The best running trails around Scarborough

Embark on a challenging jogging adventure with the Whitby & Robin Hood's Bay loop, covering 12.9 miles (20.7 km) and gaining 839 feet (256 metres) in elevation. This route offers a dynamic experience, blending the rugged coastal path with the smoother, tree-lined Cinder Track. You will jog past the historic Whitby Abbey perched on the cliffs and through the charming, cobbled streets of Robin Hood's Bay, all within an estimated 2 hours and 23 minutes.

Planning your visit requires acknowledging the route's difficult grading, primarily due to the coastal sections. Be prepared for uneven ground, craggy steps, and potentially slippery surfaces, especially after rain. While the Cinder Track provides an easier jogging surface, keep an eye out for occasional potholes and areas with poor drainage. Proper footwear and awareness of conditions are essential for an enjoyable run.

This loop is notable for its striking contrasts in scenery and terrain, showcasing the dramatic North Sea views alongside the tranquil Esk Valley. The Cinder Track, a former railway line, offers a unique historical element, including majestic views from the iconic Larpool Viaduct. It's a fantastic way to experience the diverse landscapes and rich heritage of the North York Moors National Park.

This moderate 6.4-mile (10.3 km) jogging loop from Ravenscar offers a varied experience, taking about 1 hour and 6 minutes to complete with 465 feet (142 metres) of elevation gain. You will jog along the historic Cinder Track, a former railway line, which provides fantastic coastal views and glimpses of heather-clad hillsides. The route also incorporates sections of the Cleveland Way, a clifftop path with panoramic vistas across Robin Hood's Bay and out to the North Sea. Expect a mix of surfaces, from well-surfaced track to gravel, dirt roads, and some potentially bumpy or muddy sections, especially on the final ascent to Ravenscar. You will pass through woodlands and moorland, enjoying diverse scenery throughout your run.

While the Cinder Track itself is generally flat, the inclusion of the Cleveland Way introduces more challenging elements, with some steep up and down sections. Some paths connecting the Cinder Track and the coast can be very boggy, so good boots are recommended, especially after rain. The trail can become muddy and rough in winter or after significant rainfall, so plan your visit accordingly. Be prepared for varied terrain that can be rougher in places, requiring careful footing.

This route is rich in history, featuring the well-preserved Ravenscar Radar Station, a significant World War II Chain Home Low site built in 1941. You can explore the remains of several brick buildings, including a transmitter/receiver block and engine house. Ravenscar itself is known as "the town that never was," a fascinating example of a Victorian resort that never fully materialized. The Cinder Track also showcases remnants of its railway past, such as old stations and bridges, adding to the unique character of your jog.

Embark on the Mallyan Spot and Simon Howe loop from Goathland, a moderate jogging route that takes you through diverse North York Moors landscapes. This trail spans 8.5 miles (13.7 km) and includes an elevation gain of 762 feet (232 metres), which you can typically complete in about 1 hour and 33 minutes. You will experience the charm of Goathland village before heading out to discover the wild beauty of the moors, with the impressive Mallyan Spout Waterfall as a key highlight.

When planning your visit, remember that this moderate run requires good fitness due to its length and elevation changes. The path leading to Mallyan Spout can be rocky and slippery, especially after rain, so make sure you wear sturdy shoes and watch your footing. You can find parking in Goathland, and the village is also accessible by public transport, making it convenient to start your adventure.

This route offers a varied experience, combining natural wonders with historical elements. As you climb towards Simon Howe, you will enjoy expansive views over the village, Cropton Forest, and the vast moorland, which bursts into vibrant purple with heather in late summer. You will also follow sections of an old railway line, adding a unique historical touch to your jogging journey through this scenic part of the North York Moors National Park.

Embark on a moderate jogging loop through the North York Moors National Park, covering 9.2 miles (14.9 km) with an elevation gain of 424 feet (129 metres), typically completed in 1 hour and 46 minutes. This route offers varied terrain, from unpaved and natural paths to gravel sections and even an old medieval road, ensuring a dynamic experience. You will jog past the tranquil Scaling Dam Reservoir and ascend to Danby Beacon, where you can enjoy expansive panoramic views stretching across heather-covered moors to the south and the distant North Sea to the north. Expect to see sheep grazing among the bracken as you navigate remote moorland sections, where paths can sometimes be intermittent, adding to the wild feel of the landscape. The highest point on the route reaches 290 meters, while the lowest is 180 meters.

To begin your jogging adventure, look for starting points often located near Scaling Dam or the picturesque village of Lealholm. Given the remote nature of some moorland sections, it is advisable to bring navigation tools or skills, especially if you plan to jog in poor weather conditions. The trail is suitable for those with a good level of fitness, as it is classified as a moderate run. Be prepared for a mix of surfaces, including significant portions of unpaved, natural, and gravel paths.

This loop is rich in history and unique features, making it more than just a scenic jog. You will encounter Danby Beacon, a site with a past as a 17th-century signal station and a crucial World War II radar station, now marked by a modern blue stainless steel beacon. The route also passes by Scaling Dam Reservoir, notable for its unusual design and as a hub for wildlife and activities. Keep an eye out for ancient archaeological sites, including Bronze Age burial mounds like Robin Hood's Butts, and the Grade II-listed Stump Cross on an old medieval route, adding layers of historical intrigue to your run.

Jog this 5.0-mile (8.1 km) moderate loop through the North York Moors, following an old railway line and spotting steam trains.

This difficult 9.3-mile jogging loop from Commondale offers sweeping moorland views, historical sites like the Quakers' Causeway, and coasta

Jog the moderate 6.0-mile Glaisdale Rigg and Glaisdale Head Loop in North York Moors National Park for expansive views and varied terrain.