The 5 Best Trail Running Routes in Wales
If you’re looking for your next trail running adventure in Wales, you’ve come to the right place. From Eryri’s (Snowdonia’s) dramatic peaks to Pembrokeshire’s rugged coastline, Wales’ trail running routes are some of the best in the UK.
Whether you’re after challenging mountain trail runs or gentle coastal paths, there’s something here for every level. I’ve been on a fair few trail runs in Wales, and here are my top 5 running route recommendations.
The 5 Best Trail Running Routes in Wales
- Conwy – Mynydd y Dref (Conwy Mountain)
- The Anglesey coast path
- The Gower coast path
- Trans Wales Trail Run
- Offa’s Dyke Path
1. Conwy – Mynydd y Dref (Conwy Mountain)
Let’s start with an absolute gem that is the trail running route between Conwy town and Mynydd y Dref (Conwy Mountain). This 9.7 km circular trail follows sections of the Cambrian Way out to Penmaen Bach, Allt Wen and Maen Esgob. Together, this makes a moderatley challenging route.
In addition, it is one of the most accessible trail runs in Wales, as it (conveniently) begins at Conwy train station. From here, the trail gets your heart pumping by leading you up Conwy Mountain and along the ridge. Here you will be treated to glorious natural scenery, with Eryri (Snowdonia National Park) on one side and Conwy Bay on the other.
When you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the town, estuary and nearby coastline. The Conwy-Mynydd y Dref route is also one of the top trail running locations in North Wales for history buffs.
You’ll be running along ancient paths that have been used for hundreds of years, to the Iron Age hillfort of Castell Caer Seion at the summit. Visit between August and October to tackle this route at its most beautiful. When Conwy Mountain flourishes into bloom, purple heather springs up all over the peak.
This is also one of the most varied trail runs in Wales, covering a lot of different types of terrain. This includes rocky outcrops that will test your agility, grassy sections where you can really open out your stride.
With so many tracks criss-crossing along the route, you can make a loop as short or long as your legs will take you! Once you return to Conwy, you can make the most of this beautiful medieval town. Explore its stunning streets and breathtaking 13th-century castle.
With so many sights to see along this route, it’s absolutely one of the top trail running routes in Wales. There’s a reason it features in our Trail Running Camps!
2. The Anglesey Coastal Path
If you’re after something that’ll really test your endurance while treating you to some of the finest coastal scenery in Britain, the Anglesey Coast Path could be the best trail run in Wales for you.
This 200km long footpath around the island of Anglesey is part of the Wales Coast Path and falls within a designated National Landscape (previously known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – AONB), which covers 95% of the coast.
You can break up the route into shorter sections, staying over in hotels and guesthouses in quaint villages on route. Furthermore, the natural scenery along this route is absolutely stunning, as you come across rugged coastal cliffs, golden-sand beaches and electric-blue waters.
This is also one of the top places to go trail running in North Wales for wildlife lovers. You are able to spot seals lounging on rocks and you may even spot some dolphins playing in the waves.
The scenery along this route is so varied that it keeps you entertained along the way, as you’ll come across everything from the South Stack Lighthouse, standing guard over the treacherous rocks, to an Iron Age roundhouse village and the 13th-century fortress of Beaumaris Castle.
3. The Gower Coast Path
The Gower Peninsula in South Wales holds a special place in Welsh hearts as Britain’s very first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (now known as National Landscapes), and running the coast path here quickly shows you how it earned this accolade.
Expect incredible coastal views, with beaches that look like they belong in the Caribbean. The 65km South Wales trail running route guides you along the whole peninsula and makes up a section of the Wales Coast Path. Although, you can easily break it into manageable sections that work perfectly for day runs.
The great thing about the Gower Coast Path is how varied it is. One day, you might find yourself running along Rhossili Bay’s spectacular stretch of sand, and the next exploring Three Cliffs Bay’s tidal landscape with its maze of wildlife-filled rock pools and marshes, and the three majestic limestone cliffs watching over.
In addition, here’s a wonderful sense of history here, too. These coves were attractive to 18th-century bootleggers, who used them for illicit business activities. Specifically, our favourite section of the Gower Coastal Path is that between Port Eynon and Llangennith. The scenery here is among the most stunning you’ll find on any trail running route in South Wales, with stunning views across Worm’s Head and the golden sands of Rhossili.
If you’re looking to do the Gower Peninsula, we offer a 6-day trip that includes 4 days of running along this beautiful South Wales trail running route. Along the way, you can rest and refuel by staying at charming little villages and enjoy a local atmosphere and tasty home-cooked meals.
