Families can brave the cold winter nights with the National Trust’s Night Run series
Between October 2016 and March 2017 16 National Trust parklands and woodlands will be hosting the night time running events.
Instead of curling up on the sofa, runners are invited to brace themselves against the chill, put on a head torch and pace round some of the UK’s best running trails.
Run on safe, off-road trails, the Night Runs give people the chance to take on a variety of grassy, woodland and paved routes. Participants can choose between a shorter Explorer route(1-3 km), suitable for all ages, and a more challenging Adventurer route (6-9 km) for those aged over 12.
Local staff from the retailer will be on hand at many events to offer friendly advice on quality running clothing and outdoor equipment.
To sign up to one of the 16 Night Run events with the National Trust visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nightrun.

Photo: National Trust Images, John Millar
Night Run events will be taking place at the following places
(charges apply, participants must bring their own head torches)
South West
Saltram, near Plymouth, Devon
Saturday 22 October 2016, registration from 16.40, Adventurer run (c.7.2km) starts 18.00, Explorer run (c.2.7km) starts 18.10
Enjoy stunning night time views over Plymouth on this run around Saltram. Perfect for families, runners will be able to warm down with a spot of marshmallow toasting and face painting.
Nestled on the edge of the city, Saltram’s 500 acre parkland comprises a huge range of habitats to explore – from rolling meadows to beaches and saltmarshes.
For more information please call: 01752 333500
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/saltram
Tyntesfield, near Bristol, Somerset
Saturday 3 December 2016, registration from 15.30, Adventurer run (c.7km) starts 17.00, Explorer run (c.2km) starts 17.15
Run through a winter wonderland. With the extravagant Victorian house dressed for Christmas, runners can expect to pass Tyntesfield’s beautiful seasonal decorations. Warm up before and after the run with drinks and snacks at Tyntesfield’s Cowbarn Café.
For more information please call: 01275 461900
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield
Woodchester Park, Gloucestershire
Saturday 10 December 2016, registration from 16.30, Adventurer run (c.6km) starts 18.30, Explorer run (c.2.5km) starts 18.40
Run on secluded woodland trails surrounding the ghostly Victorian Woodchester Mansion (not NT), the Night Run will be a fright for the senses. Professionals from Ultimate Fitness Experience will lead an exciting warm up. Post-race, runners can stock up with snacks and drinks from Drink Up Shrewsbury (cash only).
For more information please call: 01452 814213
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/woodchester-park
Trelissick, Cornwall
Saturday 28 January 2017, registration from 15.15, Adventurer run (c.6.75km) starts 17.15, Explorer run (c.3km) from 17.20
Run on wooded tracks and garden trails and enjoy stunning sunset views over the River Fal as the Night Run atmosphere builds. The Crofter’s Café will be open serving hot and cold treats.
For more information please call: 01872 862090
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trelissick
Plymbridge Woods, near Plymouth, Devon
Saturday 4 March 2017, registration from 16.40, Adventurer run (c.7.2km) starts 18.00, Explorer run (c.2.6km) starts 18.10
Leave the city behind you, follow the river Plym upstream and head to the woods with this early spring run. Bring the family and enjoy marshmallow toasting and face painting.
Bridging the gap between urban Plymouth and the wilds of Dartmoor, Plymbridge Woods has miles of trails for runners and cyclists to explore. Eagle-eyed visitors can see Peregrine Falcons nesting in a former quarry.
For more information please call: 01752 341377
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/plymbridge-woods
North West
Fell Foot, Cumbria
Saturday 22 October 2016, registration from 16.00, Adventurer run (c.6km) starts 18.00, Explorer run (c.3km) starts 18.10
Run under starry mountain skies with this run beside Lake Windermere. Sweeping lawns and access to the lake makes Fell Foot a perfect place for family picnics and outdoor adventures alike. Runners can refuel with hot and cold drinks and snacks from Fell Foot’s café.
For more information please call: 01539 531273
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fell-foot
Lyme, Cheshire
Saturday 21 January 2017, registration from 16.35, Adventurer run (c.6.8km) starts 17.45, Explorer run (c.3.3km) starts 18.00
Discover what it’s like to run alongside a red deer herd with a pedigree that stretches back to the Middle Ages. Runners can refuel before and after their run at Lyme’s café. More entertainment TBC – please check website for details.
