The best running trails around Blackdown

There are over 600 running routes available in the Blackdown Hills, offering a wide variety of options for all preferences and fitness levels. These routes have been explored by more than 17,000 runners using komoot.

The Blackdown Hills offer a diverse landscape for running, characterized by rolling hills, steep valleys, and ancient woodlands. You'll find open plateau landscapes, winding country lanes, and tranquil streams. The unique geology supports extensive ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows, heathlands, and grasslands, providing a dynamic backdrop for your runs.

Yes, the Blackdown Hills cater to all fitness levels. You can find gentler, flatter routes through farmland and woodland, as well as more challenging, rugged paths with significant elevation changes. Out of over 600 routes, 86 are considered easy, 436 are moderate, and 109 are difficult, ensuring there's something for everyone.

The running routes in the Blackdown Hills are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.99 stars from over 120 reviews. Runners often praise the serene and unspoiled environment, the varied terrain, and the expansive views across Somerset and Devon from many hilltops.

Yes, for beginners or those seeking a more relaxed run, there are 86 easy routes available in the Blackdown Hills. These typically feature gentler gradients and less challenging terrain, often passing through farmlands and woodlands.

Absolutely. For experienced runners looking for a greater challenge, there are 109 difficult routes in the Blackdown Hills. These trails often feature significant elevation changes and rugged paths, providing a demanding workout amidst the stunning scenery.

Many of the running routes in the Blackdown Hills are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Popular jogging spots include scenic loops from Castle Neroche and Staple Hill Car Park, offering varied distances and difficulties.

Yes, the Blackdown Hills are rich in both historical and natural attractions. You can explore sites like Kenilworth Castle, an Iron Age hillfort, or the Elizabethan signal beacon at Culmstock Beacon, which offers sweeping views. Other notable spots include Bagot's Castle and the picturesque Otterhead Lakes nature reserve.

The Blackdown Hills offer a dynamic backdrop for exercise throughout the seasons. Late summer is particularly stunning when the heather on Blackdown and Sampford Commons comes into bloom, creating vibrant purple landscapes. Spring and autumn also provide beautiful scenery with changing foliage and pleasant temperatures for running.

Yes, many of the hilltops in the Blackdown Hills offer expansive views. Notable spots include Castle Neroche, which provides breathtaking vistas over the Vale of Taunton, the Quantock Hills, and Exmoor. Culmstock Beacon also offers sweeping views across the Culm Valley, extending towards Exeter on clear days.

While individual routes vary, the Blackdown Hills offer trails exceeding 10 miles or 1000 feet of elevation gain for those seeking a greater challenge. You can also combine shorter routes to create longer runs, exploring the extensive network of quiet bridleways and byways.

For more general information about the Blackdown Hills as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you can visit the official tourism websites for the regions it covers: Visit Devon or Visit Somerset.