It feels like everyone in London is running these days and with our very own run club, hosted by Ed every Thursday at lunchtime, it felt apt to guide you through some of our favourite running routes in Islington and Angel.
This area offers some great running routes that cater to various preferences and abilities. Whether you enjoy scenic parks, urban landscapes, or a combination of both, here are some of the best running routes in the area.
Regent’s Canal
This route is a popular one with the BDC Run Club. Starting at the Business Design Centre, you have two options: head north along the canal to Camden or go south to Victoria Park. Either way, you’ll be greatly rewarded with a break from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets.
Potentially one of the best running routes in Islington as it stretches for miles in both directions and has a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. You’ll run along the canals and pass colourful narrowboats, charming bridges, and greenery. There are also an assortment of coffee shops and lunch spots in Angel along the way.
The route is easy with a flat, paved towpath. It’s up to you how long you’d like to run for – just turn back around once you’ve reached your halfway mark. It’s lovely at all times of the day but we love doing it on our lunch breaks in Angel.
Highbury Fields
Highbury Fields is the best and largest of Islington’s parks. It is also a designated Site of Local Importance to Nature Conservation and with a mix of open spaces, tree-lined pathways, and a fenced off woodland garden, it makes for a gorgeous running route.
While a loop around the park is around a mile long, it’s perfect for intervals or sprints. If you are looking to extend your run, you can also run up to and around Emirates Stadium to get those extra steps in.
The park is typically open during daylight hours but refer to their webpage to check. The relaxed atmosphere in the park is perfect for a lunch break, filled with people exercising, walking their dogs, or soaking up the greenery. When it comes to running routes in Islington this one is a must try.
Finsbury Park and Parkland Walk
Begin your run at Highbury and Islington station and run north towards Finsbury Park. Once you are there, enjoy a loop around the park before continuing on to Parkland Walk. Known as the longest linear nature reserve in London, Parkland Walk stretches 2.5 miles between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace.
With beautiful trees and an abundance of greenery, this trail is popular on sunny weekends but is also a fantastic running route in Islington to step into nature and find your zen during a busy day. This route is more challenging than the previously listed ones, spanning an 8 mile loop but it is particularly rewarding with cool, shaded areas through Parkland Walk.
Islington Quiet Streets Loop
Angel and Islington is a wonderful area, filled with charming residential areas. Begin your run at Angel Station and head down Upper Street before winding through residential streets such as Almeida Street, and eventually loop back via Liverpool Road.
This route is a mix of lively streets and laid-back, tree-lined avenues, perfect for an early morning run while the roads are quieter. The historic architecture around this area makes for great scenery while on a run but also gives you the option to make the run as long or as short as you’d like.
New River Walk
The New River Walk path connecting Essex Road Station and Canonbury Station has a lot to offer as a quick lunch time running route. The walkway is flanked by large shrubbery and weeping willows, providing shade and a tranquil escape from your desk. With all the wildlife such as birds, ducks, and squirrels, we’d be surprised if this route didn’t help clear your head and help energise you for the rest of the day.
This run is relatively short but if you are looking for something longer, continue up to Highbury Fields or further to Clissold Park, where you’ll be greeted by grass meadows and towering trees.
So there you have it, all of our favourties running routes in Islington.
If you are looking to refuel after a good workout in the area, then head to our guide on the best coffee shops in Angel.
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