At the time of writing,  there are over 1,300 parkruns taking place across the UK every single week. These are becoming increasingly popular, providing participants with a free way to keep themselves in shape and also creating growing communities with social gatherings being organised amongst participants at the conclusion of many of the events.

Taking place in local parks, nature reserves, woodlands, beaches, seafronts, race courses and historical sites, many of these parkruns in the UK take place in glorious settings which, when combined with the fresh air, provide plenty of positive mental health stimulants at a time when such issues are at an all time high.

If you are planning on travelling down to your holiday home at one of Bulmer Leisure’s resorts each weekend, then you will find that there are plenty of parkruns in North Wales to choose from. We’ve put together a short list highlighting some of the best parkruns in North Wales which are perfectly located so that our owners can get involved in the friendly local communities in the area around our holiday parks.

Newborough Parkrun
Taking place in Newborough Forest at 9am each Saturday morning is the popular Newborough parkrun. This 5km route with its mixture of grass and trail paths is hypnotically relaxing on account of the tranquil woodland surroundings. You’ll also be able to enjoy views of nearby Llanddwyn Island in certain sections which makes for the perfect Instagram shot.

At the conclusion of each event, all participants are invited to the cafe at the nearby Anglesey Transport Museum. This gives runners the chance to meet new people and make new friends.

Perhaps the only downside to the Newborough parkrun is the mud which can disrupt activities after periods of heavy rainfall. These obstacles will however be clearly signposted by the voluntary marshals who are integral to the successful running of the event. We would also advise participants to arrive early due to the limited number of parking spaces available nearby.

Nant y Pandy Parkrun
Taking place on the same day and at the same time as the Newborough event is the Nant y Pandy parkrun which is hosted in the stunning Nant y Pandy Nature Reserve near Llangefni. