Glamping places near trail runs

When you’re required to transport your luggage in a wheelbarrow through an orchard, you know you’re in for an adventure. Cosy Mistletoe Treehouse is a simple, serene space in the heart of the Wye Valley with all the home comforts needed, including a wood burner, hot shower and an incredibly comfy king-size bed. A bed you’ll sleep deeply in after going for exhilarating runs along miles of trails in the Forest of Dean. 

There are routes for all skill levels and a wide variety of paths that take in the river, lakes, an Arboretum and the Forest of Dean sculpture trail. When you’re not upping the mileage in your running shoes, there’s kayaking on the Wye, hiking along Offa’s Dyke and Tintern Abbey to explore. Or you can walk to Kingstone Brewery in two minutes for ale tasting and wood-fired pizzas.

Scandi style, sustainability and spectacular Lakeland hills coexist in perfect harmony at Bracken House in Cumbria. It’s the ideal base for fit, seasoned runners who want to challenge themselves on the ten-mile loop that goes from Stanton Bridge to Illgill Head with views over West Water. You’ll need sturdy shoes, mountain experience and a phone to keep track of your route and capture the scenery, but if you’d rather work your way up to the big one there are plenty of other shorter routes nearby. 

The huge deck at the cottage is the place to flop afterwards and gaze out over the rolling hills with a cold drink. There are giant redwoods towering behind, the sea in the far distance and a country pub a 40 minute walk away. If you want to stay put and rest tired legs, fire up the pizza oven and settle in for an evening under the stars.

Lace up your trainers and set off along stunning trails with views of Pen-y-Fan from Wanderoo, a converted horse box permanently parked up within the glorious Brecon Beacons. There are plenty of routes to choose from, ranging from shorter 4/5 mile runs for those still finding their hill legs, to epic loops of up to 20 miles, perfect for hardy marathon types. Apparently the SAS train here, so if a challenge is what you’re looking for, the windswept peaks are happy to oblige. 

As well as hill trails, there are bridleways for horse riding, acres of beautiful woodland and nearby Brecon is worth a visit for its farmers market and annual summer jazz festival. After a day of Welsh exploration, sink into the hot tub and soak up the gorgeous views of rolling hills and huge skies without another soul in sight.

Spotting a dolphin while you’re working up a sweat is likely to trump anyone else’s running story and it’s a distinct possibility at The Observatory in Cornwall. The luxurious cabin sits high on the cliffs in a large garden, with its very own amphitheatre and the ocean stretched out below. From the front door you can run along the coastal path with the sea spray in your hair and staggering views of the waves, passing ships and distant lighthouses. 

When you return, take another look at the scenery in cosy comfort using the telescope. There is very limited light pollution so it’s a paradise for stargazing. In this picturesque spot, the magic of Cornwall surrounds you from the basking seals at Lizard Point, to the fishing port of Porthleven, the bustling streets of St Ives and famous ice creams at Roskilly’s farm in St Keverne.

Bring the family or a group of friends to The Portland, a spacious safari tent that sleeps six in the Peak District’s first glampsite. In this idyllic spot you can bathe under waterfalls, paddle in streams and explore hiking trails to suit all ages and abilities. One glimpse of the vast wilderness and you’ll be scrambling to put your trainers on and hit the legendary Pennine Way, Britain’s oldest national trail that starts in Edale. 

You’re spoilt for choice here as there are also plenty of other lovely circular running routes that crisscross the beautiful Hope Valley taking in sights like Jacob’s Ladder Bridge and Mam Tor. Remember to ask your travelling companions to fire up the wood-fired heater as you set off. Within half an hour it will have warmed enough water for a steaming roll top bath on your return. Order a barbecue box from the award-winning local butcher and that’s the rest of your evening deliciously sorted.

A cosy cabin tucked in the trees and tons of outdoor activities await at The Sheep Shack in Devon. There’s easy access to stylish Salcombe, plenty of independent shops in Kingsbridge, gorgeous beaches at Gara Rock and watersports on the estuary. If you can find the time and energy for a run in between all that, head for the South Devon section of the South West Coast Path where you can stretch your legs while admiring stunning views of Salcombe Harbour and making impromptu detours down to sandy beaches. 

The post-run recovery is blissful when you’ve got a covered veranda to refuel on and wildlife to spot. If you still need to cool down, there’s even a babbling brook to dip your aching feet in. The cabin is deceptively spacious with a double bed, double mezzanine, a sheep wool rollaway and a kitchen and bathroom.