We’d like to make 2019 a year of discovery for barefoot runners new and old and with that in mind we’re compiling a guide to the best barefoot running spots in the UK. We can’t do it without your help, though, so we’d love to hear about your personal favourites. We’re looking for runs of all kinds – cross-country, road, beach, urban, flat, hilly, etc. (basically, wherever and on whatever you love to run) – so don’t hold back! Tell us where your running spot is (with a map link, if possible), with a brief description of the terrain and why you like it so much. You can post a reply here, or email barefoot.runners.uk@gmail.com. (And also let us know how you’d like to be credited for your contribution, e.g. given name, nickname, etc.). We look forward to hearing from you… Thanks
Great idea! Haven’t really participated here before but good timing as I try to get back into running more.
Working on a plan... The challenge is to make it relevant and accessible to as many of our widely-distributed members as possible. We should be ready to announce in a few days. Watch this space...
Wonderful! Please register here when you have the details: https://www.thebarefootrunners.org/forms/ibrd-event-registration.3/respond Thanks!
I am from Southern England. My favorite runs were Martin Down nature reserve in West Hampshire. (I lived there for 11 years). Chalk downland with lots of challenging flint stones underfoot but also ancient trails with mud and leaves. Lots of hills and history too. I grew up near Poole and used to go running on the Dorset coast path. Very varied geology means steep hills and a great variety of textures underfoot. Plenty of opportunities to get the feet wet in the sea before getting them muddy again on the trails.
I think this is one of my favourites- https://dorneylake.co.uk/Lake-and-Grounds.aspx Took part in a fun run event there recently. It's a great venue -pretty smooth tarmac road and pathway all the way round (no hidden gravel surprises!). Facilities are good too. They run fairly regular triathlon, running, & rowing events, so I'm not sure how easy it is to just turn up and run round the lake at other times. However, if you're ever thinking of entering an event there as a barefoot runner I'd certainly recommend it. I'll go back and do another one some day...