The best running trails in Wiltshire

Wiltshire offers a vast network of running routes, with over 2,600 trails available on komoot. These range from easy, flat paths to more challenging hill climbs, catering to all fitness levels.

Yes, Wiltshire has over 260 easy running routes. A great option for beginners or a relaxed run is the Southwick Country Park loop, which is just over 2 km and offers a gentle, flat terrain.

Wiltshire's landscape is incredibly diverse. You'll find expansive chalk downlands, rolling hills, and ancient woodlands, particularly in areas like the Salisbury Plain and Marlborough Downs. For flatter, scenic runs, the towpaths along the Kennet & Avon Canal are ideal.

Absolutely. For those seeking a challenge, Wiltshire has over 450 difficult routes. The Bradford on Avon Walking Wheel loop from Trowbridge, at over 40 km, offers significant elevation changes. Other demanding options include the Cold Kitchen Hill & Shearwater loop and the Westbury White Horse and Bratton Camp Loop, both featuring notable ascents.

Yes, Wiltshire is rich in history. You can run near world-renowned sites like Stonehenge and the Avebury Stone Circle. The Stourhead Estate & King Alfred's Tower loop takes you through historic grounds and past King Alfred's Tower. You can also spot iconic chalk white horses, such as the Cherhill White Horse, carved into the hillsides.

Many routes in Wiltshire provide stunning vistas, especially those traversing the chalk downlands. Trails around landmarks like the Westbury White Horse or up to viewpoints such as the Cold Kitchen Hill Trig Point offer panoramic views across the county. The Marlborough Downs and North Wessex Downs National Landscape are particularly known for their open, scenic stretches.

The running routes in Wiltshire are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 270 reviews. Nearly 30,000 runners have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the beautiful scenery, well-maintained paths, and the mix of challenging and gentle options available.

Many of Wiltshire's routes are designed as loops, perfect for starting and ending in the same location. Examples include the popular Freshford, Iford & Avoncliff loop from Bradford on Avon, the Kennet and Avon Canal Loop from Trowbridge, and the Kennet and Avon Canal and Westwood Loop.

Yes, the Kennet & Avon Canal provides extensive, flat towpaths perfect for scenic runs alongside the water. The Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs area also features over 220 miles of chalk rivers, offering pleasant riverside jogging opportunities.

Over half of Wiltshire is designated as a National Landscape, ensuring stunning natural beauty. Key areas include the North Wessex Downs, which encompasses the Marlborough Downs and Savernake Forest, and the Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs, known for its diverse countryside and ancient woodlands. The Cotswolds in the north also offer picturesque villages and green meadows for gentler runs.

For those looking for longer runs, parts of the historic Ridgeway National Trail traverse Wiltshire, offering stunning views across the North Wessex Downs. The Mid-Wilts Way is another waymarked long-distance path that crosses the countryside, providing extended running opportunities.