Come on, Londoners! Don’t be discouraged by the absence of fells, limited open land, or our milder climate—it’s time to embrace fell running! Sure, we don’t have the dramatic peaks of the Lake District at our doorstep, but that doesn’t mean the city can’t offer a taste of what fell running is all about. In fact, London is full of opportunities to get outside and challenge yourself, whether you’re pounding the streets or hitting the trails.

We pulled this post together with kind contributions from some of our community event hosts who have run adventure film nights all over London. We hope this post connects you with fellow runners to enjoy London's fells.

"About 9am, still punch-drunk from a six-hour drive up from London the night before, the car scattered with empty crisp packets and inexplicably purchased cassettes. Above us: Steel Fell, dank and precipitous, weighed down by rolls of battleship-grey cloud. Behind, the brutal howling of the A591. In the air, a faint whiff of wet exhaust, giving way, as we started up the slope, to the fresher, wilder scent of damp, cold mountain."

- from Feet in the Clouds, by Richard Askwith

When runners in London step out of their homes in the early hours of the morning, they are not going to find a fell at the end of their drive, and any hill they do find is likely to have a white line down the middle rather than a rocky knife-edge ridge.

The truly hardcore – such as Richard Askwith, whose book Feet in the Clouds is essential reading for any fell runner (and darn good for non-runners too!) – will make the trip to The Peak District, North Wales or Northern England – the Lake District of course being their spiritual home.

Up North, fell running has been around for over 150 years. Fells are no different to any other mountainous, rocky, beautiful and brutal hills anywhere else, they are simply named differently in the North West thanks to Old Norse visitors whose word for hill was fjall. That’s right, as in Fjallraven. Of course, it’s not just about the hills. You may find yourself fording streams and leaping over bogs, and whatever happens you can be sure it’s never happened before – all fell races are different each time because of influential weather and other seasonal factors.

What is Fell Running?

Fell running might sound deceptively simple—run to the top of a hill or mountain, then run back down. But the reality is far more rugged and rewarding. The terrain can vary from steep paths and rocky outcrops to boggy fields and loose scree, where even the most experienced runners need to watch their footing. This is a sport where the correct footwear is crucial. Fell shoes, with their deep lugs and unmatched grip, are designed to tackle these unpredictable surfaces with confidence. Trail shoes, as good as they are for city parks, just won’t cut it on the fells.

The challenge of fell running lies not just in its physical demands, but in its unpredictability. Weather, terrain, and the sheer scale of the landscape can all throw surprises your way, making every run a unique adventure. For those truly dedicated to the sport, venturing up north to the Lake District or Peak District is almost a rite of passage, where races are more than just competitions—they’re tests of endurance, resilience, and grit.

The Spirit of the Fells: Joss Naylor’s Legacy

Few have embodied the spirit of fell running more than Joss Naylor, a true legend of the sport. Naylor’s achievements in the 1970s and 80s weren’t just impressive—they were otherworldly. His feats took place in the rugged, cloud-covered hills of Cumbria, far from the public eye, but they resonated with mountain lovers everywhere. Running 72 peaks in a single day, completing the 268-mile Pennine Way in just over three days, and crossing all 26 of the Lake District’s “lakes, meres, and waters” in less than 20 hours are just some of the jaw-dropping accomplishments that defined Naylor’s career.

As a Lakeland sheep farmer, Naylor lived and breathed the land. His resilience came not from professional training, but from a life spent working with his hands, enduring tough conditions on his family’s farm. He wasn’t just a runner—he was a man whose connection with the hills was instinctual. For him, fell running wasn’t about speed or competition, but about pushing the limits of what the human body could endure in the wildest of environments. His achievements may never be replicated, but his legacy continues to inspire.

For those of us running in the city, Naylor’s story offers a stark contrast to the urban experience. While we may not have the same dramatic landscapes to conquer, we can still find moments of peace and connection with the natural world, even in the midst of a bustling metropolis.

Urban Running: Embracing the City Streets

Urban running may not have the wild, rugged appeal of fell running, but it has its own unique charms. Cities offer an ever-changing backdrop for your runs—every street, park, and landmark telling a different story. The beauty of urban running lies in its diversity. One moment, you’re weaving through pedestrianised streets, the next, you’re cruising past famous landmarks like the Tower of London or Buckingham Palace.

What makes city running special is the way it connects you with the energy of the place. There’s something invigorating about dodging pedestrians, catching the sunrise over the Thames, or stumbling upon a new café or neighbourhood that you didn’t know existed. Running in the city is exploration in its purest form—you can cover more ground than walking and see the hidden corners that tourists rarely experience.

In London, this connection with nature has been taken a step further. As of 2019, the city became the world’s first National Park City, embracing green spaces, parks, and riversides as integral parts of urban life. The National Park City Festival, held that same year, celebrated London’s journey to becoming a greener, healthier, and more sustainable city. And the spirit of that festival continues today, with Londoners finding new ways to engage with nature, even in the heart of the city.

London as a National Park City

London’s designation as a National Park City is a game-changer for runners and outdoor enthusiasts alike. It’s a movement that encourages us to rethink our relationship with urban spaces—one where parks, rivers, and even city streets are seen as part of a broader, greener ecosystem. The goal is to create a city where people, nature, and places are better connected, and where everyday actions—like going for a run—can contribute to improving the environment.

For runners, this opens up a world of opportunities. Whether you’re running through Hampstead Heath, Richmond Park, or along the Thames, London offers an abundance of green spaces to explore. These aren’t just places to run—they’re spaces where you can connect with nature, even in the midst of a busy city. The London National Park City Rangers, a volunteer community leading grassroots projects, are a perfect example of how this movement is working to make every neighbourhood greener and more accessible.

