The best running trails around St. Leonards And St. Ives

There are nearly 50 dedicated running routes around St. Leonards And St. Ives. These include a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging trails, ensuring options for all fitness levels. Specifically, you'll find 10 easy routes, 34 moderate routes, and 4 difficult routes to explore.

The region offers a diverse range of terrains. In St. Ives, you'll find dramatic clifftops and sandy beaches perfect for coastal runs, as well as rugged moorland. St. Leonards-on-Sea features a long, flat seafront promenade ideal for accessible runs, alongside historic gardens with undulating paths and coastal bluffs offering more varied terrain.

Yes, there are 10 easy running routes suitable for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed jog. The seafront promenade in St. Leonards-on-Sea offers a wide, mostly paved, and flat path with continuous sea views. For a pleasant forest run, consider the Moors Valley Railway – Superworm Trail loop from St. Leonards and St. Ives, which is a moderate 9.9 km path through the Moors Valley area.

For longer and more challenging runs, the South West Coast Path near St. Ives offers strenuous sections with significant ascents and descents, often used for ultra-races. In the St. Leonards area, coastal bluff paths around Hastings Country Park Preserves provide varied terrain. A notable challenging route is the Forest Trail loop from Ringwood School, which spans 35.5 km.

Both areas boast stunning natural beauty. In St. Ives, you can enjoy dramatic clifftops, secluded coves, and views of 'The Island'. St. Leonards-on-Sea offers the historic St. Leonards Gardens and Warrior Square Gardens. The wider region features several beautiful lakes, such as Hightown Lake and Long Lake, as well as natural monuments like the Jon Egging Memorial and the Old Oak Tree in New Forest National Park.

Yes, many routes in the area are designed as loops. For example, the Tree-Lined Forest Path – Matchams Forest Main Track loop from West Moors is a popular moderate 10.4 km circular trail. Another option is the Ferndown Forest loop from St. Leonards and St. Ives, a moderate 13.5 km route.

The running routes in St. Leonards And St. Ives are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 5 reviews. Runners often praise the varied terrain, from scenic coastal paths to tranquil forest trails, and the accessibility of many routes.

Yes, many routes are family-friendly. The flat seafront promenade in St. Leonards-on-Sea is excellent for families, and the historic St. Leonards Gardens offer a pleasant, contained environment. In St. Ives, some sections of the coastal path and the beaches at low tide are suitable for family jogs. The Moors Valley Railway – Superworm Trail loop from St. Leonards and St. Ives is also a great option for families.

Many outdoor areas in St. Leonards And St. Ives are dog-friendly, especially the beaches during off-peak seasons and many public footpaths and trails. However, it's always best to check local signage for specific restrictions, especially in nature reserves or during nesting seasons. Always keep dogs under control and clean up after them.

Both St. Ives and St. Leonards-on-Sea are well-served by public transport, including train stations, making many routes accessible without a car. For those driving, there are various public car parks available in both towns, particularly near popular beaches and trailheads. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route pages.

The region offers good running conditions year-round, but each season has its charm. Spring and autumn provide milder temperatures, ideal for longer runs, with beautiful seasonal foliage or blooming wildflowers. Summer is perfect for early morning or late evening coastal runs, especially on the beaches. Winter runs can be invigorating, particularly along the quieter seafront or forest paths, though some coastal paths might be more exposed to weather.

Beyond the well-known coastal paths, exploring the moorland areas around St. Ives, such as the paths towards Zennor or Trencrom Hill, can offer a wilder, more remote running experience with commanding views. In the St. Leonards area, venturing into the coastal bluff paths of Hastings Country Park Preserves can reveal stunning, less-trafficked viewpoints away from the main promenade. The Ashley Heath Halt – Castleman Trailway loop from Ringwood Waldorf School offers a scenic journey through varied countryside.