The best running trails around Peterborough

Peterborough offers a wide selection of running opportunities, with over 370 routes available for jogging. These range from easy, flat paths to more challenging trails, catering to various preferences and fitness levels.

Yes, Peterborough has numerous easy running routes. For a pleasant, shorter run, consider the Thorney Village loop, which is about 2.7 miles (4.4 km) and leads through charming village surroundings. Additionally, the city's parks like Jackson Park offer well-maintained, tranquil settings for an easy jog.

Peterborough's running trails offer diverse terrain. You'll find everything from flat, paved paths along riverfronts and within city parks to more natural, uneven surfaces with hills, roots, and rocks in areas like the Trent Nature Preserve or Harold Town Conservation Area. This variety allows runners to choose routes that match their desired challenge level.

Absolutely. The Otonabee River Trail offers picturesque riverfront views, and the Rotary Greenway Trail (Lakefield Trail) largely follows the Otonabee River, providing a mix of urban and natural scenery. You can also find routes around Gunwade Lake, such as the Gunwade Lake loop from Thorpe Wood Nature Reserve, which provides lovely lakeside vistas.

Many of Peterborough's trails are family-friendly, especially those in city parks and along multi-use paths. Jackson Park, with its well-maintained alleys and vast lawns, is an excellent choice for a family jog. The Rotary Greenway Trail is also a multi-use path, generally suitable for all ages.

Peterborough is generally welcoming to dogs on its trails, especially in its numerous parks and multi-use paths. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and that you clean up after them. Many of the natural trails, like those in the Trent Nature Preserve, are popular with dog owners, but it's always good to check specific park regulations.

While running in Peterborough, you can encounter several interesting sights. The Jackson Park features an historic 1895 pagoda. Along the Otonabee River, you might spot the Shanks Millennium Bridge Over the River Nene. For a touch of history, the Burghley House Bottle Lodges are visible on the Burghley House to Bottle Lodges loop.

For longer runs, the Hereward Way and Nene Way Trail is an excellent option, spanning 10.2 miles (16.4 km). The Trans Canada Trail, which passes through Peterborough, also offers extensive, flatter segments like the Lang-Hastings Trail, ideal for sustained running over longer distances.

The running routes in Peterborough are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an impressive average rating of 4.6 stars from over 50 reviews. Runners often praise the diverse landscapes, from tranquil park settings to scenic riverfront paths, and appreciate the variety of terrain available for different running styles.

Yes, many routes in Peterborough are designed as loops, offering convenient circular runs. Examples include the Burghley House to Bottle Lodges loop and the Thorney Village loop. The Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre – Gunwade Lake loop is another popular choice for a scenic circular run.

For those seeking more challenging trail running, the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area offers both technical and less technical trails, including a 5km lookout trail and a 7km Limestone Plains Trail. Harold Town Conservation Area also provides kilometers of single-track trails suitable for various skill levels and distances, often featuring more uneven terrain.

Many of Peterborough's parks and trailheads, especially within the city, are accessible by public transport. Major parks like Jackson Park and areas along the Otonabee River Trail often have nearby parking facilities. For specific routes, it's advisable to check local maps or komoot route details for parking information near the starting points.

Near Ferry Meadows, you have several excellent running options. The Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre – Overton Level Crossing loop is a moderate 9 km path. Another great choice is the Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre – Gunwade Lake loop, offering scenic views around the lake.