Run in cities' beautiful parks : our selection 2

LONDON – Regent’s Park

Distance : 8.4km
Park size: 165–170ha
Starting point: West Gate Park Square (but you can start wherever you want)  
Public transportation: Subway Station Regent’s Park on Bakerloo Line

This almost circular park is one of the largest green spaces in the city. Covering 166 hectares, it was originally a hunting ground, then agricultural land, and wasn’t opened to the public until 1845, and only 2 days a week. It is now a lively park, home to the London Zoo, as well as a botanical garden, and numerous sports facilities: tennis courts and cricket grounds, for example. You can find various styles of gardens, including Queen Mary’s Rose Garden.
As in other London parks, there is a lake.
It is bordered to the north by the Regent’s Canal, which marks the boundary with the small Primrose Hill park, which can be reached by the 2 bridges located near the zoo. As its name suggests, Primrose Hill is a small hill, if you need to gain a little altitude. But don’t get carried away, its summit peaks at 78m.
Obviously, there are other great parks in London for running and that was well worth an article in itself. We present them to you here (with .gpx files), and you can also find route proposals in these other parks here.

All our sightrunning routes in London

EDINBURGH – Holyrood Park 

Distance: 12.9km
Park size: 260 ha
Starting point: Waverley Bridge (near Waverley station) 
Public transportation : Waverley Bridge Bus stop (line 100 – airlink) 

This unique and exclusive route takes you from the city center of Edinburgh to the hills of Holyrood Park, and the legendary Arthur’s Seat. You will run in nature, along basalt cliffs, and enjoy magnificent views of the city. In a wilderness atmosphere, you will enjoy rolling paths, peaceful trails, lakes, etc. A few short, steep climbs, but it’s well worth it. Go ahead and enjoy Scottish nature just a stone’s throw from the city.

All our sightrunning routes in Edinburgh

BARCELONA – Montjuic Park 

Distance: 10km
Park size: 250 ha
Start : Plaza de España 
Public transportation : España Station – Metro L1 and L3 / and numerous buses

A green jewel in the heart of Barcelona. Located on a hill overlooking the city, Montjuïc Park is a 250-hectare green space that offers a panoramic view of Barcelona and the Mediterranean. This green lung, born from the 1929 Universal Exhibition, is a harmonious blend of history, culture, and nature.
A former military citadel, it was transformed into a true open-air museum thanks to the Universal Exhibition, and then the 1992 Olympic Games, after lying derelict for nearly 60 years. Olympic infrastructure, parks, esplanades, gardens, and viewpoints sit alongside the Montjuïc Citadel, witness to numerous historical events.
You won’t regret making the effort to run up this hill.

All our sightrunning routes in Barcelona

AMSTERDAM – Vondelpark & Rembrandt Park 

Distance: 10.5km
Park size: Vondelpark 48ha & Rembrandt’s Park 12ha
Start : Rijksmuseum tram stop
Public transportation : Rijksmuseum tram stop 

The Vondelpark was created in 1865 by a group of 36 citizens wanting to create a public park in the English style, made up of pathways, ponds dotted with islets, and large expanses of lawns. The use of perspective effects gives the illusion of a natural environment.
Cross two canals, and you enter Rembrandt’s Park. Smaller and opened only in the 1950s, it is a pleasant addition to this run, with its numerous bodies of water and small bridges. And on the way back, you will cross the Rijksmuseum esplanade, to finish by passing through the superb vaulted galleries of this famous museum.

All our sightrunning routes in Amsterdam

COPENHAGEN – Christianshavn Rampart and Amager Nature Reserve

Distance: 10.7km
Start : Christianshavn (metro station) 
Public transportation : Christianshavn Station (lines M1-M2 – Buses 2A, 31 and 37) 

The Christianshavn Rampart (Christianshavns Vold) was part of the bastioned wall that once surrounded Copenhagen, Denmark. Created in the 17th century, stretching along the entire southeastern perimeter of Christianshavn and Holmen, it formed a protective barrier facing the island of Amager. It consists of earthworks and twelve bastions, set behind a moat, the Stadsgraven, which has now been transformed into a wide canal separating Christianshavn from the rest of Amager.
You will then continue your run through the university campus to reach Amager Fælled, which is a 223-hectare nature reserve hosting diverse species, and even cows.
You will end your run along the Sydhavn canal, enjoying its beautifully landscaped quays and the astonishing structures of Kalvebod Bølge.

All our sightrunning routes in Copenhagen

BONUS: Valencia – Turia Gardens 

Distance: 10.2km (+ long route, with extension into Jardines del Real – 13.5km)
Start : Plaça de la Reina, in the heart of the Old Town
Public transportation : Bus stop Plaça de la Reina (lines 4–11–31–32–70) 

The Turia Gardens are one of the most atypical urban parks around. The river that used to cross the city, the Turia, was diverted after the disastrous floods of 1957. Its former riverbed almost became a highway. But luckily, and after years of haphazard planning, the riverbed is now fully landscaped, and hosts over nearly 9km sports fields, bike paths, walking trails, and children’s playgrounds. It leads you all the way to the futuristic buildings of the City of Arts and Sciences. A breathtaking contrast of atmospheres, right in the heart of the city. The next step will be to develop the final section leading to the Mediterranean. But for now, enjoy this run that takes you to see its most iconic landmarks and the best viewpoints.

All our sightrunning routes in Valencia