40k Run Bath: Scenic Loop Around the Dan Booth Round

Route Overview & Local Insights

The Dan Booth Round is a formidable 40.4km ultra-distance loop that circles the historic city of Bath, offering a challenging mix of rolling pastures, ancient trails, and quiet country lanes. With nearly 1,000 meters of vertical gain, runners will tackle significant climbs up Kelston Hill and the iconic Solsbury Hill, rewarding their efforts with sweeping panoramic views of the Somerset countryside. While approximately 35% of the course is paved, the majority consists of off-road terrain that can become notoriously muddy during the winter months. Runners should stay alert during the brief, pavement-free stretch on the A367 and keep an eye out for local livestock and golfers as they navigate this scenic, hilly perimeter of the Cotswolds.

This route carries deep meaning within the local running community, originally designed as a training loop by the late Dan Booth, a revered local ultra runner. Beyond its athletic challenge, the round serves as a journey through time, passing the site of the 1643 Battle of Lansdowne and the Iron Age hill fort at Little Solsbury Hill. As you traverse the outskirts of this UNESCO World Heritage city, you'll encounter quintessential English villages like Newton St Loe and Swainswick, where natural springs and local farm shops provide essential refueling stops. It is a stunning way to experience the Roman and Georgian heritage of Bath from a unique, elevated perspective that most tourists never see.