridges, it is not recommended to attempt this route in poor visibility or strong winds.

The Derwent Water & Walla Crag loop from Keswick offers a moderate jogging experience, covering 5.1 miles (8.1 km) with 926 feet (282 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking 1 hour and 1 minute. You will jog through lush fells, ancient woodlands, and along shimmering waters, encountering varied terrain from dirt trails and rocky sections to potentially boggy areas. The route provides panoramic views of Derwent Water and surrounding fells, including Catbells and the Skiddaw range, with the picturesque Ashness Bridge as a notable landmark.

This route is easily accessible from Keswick, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors. Be prepared for varied surfaces, including steep sections on the ascent to Walla Crag, which can be grassy, rocky, or dirt. The lakeshore path can also be scrambly if lake levels are high, so wear appropriate footwear and be mindful of conditions.

The trail is celebrated for its exceptional views, particularly from Walla Crag, which despite its modest height of 1,243 feet (379 meters), offers some of the best vistas in the Lake District overlooking Derwent Water. This classic route provides a comprehensive understanding of the Derwentwater area, combining lakeside paths, woodland trails, and a fell summit for a diverse and engaging jogging adventure.

Lace up for the Crummock Water Circular Trail, a difficult jogging route that takes you around the scenic lake. You'll cover 8.1 miles (13.1 km) and gain 734 feet (224 metres) in elevation, typically taking about 1 hour and 34 minutes to complete. The path winds through varied terrain, from peaceful woodland sections to open lakeside trails, offering constant views of Crummock Water. Keep an eye out for the majestic fells like Grasmoor and Mellbreak rising around you. This route provides a challenging yet rewarding experience for those who enjoy a good jog with a view.

Before you head out, be aware that conditions on the trail can vary. Some sections along the western shore are known to be quite boggy, especially after rainfall, so waterproof footwear is a good idea. You might also encounter steep paths with slippery stones and patches of ankle-deep mud in certain areas. Parking is generally available near the trailhead, but always check local signage for any specific restrictions or fees before you leave your vehicle.

This circular route is particularly special in spring when the Rannerdale Valley, a unique feature along the trail, bursts into bloom with carpets of bluebells. The trail's proximity to the water's edge means you'll enjoy captivating vistas throughout your jog. It's a great way to experience the diverse natural beauty of the Lake District National Park, combining physical challenge with stunning scenery.

Prepare for a challenging jogging experience on the Crummock Water & Rannerdale loop, a difficult trail covering 10.0 miles (16.1 km) with an elevation gain of 984 feet (300 metres), typically taking 2 hours and 1 minute to complete. You'll encounter varied terrain, from tranquil lakeside paths along Crummock Water to rough tracks and steep, stone-pitched sections, especially when descending Rannerdale Knotts. Expect boggy parts along the western shore, particularly after rain, and navigate narrow wooden bridges and open fields. The route offers dramatic views of the fells like Grasmoor and Mellbreak, alongside pleasant woodland paths in Lanthwaite Wood.

This difficult jogging route requires good to very good fitness, sure-footedness, and sturdy shoes due to its varied and sometimes challenging terrain. Be aware that sections along the western shore can be quite boggy, especially after rain, and steep, stone-pitched parts, like those on Rannerdale Knotts, may be slippery in wet weather. If you plan your visit for late April or early May, you'll witness the Rannerdale Valley transform into a magical carpet of bluebells, a particularly notable sight. Beginners might find some sections challenging.

Beyond the physical challenge, the Crummock Water & Rannerdale loop is celebrated for its panoramic views of Crummock Water, Buttermere, and the surrounding mountains. The Rannerdale Valley's vibrant bluebell display in late spring is a unique spectacle that draws many visitors. This area also offers a quieter alternative to some of the Lake District's more popular spots, providing a peaceful and tranquil experience. You can also access Scale Force, the Lake District's tallest waterfall, as a notable detour.