The best running trails around Swindon

There are over 500 running routes around Swindon, catering to various fitness levels. You'll find a good mix of easy, moderate, and challenging trails to explore.

Swindon's jogging routes offer diverse terrain, from the rolling lawns, woodlands, and picturesque lakes of Lydiard Park and Coate Water Country Park to the flat, accessible old railway lines and canal paths. For a more challenging run, sections of the ancient Ridgeway provide open views across chalk downland.

Yes, Swindon has several easy and family-friendly options. The 1.75-mile (2.8km) loop around Coate Water Country Park is ideal for a gentle jog. Another easy option is the Lydiard Park loop from Lydiard Millicent, which is also around 2.8 km.

For scenic runs, Lydiard Park offers routes through woodlands and past lakes, such as the popular Lydiard Park loop. Coate Water Country Park provides beautiful lake views, and for expansive vistas, sections of The Ridgeway National Trail near Swindon, like the Barbury Racecourse – Bassett to Hackpen White Horse loop from Barbury Hill, offer wide, open views of rolling chalk downland.

Many of Swindon's running routes are circular. Popular options include the Lydiard Park loop and the Coate Water Country Park – Mini-Golf Course loop from BBC Wiltshire. The South Swindon Green Trail is also an approximately 12km circular route linking various green areas.

Swindon's running routes pass by several interesting natural features and landmarks. You can enjoy the large lake at Coate Water Country Park, the historic estate and woodlands of Lydiard Park, or the ancient Ridgeway at Barbury Castle, an Iron Age hillfort. Mouldon Hill Country Park features a serene lake and restored canal paths.

Yes, many of Swindon's green spaces and country parks are dog-friendly, making them suitable for running with your canine companion. Lydiard Park and Coate Water Country Park are popular choices, offering extensive paths and open areas for dogs to enjoy, usually requiring them to be on a lead in certain areas.

The running routes in Swindon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from nearly 50 reviews. Runners often praise the diverse landscapes, from historic parklands to expansive country parks, and the variety of options for different ability levels, including gentle park loops and more challenging runs.

For experienced runners seeking a challenge, sections of The Ridgeway National Trail offer longer, more demanding runs with significant elevation changes. Routes like the Shaftesbury Lakes – Day House Copse loop from Coate Water Country Park (21.1 km) or the Barbury Racecourse – Bassett to Hackpen White Horse loop from Barbury Hill (20.1 km) are rated as difficult and provide a good workout.

Many of Swindon's popular running spots are accessible by public transport. Lydiard Park and Coate Water Country Park, for instance, have bus routes serving their vicinity, making it convenient to reach them without a car. For specific routes, it's advisable to check local bus schedules.

Yes, Swindon offers flat and accessible running routes along old railway lines and canal paths. The View of Wichelstowe from Okus – Old Town Railway Path loop from Swindon is a great example, utilizing a former railway path. These routes often provide a smooth surface and connect to other green areas.

Lydiard Park is an excellent spot for a 5K run, hosting a free, timed 5K parkrun every Saturday morning. The Lydiard Park loop itself is approximately 5.3 km, offering a perfect distance for a 5K workout.