Strava reveals the UK's most popular running spots

The UK’s most popular running spots have been revealed – and we're ready to add them to our training plans.

Strava, the world's leading athletic subscription service, has released data showing the most frequented routes across the country over the last 90 days, as well as the exact number of efforts in each location.

The app’s findings have shown the commitment of its users, with some athletes logging in over 80 attempts of the same route in the past three months.

To recognise the efforts of its subscribers, Strava has added a new feature to its app. The launch of ‘Local Legends’ aims to reward users for their discipline, rather than speed.

Athletes can earn a laurel crown by logging the most efforts on a segment over 90 days and must then defend their title from their virtual rivals.

Read next: How to plot your running route to avoid busy places

These crowns can be won on most of Strava’s segments, but if you’re feeling particularly ambitious, here's where you will find the most competition:

Known for its woodland areas and smooth terrain, it’s no wonder this lush oasis is a magnet for London’s runners. Its most popular route is the Battersea Short Corner, with over 26,000 efforts clocked up in the last three months.

A parkland hidden from the bustle of the city, Clifton Down feels far more rural than it really is. Its winding Circular Road is a hotspot for runners, attracting over 24,000 over the past 90 days.

Tower Hamlet’s largest park spans over 213 acres, making it an ideal location for those long Sunday runs. While there’s plenty of ways to explore the space, the preferred route is a straightforward 1km from Cadogan Gate to Royal Inn. This L-shaped trail covers the length of the park and drew in over 24,000 runners over the last three months.

Skirting on the edge of Victoria Park, this route takes runners through a stretch of trees and wraps up on its eastside gate. Over 20,000 people have covered it in the past three months, and that number looks to increase as lockdown continues to ease.

In a landlocked city like London, waterways can feel like the ultimate luxury. This 1km route along the famous Regent’s Canal is marked by a continuous view of the river and a chain of low bridges. Run by over 17,000 people in the last 90 days, the narrow course is a must for anyone missing the water.