Forget pounding the treadmill at the gym. Britain's runners have spoken, and the nation's most spectacular running routes have officially been revealed. A new survey of 2,000 UK runners, commissioned by Postcode Lottery, has crowned the stunning trail from Loch Lomond Shores to the lower slopes of Ben Lomond as the nation's most scenic run.
Top Scenic Runs
Taking runners along the sparkling waters of Scotland's most famous loch before opening up to sweeping Highland views, rugged hillsides, and some of the most dramatic scenery anywhere in the UK, the 13km route topped the poll with 22% of the vote. Just behind was London's iconic Hyde Park to Kensington Gardens route (21%), where runners weave between tree-lined avenues, ornamental lakes, elegant flower gardens, and some of the capital's most famous landmarks, all without ever feeling far from nature.
Also claiming a spot near the top was the breathtaking Ambleside to Grasmere trail in the Lake District (21%). The route takes runners through rolling fells, ancient stone villages, and picture-perfect countryside that inspired some of Britain's greatest poets. Northern Ireland's spectacular Giant's Causeway coastal trail to Dunseverick Castle (20%) also proved a firm favourite. Hugging dramatic clifftops overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the route offers panoramic sea views, crashing waves, and one of the most awe-inspiring coastlines in Europe.
Edinburgh's Arthur's Seat summit loop to Holyrood Park (18%) came next, rewarding runners with dramatic city views stretching across Scotland's capital before descending through the wild green landscape that sits in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. Richmond Park's full outer loop (18%) secured sixth place thanks to its vast open grasslands, ancient oak trees, and famous herds of roaming deer, offering Londoners a countryside escape without leaving the city.
Coastal Favourites
Further down the ranking, runners showed a clear love of Britain's coastline. The Brighton Palace Pier to Hove Lagoon route (14%) combines sea air, beach views, and one of the country's most vibrant promenades, while the Bournemouth Pier to Sandbanks Beach route (13%) offers golden sands, turquoise waters, and stunning views across Poole Harbour. Dalby Forest in North Yorkshire (13%) earned praise for its peaceful woodland trails winding through dense pine forests and rolling countryside, while Cardiff Bay's barrage loop to Penarth Marina (13%) rounds off the top ten with waterside views, modern architecture, and sweeping vistas across the Bristol Channel.
Social Media Influence
The findings suggest Britain's runners are increasingly seeking out routes that offer more than simply clocking up miles, choosing trails that combine fitness with fresh air, memorable landscapes, and Instagram-worthy views. But while runners may be heading out in search of stunning scenery, many are also keeping a close eye on what everyone else is posting online. Half (49%) feel pressure to make their workouts look more impressive once they're uploaded online, while almost two thirds (61%) regularly compare their running activity against people they follow on fitness apps.
In fact, 50% agree fitness apps and sharing workouts online have made people more competitive when it comes to running, while a staggering 89% believe tracking and sharing runs has transformed running from a solo activity into a public one. However, social sharing isn't all bad. Nearly a third (32%) say seeing other people's runs online motivates them to get active themselves.
Charity Challenge
The research was released to celebrate the launch of Crowns for Causes, a new challenge from Postcode Lottery on Strava aiming to unlock £5 million for good causes. Launching on 8 June, participants who complete three activities across the summer will unlock a donation to one of five charities: Hospice UK, Mind, Guide Dogs, Royal British Legion, and Cancer Research UK, with no fundraising required.
Davina McCall, a passionate runner and Postcode Lottery ambassador, said: "I've always believed that getting active should feel good, not like a chore. What I love about Crowns for Causes is that it meets you exactly where you are. Whether you're running 5KM or 50KM, your everyday activity can now unlock real money for charities that genuinely change lives – and that's exactly why I'm so proud to be a Postcode Lottery ambassador. Lace up, get out there, and let's make every mile count for something more."
Most Scenic UK Runs
- Loch Lomond Shores to Ben Lomond lower trail route (13km) – 22%
- Hyde Park to Kensington Gardens (7km) – 21%
- Ambleside to Grasmere, Lake District (14km) – 21%
- Giant's Causeway coastal trail to Dunseverick Castle (8km) – 20%
- Arthur's Seat summit loop to Holyrood Park (5km) – 18%
- Richmond Park full outer loop (12km) – 18%
- Brighton Palace Pier to Hove Lagoon (8km) – 14%
- Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire (10km) – 13%
- Bournemouth Pier to Sandbanks Beach (11km) – 13%
- Cardiff Bay barrage loop to Penarth Marina (9km) – 13%