For more information please call: 01663 762023
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme
Speke Hall, near Liverpool
Saturday 25 February 2017, registration from 16.30, Adventurer run (c.7km) starts 18.10, Explorer run (c.2km) starts 18.20
Escape from Liverpool for a night of running along wooded trails and views over the River Mersey. A full warm up and music entertainment will be provided. If you’re feeling peckish after the run, our Home Farm restaurant will be serving hot and cold refreshments.
Arriving early? Ask for our sports box and try your hand at a range of garden games and sports.
For more information please call: 0151 427 7231
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall-garden-and-estate
Midlands
Ilam Park, Derbyshire
Saturday 29 October 2016, registration from 16.45, Explorer run (c.3.2km) starts 18.00. Please note there is no Adventurer course at this event.
With far reaching views over the Peak District’s limestone hills, Ilam Park makes for a beautiful run. The fast paced trail through Ilam Park’s historic parkland, is perfect for thrill seekers and families alike. With Hallowe’en just around the corner, runners are invited to dress in their spookiest costume. Prizes for the best fancy dress. Hot and cold snacks will be available.
For more information please call: 01335 350503
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ilam-park-dovedale-and-the-white-peak
Longshaw, Derbyshire
Saturday 28 January 2017, registration from 16.30, Adventurer run (c.7.5km) starts 17.15, Explorer run (c.2.5km) starts 17.25
With over 1,700 hectares of Peak District countryside to explore, Longshaw has plenty for adventure-seekers. Runners can enjoy varied terrain, from flat trails along old estate driveways to more challenging routes across moorland and gorges. Enjoy hot and cold refreshments in Longshaw’s tea room before and after the run.
For more information please call: 01433 637904
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/longshaw-burbage-and-the-eastern-moors
Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
Saturday 11 February 2017, registration from 16.35, Adventurer run (c.7km) starts 17.50, Explorer run (c.3km) starts 18.00
Explore parkland and woods once owned by dukes. Relax post-run by toasting some marshmallows on the campfire. On-site catering will be available (cash only).
For more information please call: 01909 544917
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clumber-park
Attingham Park, Shropshire
Saturday 18 March 2017, registration from 16.30, Adventurer run (c.6km) starts 18.30, Explorer run (c.2.5km) starts 18.30
Enjoy Attingham’s gentle parkland and grassy trails – although you’ll need to watch out for the estate’s herd of fallow deer. Warm up before the run with an exciting work out from Ultimate Fitness Experience.
For more information please call: 01743 708154
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attingham-park
Yorkshire & North East
Nostell, Yorkshire
Saturday 14 January 2017, registration from 15.30, Adventurer run (c.7.7km) starts 16.45, Explorer run (c.2.6km) starts 16.55
Run through historic parkland on all-weather paths. See Nostell’s grand Georgian mansion, lakes and imposing Obelisk Lodge in a new light. Bringing your family for the run or to cheer you on? Enjoy free family crafts in the Stables from 14.00. Warm up and refuel at the Courtyard Café which will be open late serving hot drinks and sweet treats.
For more information please call: 01924 863892
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nostell
Gibside, near Gateshead
Saturday 4 February 2017, registration from 17.30, Adventurer run (c.6km) starts 19.00, Explorer run (c.2.6km) starts 19.10
Join Gibside’s Night Run and discover hidden corners of this stunning eighteenth century landscape garden and nature haven on the edge of Newcastle. Relax after your run with home-made pizza and a pint in Gibside’s beer garden.
For more information please call: 01207 541820
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside
South East
Osterley Park, Greater London
Saturday 21 January 2017, registration from 16.30, Adventurer run (c.7km) at 18.15, Explorer run (c.2km) at 18.30
Blow away the cobwebs with this run around Osterley’s historic parkland – surrounded by London’s suburbs. Explore the mansion house – a party palace built for wealthy eighteenth century banker Sir Francis Child – as part of an exclusive After Dark tour. Runners of all ages can get their faces painted in a range of spooky designs.
For more information please call: 020 8232 5050.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park-and-house
East of England
Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire
Saturday 11 March 2017, registration from 16.30, Adventurer run (c.7km) starts 18.30, Explorer run (c.2km) starts 18.35
Discover Wimpole’s expansive views, with these running events that take in the historic parkland set out by famous eighteenth century garden designer Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. The Cambridgeshire estate is a firm favourite with local families, who come to see the farm animals at the estate’s Home Farm.
Runners can join a separate event, Wimpole After Dark (additional £3 entry fee payable on the night), and experience after hours tours of the house, storytelling, a night time ramble on the estate and an evening of jazz music .
For more information please call: 01223 206000
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate