I’ve always been an exercise girl - HIIT, Pilates, barre, you name it. But running on London’s roads? Yeah… not really my thing. I’ll do it (especially if I'm wearing one of the best activewear brands and my favourite running shoes), but between dodging cyclists, waiting at every red light, and squeezing past people on narrow pavements, it’s not exactly the calming, endorphin-boosting experience everyone goes on about.
So when I heard about Airbnb and Strava’s new “run-cation” initiative - countryside getaways built around scenic running routes - I didn’t need much convincing. A weekend of fresh air, movement, good food and a cosy Airbnb with friends? That's something I can definitely get behind.
The collab basically shines a spotlight on some of the UK’s prettiest running destinations - the Forest of Dean, the South Downs, Hope Valley, Fife, rural Cambridgeshire - with curated routes you can find on Strava’s Maps tab and idyllic Airbnbs nearby for the post-run wind down.
It’s all about mixing fitness with a little adventure (and maybe a pastry or two). And clearly I’m not the only one into it; new research shows 74% of young runners have either planned or are considering a countryside “run-cation.” Makes total sense. Most of us are craving slower mornings, a bit more space, and the kind of fresh air you just don’t get in London.
With that in mind, I booked The Stables in Upton Bishop - a gorgeous countryside spot in rural Herefordshire that looked like the perfect weekend reset (on photos). After finishing work on Friday, my husband, two friends and our dog Nelly packed up the car and set off. Three hours (and a quick pub dinner) later, we arrived at our home for the weekend and walked into pure bliss.
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Set on acres of land, the woodland retreat (as it's described as on Airbnb) was calm, cosy and absolutely faultless. A spacious kitchen and dining room area, two big bedrooms with spotless en-suites, a log burner, and even an outdoor bath shower which made it feel more like a wellness retreat. The hosts, who stay in the house situated next door but completely separate to the Airbnb, had thought of everything too. Homemade cider and gin stocked in the fridge, marshmallows and sticks for roasting, breakfast bits for the morning and little gift boxes in each room with lovely soaps.
After a great sleep, we woke up early(ish) and planned our first run of the weekend. We wanted to ease in gently, so drove to Ross-on-Wye - a small, picture-perfect town about ten minutes away, full of pastel houses, independent cafés and delis and a river that winds through the centre. I used Strava to map a 5k loop, and it came up with a route that was easy to follow and, thankfully, mostly flat. We jogged past local shops opening for the day, along the river and through quiet streets, chatting the whole way and stopping for photos (obviously). It was relaxed, scenic and the complete opposite of my usual stop-start runs in London - exactly what I’d been craving.
We finished at Truffles Delicatessen, which we spotted mid-run, for well-deserved coffee and pastries. Oh, and you can get your sweet treat for free if you either log a run in Strava or you're staying in an Airbnb nearby - all you have to do is show the app at the counter, and tuck in.
After grabbing some lunch bits from another local deli - focaccia, sausage rolls, tapenade, the works - we headed back to the Airbnb to eat, watch a film, and drink rosé for the rest of the afternoon (the dream) before heading for dinner at The Moody Cow - a nearby pub serving the kind of comforting food that’s perfect for a chilled countryside evening.
On Sunday, while our friends opted for a lie-in, my husband and I planned one last 6k route on Strava straight from the Airbnb. It ended up being hillier than the day before (turns out country roads aren’t as flat as they look), but the views made it worth it. We ran along quiet lanes, past open fields and the little village church, with pheasants darting out in front of us and even a random peacock making an appearance. It was such a change from running in London - no traffic or crowds, just space to actually breathe and connect with nature.
That run reminded me why I ever liked running in the first place - it’s just as good for my mind as it is for my body. I haven’t quite found my routine in London yet, but creators like @marymmccarthy, @misha_grimes and @lucyge0rgia definitely keep me inspired to try harder and find my community. For now, though, escaping to the countryside for a weekend of fresh air, a few miles, and good times with friends feels like exactly what I needed - I’m already looking up where to go next.
Looking to up your running game? You can purchase annual strava subscription for £54.99, however if you’re a student, you can currently get 50% off making it just £27.49 per year.
