Best running routes in Hampshire

Running provides a unique freedom in life. It gives you an opportunity to calm your mind, find clarity, and celebrate real time successes. 

It’s easy to get so comfortable with a running route that it soon becomes the only place you visit. As Sport Therapists in Farnborough Hampshire, we actually actively encourage switching up your running trails for not only your physical health, but also your mental health. We want to dive into why we believe this, and offer you a range of different routes in Hampshire that could be worth a try! There are many areas of natural beauty, unfortunately with busy roads and high traffic areas, finding a running route can be difficult to spot. Whether you're a seasoned runner or new to the lifestyle, we’ve found something here for everyone.

Why should I change my running route?

As mentioned in our previous article, risk of a running injury is greatly increased if you run the same routes and overwork yourself. Repeating the same route means your muscles strengthen to suit curves in the road or unusual imbalances. Consistently working these muscles in the same way can significantly change your posture and create muscle tightness in specific areas. The impact of each stride can jolt your joints and trap nerves, causing you extreme pain. Varying the route you take allows you to work different muscles in different ways - meaning you strengthen more key areas of your body rather than one limited group. For example, running in more inclined areas is very different to running on smooth flat track, and both have different demands on your body.

Mentally - as creatures of habit it's common to get used to where you already run, to the point where it becomes muscle memory. This consistency can be boring, and cause our brains to get side tracked and think about things you are stressed about. The lack of challenge can also alter the way you think about running, at risk of losing that free feeling and motivation to get out there! 

Getting back into running after an injury or just starting out

If you’re recovering from an injury and your sports therapist has started to encourage you getting back into the sport - why not try a shorter, more relaxed running route to ease you back in? Southwood Country Park is a loop trail close to us in Farnborough, Hampshire. As a short running route this is a great test of your abilities, and a chance to create a new base for your fitness. This is also a great option for someone new to running who is looking for a beginners route. A calm, quiet expanse of space with gentle scenery can help you identify your running style and build confidence.

You can also try Fleet Pond, which is absolutely perfect for summer months - as most of the route is shaded by trees. Here you can experience plenty of wildlife including different types of birds, and even cows! The simple route around the pond is relatively flat which is great if you are just recovering from an injury, although some areas can be a little muddy in the autumn/winter months. If you find you’re more peaceful near the water, or just crave the movements and sounds that go with this - this running trail in Hampshire gives you a 360 view of the entire pond.

The running explorer, looking for an adventure

Possibly one of our favourite routes for the scenery is Mill House to Basingstoke Canal. It’s a circular trial that starts and ends with the Mill House Pub in Hampshire. Truly scenic with great food and drink, and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. This running trail is an opportunity to ramble through the Hampshire countryside - offering a mix of terrains and views. As Sports Therapists in Hampshire, we know how common running injuries can be, so it can be beneficial to take breaks. This is a moderately challenging route, with plenty of areas to stop and take in the views - including Odiham castle next to Basingstoke Canal. And who doesn’t love a well deserved drink at the end?

Popular routes for runners and hikers in Hampshire also include Ashmansworth. A more challenging route with a great variation of inclines to really put your muscles to the test. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a maximum use of muscles.

Runners with the need for speed

Looking for a mostly paved route in Hampshire where you can work on your running speed and endurance? Consider this route near Farnborough. It’s more residential areas, but great pavements to develop a pace and take your running more seriously. It can take around 2 hours to complete, but is a great challenge to set yourself personal goals. When running for longer periods of time and pushing your limits, we strongly recommend reaching out to a Sports Therapist. We know this sounds like a hard sell (and to be honest you should get in touch with us because we’re great), but more than anything we want to highlight how important it is to be vigilant with your health, and create simple ways to help avoid injury.

Seeking solitude

Running can be an escape, and a great release for stress. There are running routes for a calm atmosphere to help you find balance. This circular route at Anton Lakes can provide this relaxation for you. This paved route can be a great option if you have had a sports massage the day before and are looking for a gentle trail for any aches you may have. 

If you’re looking for a beginners running route in Hampshire with lots of wildlife, you may want to consider running in Yately. It’s a popular area for both runners and hikers, due to the lovely scenery in the nature reserve. This can be a particularly muddy route so we recommend wearing sturdy footwear and trying out in dryer months. With some incline areas this can be a great way to mix up your running style and work different muscles.

How can a sports therapist help with running?

It can be difficult to understand how massage therapies can help the way you run. Many think of massage as a luxury, a way to relax. At Best Form Sports Therapy, we use it as a way to strengthen your base and give you maximum mobility. 

Consistently doing the same thing, whether that is running, office work or even lifting weights, changes the way your muscles work with one another. Sports Therapy frees knots and tightness in muscles, giving your whole body more freedom to move and develop. It is also great for identifying any weaknesses and areas to improve strength. Based in Farnborough Hampshire, we tailor our treatment to suit what your body needs. The whole idea is to work with you to get you feeling your best and keep you doing what you love as much as possible. Sports Therapy can make a huge difference to your performance, and gives you the peace of mind that you are getting the attention you need to keep you safe and pain free.

Got any sports therapy or rehabilitation questions? Feel free to contact us today!