You'll need calves of steel to sprint up Ben Ledi
© Jen & Sim Benson
Running

8 British mountain running routes you have to try

Dust off your trail shoes and ready yourself for steep climbs and awesome views on these show-stopping mountain runs.
Written by Mollie McGuigan
5 min readPublished on
Much as we love road running (don't forget the Wings for Life World Run on 3 May 2020, which will once again see entrants pursued by a catcher car and all proceeds going towards a good cause), nothing beats going off road. Not least when mountains are involved.
And you don’t need to go far for a thrilling upland run in Britain. With its towering peaks, craggy fells and vertiginous ridgeway paths, it's a runner’s paradise. It’s accessible, too, with miles of high level routes reached by foot, car and, in some cases, public transport.
In the brilliant book Wild Running, a collection of Britain’s greatest trail runs, authors Jen and Sim Benson champion the most epic UK running routes. Each pick meets three essential requirements: “an amazing setting, great running terrain and just a little magic."
Having taken part in marathons, triathlons and adventure races, the Bensons are well placed to give a rundown, with their book ticking off everything from windswept beaches and bucolic lakes, to rugged moorland and towering mountain ranges. And here are eight of the best high level British running routes from the book...

1. High Willhays, Dartmoor

The stunning wilds of Dartmoor's High Willhays

The stunning wilds of Dartmoor's High Willhays

© Jen & Sim Benson

Best for: Nature lovers
Distance: 8 miles/ 12.5km
Ascent: 541 metres
What: Taking in Dartmoor’s two official mountains, this run advances along the edge of the stunning Meldon Reservoir, up to the summit of High Willhays, across the ridge to Yes Tor, followed by a speedy descent to Meldon.
Best bit: Bounding through Black-a-tor-copse, one of Britain’s finest examples of high altitude oak forest and home to vivid lichens and mosses, plus birds such as the pretty redstart and ring ouzel.
Level of difficulty: 5/10

2. Pen Y Fan, Brecon Beacons

Pen y Fan is a trail runner's paradise

Pen y Fan is a trail runner's paradise

© Tracy Purnell

Best for: SAS wannabes
Distance: 12 miles/ 19km
Ascent: 971 metres
What: A Special Forces training grounds and the Brecon Beacons’ highest point, Pen Y Fan makes for a tough run with a scenic pay off. The Benson’s route begins at Neuadd Reservoir, up to 873-metre Corn Du, then on over 886-metre Pen y Fan before ridge running along to the 719-metre Fan y Big. You’ll be a tired, proud mess by the end of it.
Best bit: Awesome summit views, and a magical woodland stretch at Taf Fechan.
Level of difficulty: 7/10

3. Ben Ledi, Trossachs

You'll need calves of steel to sprint up Ben Ledi

You'll need calves of steel to sprint up Ben Ledi

© Jen & Sim Benson

Best for: Loch views
Distance: 11 miles/ 17.5km
Ascent: 1142 metres
What: A there and back route in Scotland’s Trossachs, which takes in a section of the undulating Rob Roy Way, before peeling off into woodland trails and up to the top of Ben Ledi for glorious views of Loch Lubnaig’s rippling water.
Best bit: Stopping to admire the thundering Falls of Leny.
Level of difficulty: 7/10

4. Pen-Y-Ghent, Yorkshire Dales

Catch Pen y Ghent on a sunny day and there's no finer sight

Catch Pen y Ghent on a sunny day and there's no finer sight

© Jen & Sim Benson

Best for: Adventurers
Distance: 10 miles/16km
Ascent: 634 metres
What: An introduction to the Three Peaks challenge, this route summits the lowest of the trio, the 694-metre Pen-Y-Ghent, before traversing neighbouring Plover Hill and finishing on the Pennine Way. A sunny weekday should give you solid ground and not too many walkers clogging the path.
Best bit: The views atop Pen-Y-Ghent and racing down the other side.
Level of difficulty: 7/10

5. Coniston Fells, Lake District

Looking from Wetherlam across to Langdale and Bow Fell

Looking from Wetherlam across to Langdale and Bow Fell

© Jen & Sim Benson

Best for: Fell running
Distance: 8.5 miles/ 13.5km
Ascent: 1105 metres
What: Don’t be deceived by the gentle start – a mile or so into this run you’ll need all your energy for powering up the 800-metre Old Man of Coniston. Summit conquered, follow the gorgeous ridgeline north around Levers Water along Prison Band, and south past Wetherlam back to the start.
Best bit: Scrambling up Old Man of Coniston and carefully striking your way out along the high level rocky paths.
Level of difficulty: 8/10

6. The Cheviot, Northumberland

The view of Cheviot from Hedgehope

The view of Cheviot from Hedgehope

© Matt Pearce

Best for: Endurance fans
Distance: 17.5 miles/ 28km
Ascent: 1159 metres
What: A challenging, rewarding, long distance route, summiting the 549-metre Scald Hill and 815-metre Cheviot - the highest point in the Cheviot Hills. The route begins in Happy Valley, hugging the fast flowing Harthope Burn, before heading up to the peaks and back down past several crags. Watch your ankles!
Best bit: Cutting through the valley alongside meandering Harthope Burn will be the most tranquil and prettiest warm-up you’ve ever done.
Level of difficulty: 9/10

7. Nantlle Ridge, Wales

A fog-wrapped Nantlle Ridge

A fog-wrapped Nantlle Ridge

© Kate Worthington; RAW Adventure

Best for: Solitary miles
Distance: 14 miles/ 22.5km
Ascent: 2342 metres
What: For a quiet, if super steep alternative to tourist hotspot Snowdon, make a bee line for Natlle Valley. This out and back route takes in seven beautiful summits, beginning with the 633-metre Y Garn, and ending with the 610-metre Mynydd Graig Goch, before returning to the start. The peaks are connected by winding ridge paths and framed by epic views of Snowdonia National Park.
Best bit: Miles of trail and very few people to share it with.
Level of difficulty: 9/10
Best for: Extreme conditions

8. Glen Shiel, Highlands

The imposing peaks of Glen Shiel in Scotland

The imposing peaks of Glen Shiel in Scotland

© Jen & Sim Benson

Distance: 20 miles/ 31.5km
Ascent: 1869 metres
What: A run that requires a lot of prep, this epic 20-miler takes in the entirety of Glen Shiel plus seven munros and ends with a bus trip back to the start. It's very hard terrain but well worth it. Choose your weather wisely, dress properly, take food and water, and establish your return route before you set off and this could be the best run of your life.
Best bit: Minimal descent between the munros means most of your run will be high line, with awe-inspiring views.
Level of difficulty: 10/10
Read about more incredible UK running routes in Wild Running by Jen & Sim Benson (£16.99)