A new study by New Balance analysed 135 UK parks and forests with running routes to determine which locations offer runners the opportunity for the most picturesque runs this spring. The findings showed that the most 'Instagrammable' Scottish running location is the West Highland High, which was hashtagged 136,038 times on the social media platform.

The West Highland Way's first position placement won’t come as a surprise and with the iconic route coming in at an impressive 154K long, there is plenty to experience. To go the full way is another kind of challenge, for the toughest ultra-runners, like Rob Sinclair, this trail was conquered in 13:41. However, it is more typical for people to take a week-long trip to complete the entire route.

In second place was Edinburgh's Holyrood park which, with its hilly terrain, offers an incredible view of nearby Edinburgh from Arthur’s Seat (251m). It’s not only the 360-degree panoramic view that makes this location very Instagrammable; roaming through the park, you can spot four prehistoric hill forts, remains of 12th century Holyrood Abbey, and, of course, pass by the Palace of Holyrood House.

Heading west, it was Glasgow's Kelvingrove Park which took third place. Situated on the banks of the River Kelvin with a view of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, this park makes for a brilliant spring run while soaking in the dopamine-worthy views. The park itself isn’t very big, so runners looking for a longer route would have to go outside the perimeter. However, those looking for an easy route or beginners looking for a less challenging run could follow the 2.18K park loop, starting just across the river’s bridge.

Fancy a hill run? Bennachie Hills sit comfortably in fourth position with the Aberdeenshire range perfect for those looking for a more challenging trail run. If you climb through the woods and moors to the top of Oxen Craig (528m), the view reaches all the way to Aberdeen and the North Sea.

Completing the top five is the Cairngorm National Park. The largest national park in the UK is home to some splendid scenery such as Loch Morlich which is surrounded by a 5.8K trail suitable for running on. The park is very large, crossed with hundreds of paths - but if you’re ever in Ballater and would like to try a long-distance run, try the 15K route that passes through several bridges over Gairn River.

Scottish parks and mountains offer some of the best views in the world, but this can also mean some of the routes are challenging due to the steep routes and elevation gain. But beginners should not be deterred; hiking is great base training for running, and walking up the hilly terrains will only help build strength and improve stamina.

Image by Claire Gillan from Pixabay