How to pick a good trail running spot

Trail running can be one of the most enjoyable sports around, but how do you pick a spot when you are just getting started?

Once you have hit the trails a few times the whole process become fairly easy; just like anything, your first attempts are likely to be full of schoolboy errors that you can laugh about later. When you start to feel comfortable you may have the confidence to create your own routes and this is where the fun really begins for more adventurous types.

However let's start at the start; as a beginner you want to focus on staying safe and not over-exerting your body, since your knowledge of what you are capable of doing will develop as you go on.

On a basic level, you should be sure to have all the essential gear for your run, including a water bottle, phone and additional lightweight garments in case of rain or heavy sunshine - even though the latter is not a particularly common British threat. Be sure to wear a pair of sturdy trainers that will give you the grip to stay on your feet in muddy terrain - something like North Face Hedgehog trainers will be appropriate.

Where do you go though? Try to think about which nearby countryside areas may have fun places to go for a run - the reason for choosing somewhere close to home is so that you do not want to have a long trip home after exhausting yourself on a trail.

When you have a shortlist of options, use a map to consider how flat the terrain will be - as a beginner you will not want too many ascents and descents - how long you will need to run and whether heavy rainfall will make the route too much of a challenge. It is usually best to start out on the most recognised paths, since these will probably be well kept; try checking online forums for personal experiences of an area, or ask a trail-running acquaintance.

Until you are a more confident trail runner, it is highly recommended to head out with a friend, since it is very easy to twist your ankle and be stuck. At the very least, tell someone where you are going and carry a phone in case you need to call for help.