Running

Running trails in our woodlands

Our running trails provide an opportunity to run on safe, off-road, traffic-free trails in beautiful forest locations.

The trails are waymarked so you can feel confident about following the route and the view is much nicer than in a gym!

Remember that you’ll need footwear and kit to suit the conditions - some sections of the longer trails follow muddy footpaths for which trail shoes are recommended.

Running in Newborough Forest, Anglesey

Two running trails are waymarked from the main car park (Beach) in Newborough.

• The 5km Running Trail (3 miles/5 kilometres) is based on the route of the popular weekly Parkrun event.
• The Commonwealth Running Trail (8.5 miles/13.6 kilometres) follows part of the official race route of a championship trail race which took place here in 2011.

Find out more about running in Newborough Forest. 

Running in Coed y Brenin Forest Park, near Dolgellau

There are five waymarked running trails starting from Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre. 

• They vary in length from a couple of miles to a full half marathon and have been designed for novice to more experienced runners.
• The trails include an interesting mixture of forest roads and rough unmade public rights of way with occasional roots, mud and rocks. There are steep ascents and descents and occasional sections of tarmac road.

Find out more about running at Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre 

Running at Bwlch Nant yr Arian, near Aberystwyth

There are two waymarked running trails starting from the car park at Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre. 

• One running trail is five kilometres long and the other is 10 kilometres long.
• Both trails include flat sections, climbs and a variety of surfaces.

Find out more about running at Bwlch Nant yr Arian. 

Running in Spirit of Llynfi Woodland, near Bridgend

The three short waymarked running trails here are a fantastic introduction to trail running.

• They are on a mixture of forest roads, tarmacked surfaces, and a short section of single track road, with occasional mud and rocks.
• Depending on the difficulty level of the trail, there are steep ascents and descents and undulating sections.
• Both the orange and purple routes require a reasonable level of fitness. The red route is more appropriate for experienced runners with a higher level of fitness.

Find out more about running at the Spirit of Llynfi Woodland.

The Countryside Codes

The Countryside Codes provide advice to plan a visit to the outdoors and to help keep you and other people safe.

Find out more about the Countryside Codes.

Trail closures and diversions

Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or other operations.

Please check the page for the woodland or reserve on this website for any changes before you visit, especially if you want to do a specific trail, and follow any temporary signage and instructions from staff.