Brand New Running Routes!

National Trust and ACTIVE Northumberland have joined forces to create three new running routes on the Northumberland Coast. The signposted routes are fixed distance and easy to follow, put in place to encourage more people to get outdoors and get active. Starting from Low Newton by the Sea, Craster and Dunstan Steads the routes run through the Northumberland Coast National Trust Property and give runners the opportunity to escape the pavements, swapping tarmac for coastal footpaths.

“These new routes will take runners through some of my favourite spots on the Northumberland Coast” says Kate Bradshaw one of the National Trust rangers on the Northumberland Coast. “Whether running, jogging or walking we want to encourage as many people as possible to explore and enjoy our wonderful coastline.”

© Kate Bradshaw

The routes are different lengths: 3 miles, 2 miles and 1 mile, and are designed to be used by runners of all abilities. The 3-2-1 project is part of Run England’s plan to make it easier for anyone to get running. Jane Hardy from ACTIVE Northumberland says “You don’t have to be a runner to enjoy the routes. They are for everybody, no matter what your speed or running experience.”

Over the winter season red arrow waymark disks have started to appear in coastal locations in preparation for the launch of these routes. Each route has a clearly marked start and finish point and ‘Run England 3-2-1’ arrows signpost the route along the way. They are easy to follow paths and are an incredible way to explore the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding National Beauty.

There will be a launch event for each route during April and May. This will give people the opportunity to join National Trust and Active Northumberland staff to run or jog each route. Starting with the one mile route, an event will be held every fortnight to launch each route. “These events will be free and all are welcome, no matter what your running ability”, says Kate Bradshaw. “After the launch events a regular running group will run the three mile route on Thursday nights. So if you are bored of pounding pavements, or simply want to start running, why not join us at one of the launch events?”

For more details of the launch events please visit the What’s On? page: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/embleton-and-newton-links