Do you love nothing better than pulling on your running shoes and picking out a route through a bustling city?
If you’ve got a passion for city centre running, check out this guide to some of the best urban jogging the UK has to offer.
We’ve picked our five favourite cities, and included some helpful advice and tips, as well as what we think are the best routes.
1. London
It may be one of the busiest and most congested cities in the world, but the UK capital surprisingly offers some of the best, and most scenic jogging routes you could hope for.
The Thames Path is a fantastic option for joggers of all abilities, offering the chance to run alongside the likes of Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Can you think of a better backdrop to your morning run than that?
The numerous green spaces, including the likes of Hyde Park and Richmond Park, are also perfect for runners in search of something a little more peaceful than the bustling pavements and streets.
New to the city and unsure about the best running spots? Why not book yourself a place on a jogging tour?
Some companies offering a unique way of sightseeing through the city streets. However, tours like these are a great way of learning safe routes through a new city, often with something beautiful to look at along the way!
2. Newcastle-upon-Tyne
It may not be able to boast glorious weather, but Newcastle-upon-Tyne definitely deserves its place in the top five running locations. It’s not a coincidence that the city annually hosts one of the biggest half-marathons in the world!
Highlights in this Northern runners paradise include a pleasant route along the recently development quayside, leading runners out of the busy urban centre of the city to the tranquil Ouseburn Valley.
You may only be a few miles from the city centre, but it’s easy to imagine that you’ve been transported into the heart of the English countryside!
3. Cardiff
The Welsh capital is one of the flattest cities in the UK, as well as being able to boast more sunlight hours than a city like Milan, and more green space per person that any other UK city.
If you’re on the lookout for a new jogging location, those three facts should have your eyes lighting up.
One of Cardiff’s most popular, and picturesque, routes is the five mileroute from the suburb of Canton into Cardiff Bay, leading runners on a vibrant and physically demanding trail through the city centre.
4. Sheffield
If you’re looking for a running challenge, then Sheffield’s the place to head. The city was constructed on several hillsides, which promise strenuous jogging and running routes, as well as fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.
Sheffield is also considered one of the safest cities in the UK, so it’s the most sensible choice if you enjoy late night running on your own.
Hilly routes around Sheffield can be strenuous on your knee joints, especially if you’re running them often. For this reason, it’s important that you’ve got some decent footwear. Asics and other footwear companies, incorporate a Heel Clutching System for optimum support, and to reduce the impact of each stride – so they’re perfect for uphill running.
Graves Park, in the south west of the city, is a particularly popular choice with runners and is home to numerous running clubs in the city, so it’s great if you prefer training alongside others.
5. Edinburgh
There’s no denying that it can get rather chilly up in Edinburgh, although that can be a perfect climate for joggers who really like to push themselves physically.
Anyone in search of a route than combines gorgeous scenery, a glimpse of Scottish history and some physically intense uphill running, should look no further than 3.3 mile route around Arthur’s Seat, roughly one mile from Edinburgh Castle – one of the best places to see in Edinburgh.
TOP TIP: This a really pleasant route during daylight hours, although it’s not recommended at night if you’re jogging alone, as part of the route is quite isolated.
