the adventurist

THE BEST OF BRITAIN

HOME ADVANTAGE

Whether you’re plotting an end-of-year getaway or have your eyes on a serious challenge for 2026, you don’t have to board a plane to take your fitness to wild and wonderful places. From the entry level to the epic, here are the UK’s best destinations for runners, hikers and ruckers

Words Men’s and photography: Health Jen Benson and Sim Benson

HEAD FOR HEIGHTS The South Downs Way National Trail (p121)

1 AROUND TRESCO, ISLES OF SCILLY

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Ascent: 200m (660ft)

An archipelago of contrasting islands, from uninhabited Samson to bustling St Mary’s, Scilly’s beaches, clear seas and relaxed vibe are an adventure paradise. The trail circumnavigating sub-tropical Tresco, the second-biggest of the isles, showcases its landscapes, flora and fauna. Starting at the quay, a clockwise loop visits Cromwell’s Castle, as well as the outcrops and heathland of the north coast. Sandy beaches line the eastern shore, while a Benedictine abbey lies in the south. You can walk or run from Tresco to the tiny island of Bryher a few times each year. islandeering.com/islands/tresco

2 THE MONSAL TRAIL, PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK

Distance: 8.5 miles (13.7km)

Ascent: (starting from Bakewell) 400m (1,310ft)

This former railway line runs through the Peak District National Park between Bakewell and Chee Dale. Suitable for bikes, buggies and wheelchairs, it’s a fantastically accessible, family-friendly run. Dark tunnels, dramatic scenery and cafe stops dot the way, and you can link with trails such as the Limestone Way and Pennine Bridleway for a longer day out. Highlights include the Headstone Viaduct across the River Wye. monsaltrail.org.uk

3 LOCH OSSIAN FROM CORROUR STATION, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Distance: 9 miles (14km)

Ascent: 85m (280ft)

Loch Ossian lies on the edge of Rannoch Moor, east of Ben Nevis. Accessible only by foot, bike or train, Corrour station is an hour from Fort William. Our run starts at the station, but the 7.5-mile circuit from the hostel on the loch’s shores has been a challenge since former hostel manager Tom Rigg ran it in 49 minutes in 1977. Mountain scenery, forest trails and moorland with views across the water await. walkhighlands.co.uk/fortwilliam/loch-ossian.shtml

4 AROUND DERWENTWATER, LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK

Distance: 10 miles (16km)

Ascent: 550m (1,800ft)

This popular trail around beautiful Derwentwater is best run clockwise to fully appreciate the spectacular views. Setting out from The Moot Hall in Keswick, famous in fell-running circles as the start/finish point of the Bob Graham Round (see p119), the route heads down the eastern lakeshore, passing Broomhill Point. The 30m-high cascade of Lodore Falls and the ‘Chinese bridge’ over the River Derwent at Borrowdale await at the lake’s southern end, along with gorgeous views north to Skiddaw and Blencathra. Returning up the wooded western shore, the trail crosses the bridge at Portinscale before returning to Keswick. keswick.org/what-to-do/walkingroutes/derwentwaterwalk