9k Run Holford: Scenic Loop through the Quantocks

Route Overview & Local Insights

Tackle the rugged beauty of the Quantock Hills with this 8.9km loop starting from the Holford car park. This is a quintessential trail run characterized by a steep initial ascent that will quickly test your mountain legs as you climb away from the shaded woodlands toward Lower and Higher Hare Knaps. Once you reach the ridge, the terrain shifts into a series of rewarding, gentle undulations that allow you to find a rhythmic stride while soaking in panoramic views. With 239m of elevation gain and a completely unpaved surface, expect a technical but exhilarating workout that concludes with a fast, flowy descent from Longstone Hill back into the heart of Holford.

The Quantock Hills hold the prestigious title of England's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and running here feels like stepping into a Romantic poem. This specific landscape was a frequent haunt for William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who lived in nearby Alfoxden House and Nether Stowey. As you pass the Bicknoller Post—an ancient marker on the ridge—you are traversing tracks that have been used for centuries. The area is famous for its wild ponies and red deer, so keep your eyes peeled during the quieter morning hours. Holford itself serves as a charming gateway to these moorlands, offering a perfect slice of Somerset’s wild, prehistoric character.