With it s dry trail s, blue skies and lighter days, summer is a prime time to take your running off the beaten track. From kit to technique, we quiz the experts for their top tips to help you get started

Words: Katie Campbell Spyrka

Trail queen Fernanda Maciel training in Lapinha da Serra, in her native Brazil

Considering taking your running from tarmac to trail? Great! Trail running’s scenic views and peaceful, undulating routes offer something for runners of every ability – despite the common perception that it’s solely for hardened athletes.

“The most common misconception I hear is, ‘It will be too tough for me,’” says Dave Taylor of Fell Running Guide (fellrunningguide.co.uk), who takes groups of all abilities on coaching sessions in the Peak District. “Trail running can be as easy or as difficult as the trail that you choose. Trails encompass everything from nice easy footpaths to bridleways and disused railways. You don’t have to run up a mountain into the back of beyond!”

There’s also a big tick list of physical benefits that comes with moving your running off-road. “Muscularly, trail and fell running work your body differently to road running, where you repeat the same movement mile after mile,” says Laura Inglis, endurance coach at Accelerate Performance Centre (accelerateuk.com/accelerateperformance). “On uneven ground, you need to engage your core muscles and all the stabilising muscles around your joints, as you alter your stride and position to best navigate the trail. Running on trails can act as a strength workout and reduce the risk of repetitive injuries and muscle imbalances.”

And did we mention the refreshing mental break from pounding the pavements that trail running brings?

“Pace becomes less important. It’s fun skipping over obstacles and through mud, and there are usually some pretty good views along the way,” says Inglis.