The unpredictable weather makes it tempting to stay inside during winter, but it’s important for our wellbeing to stay active and get a regular dose of fresh air. Going for a run can be a great way to shake off the cobwebs and reconnect to nature. To help you stay active, we’ve pulled together a list of top trails, as recommended by staff out in the forest. With trails for all levels, the nation's forests provide the perfect backdrop for your winter runs.
Bedgebury (5K
This is the perfect circular 5K route for a run. Starting at the running map close to Go Ape, follow the pink waymarkers as the route takes you away from the busy Visitor Centre into the tranquil forest. The trail mostly follows all-weather forest tracks but there are a few muddy sections for added enjoyment.
Keep your eyes open for a glimpse of deer through the trees as you run under the canopy of sweet chestnuts and native scots pine. There are some challenging hills to begin with, but also some glorious downhill sections too.
Dalby (5K
The 5K route starts at Adderstone field 4.5 miles into the forest from the Visitor Centre. It's a circular 5km loop that takes in a number of forest blocks, from pine to birch, beech and fir.
It's an undulating course that uses footpaths, forest roads and grass rides - a trail runners paradise, especially for those wanting to progress from couch to 5km and parkrun.
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Whinlatter (5K
The Whinlatter 5K is a challenging circular route which has an additional mini loop at the top. You'll find yourself running mainly on wide forest roads with one short section on a forest path.
As you climb your way to 'Bob's Seat' you'll be rewarded with spectacular views to Derwentwater, Keswick, Skiddaw and the surrounding mountain ranges. You may even catch a glimpse of a red squirrel or roe deer as you run. After all that climbing you can enjoy the long, gentle descent all the way to the finish.
Salcey (5K)
A short run along the forest access road means a solid, flat surface underfoot to start, that later leads onto a beautiful tree-lined avenue.
This route also takes you past the Elephant Pond – named after the giant creatures that used to bathe in the pond during the Second World War. For your final stretch you're back on the forest road with an opportunity for a final sprint to finish.
The mental health benefits
Running on trails outdoors can improve your mental wellbeing, social inclusion and help to alleviate the winter blues. Around 1 in 3 people in the UK suffer from seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression that usually occurs during the winter months and can leave people with a persistent low mood (1).
Depression and anxiety cost the UK an estimated £70-£100 million a year [2], and studies have shown that spending as little as two hours a week in nature is an effective strategy for maintaining good mental health (3).
Ellen Devine, Wellbeing Projects Manager at Forestry England, said:
Skipping the gym in favour of a run or walk in the forest is a perfect opportunity to get on the path to fitness while also getting fresh air, recharging from the day and taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Spending time outdoors is a win-win for our bodies and our minds.
Why run in the forest?
Running in nature can give your mental health a boost and can also benefit your physical health. Our forest trails provide a softer surface for your joints, meaning fewer injuries, and they also keep you on your toes. With more natural obstacles, running in the forest means you need to concentrate more, watch where you go and keep good balance. These added elements will help you develop those much-needed leg muscles and help you tone and strengthen your legs.
Running outdoors will make your body work harder and will help you to get in better shape quickly. It’s time to get off the treadmill and into the forest!
References
1. The Weather Channel and YouGov research – 2014