4. The Trans Wales Trail Run
Here’s where things get seriously exciting for experienced trail runners. The Trans Wales Trail Run is an epic trail running 100km-long adventure that takes you through the wilds of mid Wales. From the English border at Newtown, through the Cambrian mountains, to Aberystwyth on the stunning west coast.
Our Trans Wales Trail Run leads you across the route over 5 days, under the expert guidance of a qualified UKA Fell & Trail Coach. If you’re a seasoned trail runner looking for one of the most challenging ways to explore Wales by trails, this is the one for you.
However, the technical nature of the trails demands solid experience and a good level of fitness. After all, you’re looking at crossing the entire width of Wales, from the English border to the stunning west coast. Whilst travelling through some of the most remote and beautiful countryside in Britain, where you’ll encounter few other visitors.
The journey leads you past historic and natural wonders, including the ruins of a Cistercian Abbey, the iconic Devil’s Bridge, and the stunning Elan Valley. Before finishing in the picturesque seaside town of Aberystwyth.
5. Offa’s Dyke Path
Fancy running through over a thousand years of history? Offa’s Dyke Path’s 285km-long hiking trail also happens to be one of the top trail running routes in North Wales.
It follows an 8th-century ancient monument that stretches the entire length of the Welsh-English border. Named after King Offa, he ordered its construction to divide his Kingdom of Mercia from rival kingdoms in what is now England.
Running alongside the border between England and Wales, Offa’s Dyke Path passes through eight counties and two of Wales’ Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (the Wye Valley and Clwydian Range).
You certainly don’t need to run the whole route in one go, as it’s easy to break it into sections. For example: Offa’s Dyke North, Mid and South.
The landscape is always stunning, from the riverside meadows of the Severn valleys to the peaceful rolling hills of Shropshire and Powys and the dramatic heather-clad uplands of the Black Mountains and the Clwydian Range.
The southern section through the Wye Valley is particularly stunning, with the river snaking through ancient woodlands and dramatic gorges. As you head north, the character changes completely. Suddenly, you’re running across open moorland with views that stretch for miles in every direction.
The Top Wales Trail Running Events
There are so many trail running events in Wales taking place throughout the year, and there’s honestly something for everyone. Whether you’re stepping into trail running for the first time or you’re a seasoned runner looking for your next challenge.
The Ultra-Trail Snowdonia
One of the UK’s top UTMB World Series events, the Ultra Trail Snowdonia is a prestigious running event in Wales. It brings together runners from all over the shop to tackle four different race distances: 100miles, 100km, 50km and 25km.
XTERRA Snowdonia Trail Marathon Eryri
XTERRA Snowdonia Trail Marathon Eryri is a multi-distance event that brings the international XTERRA brand to the heart of Snowdonia. It offers everything from a 10k introduction to trail running right up to ultra distances.
Furthermore, the courses take you through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Wales, with technical terrain that’ll keep you engaged every step of the way.
Gower Peninsula Ultra Challenge: Marathon 42K Loop
The Gower Peninsula provides the perfect backdrop for this marathon distance challenge. The route takes you on a 42 km loop that showcases the incredible beauty of this corner of the country.
Starting from Penrice Castle, you’ll also experience Oxwich Bay, the stunning Wales Coast Path, and some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery you’ll find anywhere. Moreover, the route combines challenging cliff-top running with gentler coastal sections, giving your legs (and your camera) plenty of variety. With such incredible views, this is definitely one of the most enjoyable South Wales running events to tackle.
Gower Peninsula Ultra Challenge: 75K Challenge
If the 42-km-long ultra didn’t sound quite challenging enough for you, there’s also the Gower Peninsula Ultra Challenge 75K Challenge. It’s one of the most challenging trail running events in Wales.
If you love nature, this extended route also takes you deeper into the peninsula’s wild spaces. It combines multiple sections of the Wales Coast Path with inland trails that reveal hidden valleys and ancient landscapes.
Love Trails Festival
If trail running festivals are more up your street than a race, check out the Love Trails Festival in Wales. This unique event, held on the Gower Peninsula combines music, trail running and other outdoor adventures into one incredible festival.
Taking place in July, you can spend your days running and hiking through this beautiful part of Wales. After, enjoy some live music performances under the stars in the evening.
Summary
With such incredible landscapes and trails to explore, you cannot go wrong with trail running in Wales. From the heights of Conwy Mountain to the epic coast-to-coast Trans Wales Trail Run, each route promises its own unique adventure.
Ready to hit the trails in Wales? Adventure Tours UK offers an exciting range of Trail Running Trips, including the legendary Trans Wales Trail Run and seasonal Spring and Autumn trail running camps. We can also design bespoke trail running trips to suit the exact adventure you’re after. Contact us now to start planning an unforgettable trail running trip in Wales.
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