Gear Up: Essentials for Fell Running

Venturing into fell running isn’t just about having the right mindset—it’s about having the right kit. The hills may be beautiful and exhilarating, but they can quickly turn dangerous if you’re not prepared. Whether you’re running through the rugged fells or tackling a city trail, your gear can make all the difference.

For fell running, choosing the correct shoes is critical. Fell shoes, with deep lugs, are designed to handle slippery rocks, muddy slopes, and uneven terrain. Trail shoes, while great for city parks and woodland runs, often don’t provide the grip necessary for the more extreme landscapes of the fells. So, when you’re ready to take on those hills, make sure your feet are ready too!

Safety and Comfort

If you’re transitioning from road running, it’s important to recognise that fell running requires more than just speed—it requires safety awareness. Running alone in remote areas can be risky, so let someone know your route and pack the right gear. Essential items include a windproof and waterproof jacket, thermal layers, a map and compass, and emergency rations, especially if you’re running in the mountains where the weather can change in an instant.

In city running, safety is more about navigating your surroundings, but your comfort is just as important. Invest in a good hydration vest for longer runs, whether you’re tackling Box Hill or cruising through Richmond Park. Hydration vests, with their multiple compartments, allow you to carry snacks, water, and essentials like a phone or gloves, without weighing you down.

Fuelling Your Run

Whether you’re running up fells or city streets, proper fuelling is essential. On shorter runs, water might be enough, but anything over 90 minutes usually calls for some extra energy in the form of gels, bars, or chews. Fell runners often pack additional rations in case they’re out for longer than expected—better to have extra than to run out in the middle of nowhere.

In city runs, you might not need to carry as much, but staying hydrated is still crucial, especially in warmer weather or on longer routes. Many urban runners carry handheld bottles or use soft flasks that compress as you drink, making it easy to stay hydrated without the sloshing of traditional bottles.

Whether you’re heading for the fells or sticking closer to home, gearing up properly ensures that every run is as safe and enjoyable as possible.

3 Steps for Fell Runners from London

1. Start with Trails

Jump on a train and some of the best National Trails in the UK are less than an hour from the capital. You could even take on a Wainwright classic - the Coast to Coast. Otherwise:

Hampstead Heath:

Lots of miles of woods and fields to belt through and enough hilly bits to get a burn on – plus the chance to soak up the awesome view of London from Parliament Hill. If you don’t mind a short spell on a road or two you can build Alexandra Palace and Highgate Wood into your routes.

Richmond Park:

The Tamsin Trail encircles our largest Royal Park and offers a 12km course with a couple of hills to keep it interesting. You don’t have to stick to the paths of course but mind the deer! Nip over the A3 footbridge and you will find yourself heading into the depths of Wimbledon Common along some great trails.

Epping Forest:

There’s approximately 6,000 acres of forest to explore, but if you don’t want to get lost it’s smarter to go with the nine way-marked trails – you can find maps etc on the City of London website.

North Downs:

Things are getting a bit hillier down here… a ridge of hills that run from Farnham to Dover. The 246km North Downs Way runs the entire length of the ridge and is specifically designed to offer the best views for those who blaze along it. The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is also in the North Downs and contains the trail-running hotspots of the Devil’s Punchbowl and Box Hill.

South Downs:

The 160km South Downs Way route runs from Winchester to Eastbourne. There are regular trains from London to either end of the trail, or you can join the trail at Petersfield, Amberley, Hassocks or Lewes.

2. Gear Up

When you’re ready to ramp up the risk make sure you get the right footwear – there’s lots of specialist shoes on offer these days for fell and off road-runners. These shoes give fantastic grip on almost all surfaces (beware wet rock) and are essential for downhill stretches.

As fell races take place in exposed and often mountainous areas, you will also need some other kit including full windproof gear such as jacket, leggings, hat and gloves. Not all organisers demand it but it’s a very good idea to have it anyway.

Map-reading skills are also required – many races will expect you to carry a map and compass. You might have to travel to another part of the country to take a navigation course for fell-runners but one day you may be very glad you did!

3. Find a Local Fell Race

For a taste of real fell running, look no further than the Box Hill Fell Race in January or the Epping Forest Fell Race in June.

Organised by the amazing South London Orienteers the Box Hill event takes place in January. It's 12km long and has over 500m of climbing. The race venue, like many fell races, is a pub! In this case, the Stepping Stones in West Humble.

These events offer challenging terrain and a sense of camaraderie that will introduce you to the world of fell running without having to travel far, although you can travel a bit further to find good events on the Isle of Wight.

If you’re up for more adventure, head north to compete in the English Fell Running Championships, where you’ll get to experience the full spectrum of what fell running has to offer.

And lastly, a bit of info on Fell Race Categories :

A category – races will average a climb of not less than 250 feet (76m) for every mile (1.6K) of climb, and will have not more than 20% of the total distance on the road.

B category – races will average not less than 125 feet (38m) of climb for every mile, and will have not more than 30% of its total distance on the road.

C category – races will average not less than 100 feet (30.4m) of climb for every mile, and will have not more than 40% of it total distance on the road

Races are additionally graded by length:

Short (S) races are under 6 miles (9.6K) in length

Medium (M) races are 6 miles and over, but under 12 miles (19.3K) in length

Long (L) races are over 12 miles

So, get out there—whether you’re navigating the city streets or tackling the hills, the adventure is yours to discover.

#LondonMountainFilmFestival #Fellrunning #UrbanRunning #CityRunning