9 of the Best UK Coastal Trail Runs

Published on January 21, 2025

6 min read

9 OS Maps Coastal Trail Running Routes for Fresh Air and a Break from the Gym

Tired of stuffy gyms and airless box rooms? Step outside and embrace the fresh air with these nine stunning circular coastal trail running routes in OS Maps, Ordnance Survey’s mapping and route-planner tool on web and app.

From the rolling dunes of Woolacombe in Devon to the dramatic sandstone cliffs of St Bees Head in Cumbria, these varied routes are everything that the monotonous gym is not. Whether you’re exploring the windswept cliffs of Bedruthan or Margate’s dramatic arches and stacks, these trail runs deliver incredible views and great lungfuls of oxygen!

With OS Maps downloaded on your phone you’ll have the confidence to find and plan exciting new runs.

NB. some of these routes are designated as hikes in OS Maps, but also work as circular trail runs.

1. Woolacombe Dunes, Devon: Freedom – 2.75 miles

Escape your local gym and breathe in the invigorating sea air along the stunning Woolacombe Dunes coastal route. This circular path offers expansive horizons, soft sand underfoot, and the rhythmic sound of waves to energize your stride. Perfect for runners, walkers and all outdoor fitness lovers, the route weaves through rolling dunes and along the award-winning Woolacombe Beach. Forget fluorescent lights and boxy workout spaces — here, nature is your gym, complete with breathtaking Atlantic views. Whether you’re chasing fitness goals or just a mental reset, this route promises open horizons and freedom.

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2. Stonehaven Coastal Run, Aberdeenshire: Breathtaking Views – 4.83 miles

Stonehaven is a charming seaside town in Aberdeenshire. Set in a picturesque cove with a bustling harbour, Stonehaven offers a run like no other. Head south along the coast path, winding uphill past the Black Hill war memorial and dramatic inlets where seals bask in the surf. The stunning Dunnottar Castle, perched above crashing waves, will take your breath away. Finish your run through the serene Dunnottar Woods, and reward yourself with fish and chips from one of the best chippies in the UK. Nature beats the treadmill every time! (Contributor: James Clapham)

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3. Robin Hood Bay Coastal Route, North York Moors National Park: Open Skies and Energy – 9.33 miles

Ditch indoor workouts and embrace the revitalising sea breeze along the Robin Hood Bay Coastal Route in the beautiful North York Moors National Park. This scenic trail offers endless views of the North Sea, open skies, and a refreshing change from cramped gym spaces. The route meanders along dramatic cliffs, rugged shores, and through charming fishing villages. Each step fills your lungs with crisp coastal air while the ever-changing horizon fuels your sense of adventure. With its mix of challenging climbs and gentle descents, this route promises a rejuvenating workout in nature’s ultimate outdoor gym. Recharge, refocus, and breathe…

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4. Margate to Broadstairs Coastal Route, Kent: Open Skies – 9.24 miles

Follow in the footsteps of Turner and Dickens as you explore the dramatic cliffs, arches, and stacks that define this stretch of coast. Beyond the shoreline, discover hidden gems like Draper’s Windmill, Hawley Square, and the charming village of St Peter’s, complete with a Norman church and tranquil lime avenue. This route blends stunning coastal views with fascinating history, offering a refreshing and energizing alternative to indoor workouts in cramped, airless gyms. Copy adapted from original by Julie Royle, Country Walking Magazine

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5. Seaford Head Loop, Southdowns National Park: Spectacular Views – 4.45 miles

Leave the gym behind and embrace the fresh, sea breeze on this 4.5-mile loop at Seaford Head in the South Downs National Park. With breathtaking views of the Seven Sisters cliffs, Hope Gap, Cuckmere Haven, and the vast English Channel, this route is the ultimate antidote to indoor workouts. The path takes you through a mix of coastal landscapes and crosses a golf course—just be mindful of golfers in action. Dogs are welcome but should be kept under control to protect local wildlife. Whether running or walking, this loop offers an energizing escape and a chance to connect with nature.

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6. Bedruthan Steps and Staircases, Cornwall: Coastal Drama – 4.57 miles

This 4-mile loop showcases towering 300ft cliffs, dramatic rock stacks, and golden sands, offering a stunning workout with a view. The iconic stacks, once romanticized by Victorian tourists, are steeped in myths of giants and local history. Explore the coast path past Redcliff Castle’s ancient remains and down to Bedruthan Beach via a secure staircase. With every step, you’ll swap stale air for sea breezes and expansive horizons, proving that nothing beats exercising in the great outdoors. Breathe deep and take it all in.

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7. Lighthouse Museum to Ben Damph, Anglesey: Coastal Air and Mountain Adventure – 4.34 miles

Enjoy the fresh coastal air on this invigorating 4.3-mile circular route from the Lighthouse Museum to Ben Damph in Anglesey. The trail blends coastal and mountain landscapes, offering breathtaking views over the Irish Sea, the dramatic peaks of Snowdonia, and rugged, rocky cliffs. Along the way, you’ll pass the historic South Stack Lighthouse, perched dramatically above crashing waves, and traverse sections of heathland rich in wildlife, from seabirds to rare plants. The route’s mix of steep climbs and easier paths provides a rewarding workout, proving that nature offers the ultimate space for fitness and mental clarity.

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8. St Bees Head, Cumbria: Wild Scenery – 3 miles

Trade the treadmill for this coastal trail run at St Bees Head. The sandstone cliffs, some of the most dramatic in northwest England, rise above the Irish Sea with views stretching to the Isle of Man and Galloway Hills. Home to an RSPB seabird colony, the route offers a unique spectacle in spring and summer, while autumn storms provide wild, energizing scenery. With every step, you’ll feel the benefits of fresh air and open horizons that no gym can replicate. Take in the historic St Bees Lighthouse and finish with hearty refreshments at nearby Sandwith.

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9. Craster Coastal Walk, Northumberland: Fresh Air and Endless Views – 9.5 miles

This route takes you along cliffs and wide, sandy beaches, with sweeping views of the North Sea and historic Dunstanburgh Castle in the distance. The open horizons and salty sea breeze offer a refreshing alternative to the stale air of indoor workouts. Perfect for running or walking fitness sessions, the route winds through picturesque Craster village, famous for its kippers, and continues past dramatic coastal landscapes. Whether for exercise or exploration, this trail lifts your spirits and fills your lungs with fresh air.

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Find a coastal trail running route near you!

From the dramatic cliffs of St Bees Head to the serene coastal paths of Durlston Country Park, these nine circular routes showcase the very best of Britain’s seaside running trails. Forget the gym—these routes offer fresh air, breathtaking horizons, and an energising connection to nature. Whether you’re chasing a runner’s high or enjoying a leisurely jog, these routes are the perfect way to boost both body and mind. Ready to ditch the gym and explore outdoor exercise?

Discover or plan your next coastal trail run with OS Maps —download the app today and uncover millions of Britain’s most breathtaking outdoors fitness routes.

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Learn More About Trail Running:

A beginner’s guide to trail running

What makes you a runner? My experience with Imposter Syndrome in running

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