Exploring Nottingham’s Best Running Routes: A Comprehensive Guide
Nottingham, famous for its rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic landscapes, offers runners a diverse array of routes that cater to all levels of fitness and preferences. Whether you prefer running through historic parks, along scenic riversides, or exploring challenging trails, Nottingham provides ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors while staying active. This detailed guide explores some of the best running routes in Nottingham, highlighting their unique features, terrain specifics, and practical tips for an enjoyable running experience.
1. The University of Nottingham and Highfields Park Loop
Overview: The University of Nottingham campus and Highfields Park offer runners a combination of scenic parkland, lakeside views, and historical architecture.
Route Highlights:
- Distance: Approximately 3 miles (loop around the campus and park)
- Terrain: Paved paths, mostly flat with some gentle slopes
- Difficulty: Easy
Route Description: Start near the University of Nottingham’s main entrance and follow the paths that wind through the campus, past iconic buildings like the Trent Building and Lakeside Arts, and into Highfields Park. Runners can enjoy views of the boating lake, gardens, and the peaceful surroundings. Extend your run towards Wollaton Park or Beeston Canal for longer distances. The University of Nottingham and Highfields Park Loop provide runners with a scenic and culturally rich route amidst academic surroundings and natural beauty.
Practical Tips:
- Facilities: Toilets, cafes, and parking available near University Park and Highfields Park.
- Best Time to Run: Mornings or evenings for quieter paths; weekdays are generally less busy with students.
- Safety: Well-lit paths; suitable for evening runs.
2. Victoria Embankment and River Trent
Overview: The Victoria Embankment alongside the River Trent offers runners a picturesque route with views of Nottingham’s skyline and riverside beauty.
Route Highlights:
- Distance: Approximately 4 miles (out-and-back)
- Terrain: Paved paths, mostly flat with some gentle slopes
- Difficulty: Easy
Route Description: Start near Trent Bridge and follow the paths along Victoria Embankment towards Wilford Suspension Bridge or Colwick Country Park. Runners can enjoy views of the River Trent, Nottingham Forest Football Club’s City Ground, and lush riverside greenery. Extend your run towards Holme Pierrepont or Attenborough Nature Reserve for longer distances. Victoria Embankment and River Trent route provide runners with a scenic and tranquil experience amidst urban and natural landscapes.
Practical Tips:
- Facilities: Toilets, cafes, and parking available near Victoria Embankment and Trent Bridge.
- Best Time to Run: Early mornings for quieter paths; weekends can be busier with cyclists and pedestrians.
- Safety: Shared path; be courteous to other users and watch for cyclists.
3. Wollaton Park and Deer Park
Overview: Wollaton Park, located northwest of Nottingham city center, offers runners expansive parkland with woodland trails, a historic hall, and a lake.
Route Highlights:
- Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles (loop around the park)
- Terrain: Mixed terrain with gravel paths, woodland trails, and some gentle slopes
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Route Description: Start near Wollaton Hall and follow the paths that circle around the park’s gardens, past the lake, and through the woodland areas. Runners can enjoy views of Wollaton Hall, Nottingham skyline, and possibly spot deer roaming in the park. Extend your run towards Bramcote Hills Park or Nottingham University Park for longer distances. Wollaton Park and Deer Park provide runners with a scenic and historic route amidst natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Practical Tips:
- Facilities: Toilets, cafes, and parking available near Wollaton Hall.
- Best Time to Run: Mornings for quieter paths; weekends can be busier with visitors.
- Safety: Variable terrain; watch for tree roots and uneven paths.
4. Sherwood Forest and Major Oak Trail
Overview: Sherwood Forest, located north of Nottingham, offers runners a unique opportunity to explore ancient woodland and legendary landmarks like the Major Oak.
Route Highlights:
- Distance: Variable, from 2-6 miles (multiple trails and loops)
- Terrain: Mixed terrain with gravel paths, woodland trails, and some hilly sections
- Difficulty: Moderate
Route Description: Start at the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre and explore the trails that wind through the ancient oak trees, past the Major Oak, and towards Clumber Park or Rufford Abbey. Runners can enjoy views of ancient woodland, historical landmarks, and perhaps glimpse wildlife such as red deer and squirrels. Extend your run towards Creswell Crags or Thoresby Park for longer distances. Sherwood Forest and Major Oak Trail provide runners with a unique and immersive experience amidst legendary landscapes and natural wonders.
Practical Tips:
- Facilities: Toilets, cafes, and parking available at Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre.
- Best Time to Run: Mornings for quieter trails; weekends can be busier with tourists and families.
- Safety: Variable terrain; wear sturdy shoes and be cautious on uneven paths.
5. Rushcliffe Country Park
Overview: Rushcliffe Country Park, located south of Nottingham, offers runners a combination of woodland trails, open parkland, and scenic lake views.
Route Highlights:
- Distance: Variable, from 2-5 miles (multiple trails and loops)
- Terrain: Mixed terrain with gravel paths, woodland trails, and some hilly sections
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Route Description: Start near the visitor center and explore the trails that wind through woodland areas, past the lake, and towards Ruddington. Runners can enjoy views of Rushcliffe Park’s diverse landscapes, wildlife habitats, and seasonal flora. Extend your run towards Nottingham Canal or Cotgrave Country Park for longer distances. Rushcliffe Country Park provides runners with a peaceful and varied route amidst natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Practical Tips:
- Facilities: Toilets, cafes, and parking available at Rushcliffe Country Park.
- Best Time to Run: Mornings for quieter trails; weekends can be busier with families and cyclists.
- Safety: Variable terrain; watch for cyclists and be cautious on shared paths.
6. Nottingham Canal Towpath
Overview: The Nottingham Canal Towpath offers runners a scenic route alongside historic canal waters, connecting urban landscapes with natural tranquility.
Route Highlights:
- Distance: Approximately 6 miles (one-way, customizable for shorter or longer runs)
- Terrain: Flat with gravel paths
- Difficulty: Easy
Route Description: Start near Castle Marina or any access point along the canal and follow the towpath towards Beeston or Bulwell. Runners can enjoy views of the canal waters, wildlife such as ducks and swans, and occasional canal boats. Extend your run towards Attenborough Nature Reserve or Trowell for longer distances. Nottingham Canal Towpath provides runners with a peaceful and historically rich route amidst urban and rural landscapes.
Practical Tips:
- Facilities: Toilets, cafes, and parking available near Castle Marina and various access points along the canal.
- Best Time to Run: Mornings for quieter paths; weekends can be busier with walkers and cyclists.
- Safety: Shared path; be courteous to other users and watch for cyclists.
Conclusion
Nottingham’s running routes offer a diverse range of experiences, from historic parks and scenic lakes to legendary forests and urban greenways. Whether you’re a local runner exploring new paths or a visitor seeking to experience Nottingham’s natural beauty and cultural heritage on foot, there’s a route to suit every preference and fitness level. Lace up your running shoes, explore these diverse routes, and enjoy staying active while discovering the best of Nottingham’s outdoor spaces.
