With the end of the year in sight, many of us are gearing up to unwind and enjoy the festive season before we start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. Wanting to be healthier or aiming to hit the gym more frequently is often at the top of people’s lists – no matter whether they’re already a fitness fanatic or a complete exercise newbie.
Research from Statista shows that 57% of UK adults planned to exercise more and improve their fitness in 2023, compared to 50% in 2022. However, a Study Finds survey in 2022 revealed that 21% of adults failed to stick to their intentional goals past January. To help more Brits achieve their running resolutions in 2024, the experts at Wynsors have created a list of the top 10 picturesque running trails in the UK, to inspire budding joggers and aspiring race runners with their fitness journey.
Top 10 most picturesque running trails in the UK
| Trail | Location | Instagram Hashtags | TikTok Views | TripAdvisor Reviews | Picturesque Score |
| Arthur’s Seat | Edinburgh | 303,935 | 9,000,000 | 16,820 | 92 |
| Jurassic Coast | Dorset & Devon | 466,775 | 39,100,000 | 199 | 82 |
| Lake Windermere | Cumbria | 153,010 | 5,300,000 | 3,060 | 78 |
| Causeway Coast | Antrim & Londonderry | 137,828 | 13,100,000 | 1,758 | 77 |
| Hadrian’s Wall | Northumberland & Cumbria | 140,885 | 22,500,000 | 477 | 73 |
| West Highland Way | Glasgow & The Highlands | 149,386 | 7,100,000 | 340 | 65 |
| Southwest Coast Path | Somerset, Devon, Cornwall & Dorset | 280,025 | 3,400,000 | 152 | 60 |
| Epping Forest | Essex | 162,279 | 7,200,000 | 111 | 58 |
| Wales Coast Path | Chester & Chepstow | 116,175 | 2,900,000 | 710 | 53 |
| Windsor Great Park | Berkshire & Surrey | 70,211 | 3,000,000 | 1,207 | 53 |
By using Instagram data to discover the most photographed running routes – in combination with the views on TikTok and the number of ‘excellent’ TripAdvisor reviews for each route – a score was calculated out of 100 to find out 10 of the UK’s most picturesque running trails worthy of a visit in 2024.
A peaceful oasis in the bustling Scottish city, Arthur’s Seat takes the top spot as the most picturesque running trail in the UK. The 3.3-mile Queen’s Drive loop around the ancient volcano is the perfect run for novices looking for an easy yet scenic route. Those with more experience can follow this loop and then head up Arthur’s Seat itself for a more challenging run.
The Jurassic Coast follows closely behind in second place, renowned for its spectacular beauty and fascinating heritage. The 95-mile stretch provides the perfect backdrop for those who need a boost of natural beauty to keep up with their running resolution. There are many picturesque running routes along this historic coastline that weave onto or off the South West Coast Path – such as the 13-mile loop starting in Kingston, passing through Kimmeridge and onto the coastal path, and looping back to the start.
Coming in third place is Lake Windermere. England’s largest lake at 10.5 miles long, the epic site features a multitude of incredible mountain views and pretty villages, ideal for experimenting with short and long runs. For those looking for a level run across mostly paved surfaces, try the 8.6-mile loop starting at Joey’s Café up to Wray Castle and back, along the left side of the lake.
Adam Foster, Retail Director from Wynsors, comments: “The New Year provides us with an opportunity to put health first and try something new. As the UK’s most affordable family footwear retailer, our low-cost trainers mean you don’t have to break the bank to feel good this January.”
For those who want to start as they mean to go on, Wynsors has a great selection of running trainers for men and womenfrom reliable brands like On Running, Nike and Skechers – available to shop online or in-store.
