From triathlons to cycle races, throughout the year, North Wales holds many sporting events, with competitors travelling for miles to take part. So if you are someone who packs your trainers when you come on holiday to Golden Gate Holiday Centre or any of the other caravan parks in North Wales, here are 5 of the most exhilarating running routes.
If you are new to running
There are many scenic runs that are relatively flat, vital for new runners. Try running along the coastline where the glorious sea views will help to keep you focused and your mind off the exertion. Begin by combining walking and running; then slowly increase your strengths.
1. Anglesey – Newborough Forest and Malltraeth Marsh
- * Distance – around 15 miles
- * Difficulty – Easy underfoot, flat surface
- * Watch out for – Views of the mountains and red squirrels
This run, depending on your fitness levels, can be started at differing points along the route. Beginning at Malltraeth Marsh you will encounter sheep and cows, then cross the road to follow the causeway with an amazing viewpoint towards Snowdonia. Follow this route to Newborough Forest with many different pathways and tracks. You may get lost as you traverse through the woods, but then follow the same causeway, grassy return route across Malltraeth sounds.
2. Anglesey – Rhoscolyn Loop
- * Distance – 4 miles
- * Difficulty – Easy run, quiet road with pavements all the way and a gentle gradient at the end
- * Watch out for – Fantastic views across the island from St Gwenfaen’s
Beginning at the church at St Gwenfaen, standing with your back to the church, turn right and head along to Four Mile Bridge, then left to the Anchorage Pub. Next follow the left-hand road to Rhoscolyn, running past the school with a gentle climb returning to the church. This 4-mile run offers stunning scenery and if you are feeling a bit more adventurous, take the footpath through the Plas gate access below the church; take the country road, step over the stile and carry on up to the sea view lookout. This will add around an additional one mile to your run.
3. Caernarfon loop
- * Distance – 6.25 miles
- * Difficulty – Several hilly parts and can be quite hard with a headwind on the Aber
- * Watch out for – varied wildlife species and the steam train
Beginning at Caernarfon Castle, follow the shore at Aber, where you will spy numerous species of wildlife. Follow a left turn as you head away from the sea-line, and encounter an incline; continue to wind around to the Welsh Highland Railway path, where if you’re lucky you may come across a steam train going by. The route finishes by crossing the car park and return to the Castle. In July there is an annual run here where you compete to win the 5km with the train.
4. Snowdonia – Llyn Padarn
- * Distance – 5 miles
- * Difficulty – Moderate. A route with road and trail, some short up and downhill sections.
- * Watch out for – Views across the lake across to Mount Snowdon.
Try this circular route offering a combination of environments. An amazing view can be had from the small bridge at the ending of the lake before you climb up the side of the hill, where you can enjoy the vista of the valley and lake taking in Snowdon. Cross through the woodland on the hill with stunning glimpses of the lake and mountains.
5. Great Orme Road
- * Distance – 9 km
- * Difficulty – Easy to Moderate
- * Watch out for – Scenic sea views
It’s easiest if you park on the West Shore, and begin and end your route here. Take the one-way toll road for a quiet run.
There are hundreds, if not thousands of walking and running routes around the coastline that are easily accessible from caravan parks in North Wales. Pack your running gear and fit in some training miles along the many beaches and acres of countryside.
Golden Gate Holiday Centre has a comprehensive stock of new and used holiday homes for sale in Towyn, an area ideally suited for access to these fantastic running routes. The area is highly popular with tourists wanting to spend family holidays on caravan parks in North Wales, that provide entertainment, activities and facilities for people of all age groups.
