Finding new routes on your doorstep

With our new-found, or rekindled enthusiasm for running this is the perfect time to get exploring.

During lockdown, some of us have enjoyed Strava segment hunting. Others benefited from some great initiatives like virtual relays, and points tables for most miles and ascent clocked. This meant trying to find new running routes closer to home.

Finding new running routes near me

Dot Kesterton of Steel City Striders agrees. “During lockdown, I went in pursuit of a little height and stillness. I took the path off the road towards Blacka Hill and discovered a fantastic running route near me. Less than two miles from home a beautiful nature reserve full of native trees, streams, pathways, ascents, and descents, brilliant blue and buzzing with wildlife. It will be one to explore over the coming uncertain weeks ahead.

Similarly, Anne Stockley says “I have lived in St Albans for nine years. However, I only discovered during my lockdown runs that there is a mile-long path through a steep-sided ditch called Beech Bottom Dyke. The Dyke is an Iron Age territorial boundary probably constructed between 5 and 40 AD. This running route near me is an excellent trail running route. You need to pay attention to your footing due to some steep sections and plentiful tree roots. During lockdown it has been beautiful, full of bluebells, but I think it could be eerie on a dark day. It is an atmospheric place.”

Trig Point Bagging

Simon James from Run the Wild explains: “The beauty of the trig point challenge is that it spreads throughout the UK. It is a great way to find new running routes because a route is likely hidden away in your local area. As you discover them you can start to venture further afield as lockdown regulations allow! Very approximately they are about an average of around seven miles apart, so they can form either a multi or a singular bagging objective.

The website trigpointing.uk (or their handy App) is a great resource to get you going. Create an account so you can find new running routes and the trig points closest to you. Each point is easily defined by its appearance. When you have bagged a trig point, log it onto this site and go in search of your next one! Some are out in the open, but there are also quite a few that now sit in forests or more hidden spots and it’s a real achievement when you spot them!”

If you’re unsure the best way to find running routes near me, check out our useful tool! You can search using our site and find new running routes that are right on your doorstep.