The best running trails around Arkengarthdale

Arkengarthdale offers a wide variety of running experiences, with over 80 routes available. These range from easy paths to more challenging ascents, ensuring there's something for every runner.

Yes, Arkengarthdale has several easier running options. There are 6 routes classified as easy, and many of the 42 moderate routes also offer manageable terrain. For a pleasant moderate run, consider the Whaw Bridge loop from Arkengarthdale, which covers 7.6 km through varied landscapes.

Absolutely. Arkengarthdale is known for its dramatic, sweeping hills. There are 32 difficult routes available for those seeking a challenge. A notable difficult option is the Pinseat Moonscape – Old Gang Smelt Mill Ruins loop from Arkengarthdale, a 17.4 km path offering expansive views and significant elevation gain.

The running trails in Arkengarthdale offer stunning and varied scenery. You'll encounter sweeping hills, verdant meadows, and heather moorland. The serene River Arkle flows through the valley, providing tranquil riverside sections. Higher elevations feature vibrant heather and bilberry moorland, with prominent features like Fremington Edge and Calver Hill offering incredible, far-reaching views across the dale.

Yes, Arkengarthdale has a rich lead mining heritage, and many routes pass by fascinating remnants from the 18th and 19th centuries. You can spot spoil heaps, dressing floors, and old chimneys. For example, the Old Gang Smelt Mill Ruins – Pinseat Moonscape loop from Water Splash leads through atmospheric moorland and past historical mining remains.

Many of the running routes in Arkengarthdale are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For instance, the The Red Lion Inn loop from Arkengarthdale is a popular 9.9 km circular trail that takes you through varied landscapes.

Yes, for those who enjoy waterfalls, the East Gill Force loop from Tan Hill is a great option. This 12.8 km route takes you towards East Gill Force, an impressive waterfall with a 15-foot drop, located where the Pennine Way and Coast to Coast Walk intersect.

The running routes in Arkengarthdale are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 9 reviews. Runners often praise the quiet and remote nature of the dale, the stunning natural beauty, and the variety of terrain that caters to different fitness levels.

Arkengarthdale is generally dog-friendly, offering many public footpaths suitable for running with your canine companion. However, as the area is part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and home to abundant wildlife and livestock, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially during lambing season or when near farm animals, to ensure their safety and respect the local environment.

Yes, you can combine your run with a visit to a local pub. The The Red Lion Inn loop from Arkengarthdale is a popular trail that includes this local establishment. For a more adventurous run, the road climbs through Arkengarthdale to the Tan Hill Inn – Britain's Highest Inn, offering a unique destination point for a well-deserved refreshment.

Arkengarthdale offers beautiful running conditions throughout much of the year. Spring brings lush green meadows, while summer showcases vibrant heather moorland. Autumn provides stunning colours across the landscape. Due to its quiet and remote nature, it's an excellent escape from crowds, making it enjoyable in most seasons, though higher elevations might be more exposed in winter.

Arkengarthdale is a haven for wildlife, enhancing the natural experience of your run. You might have opportunities to spot roe deer, elusive red squirrels, red kites, pied flycatchers, and wood warblers, especially on quieter trails away from villages.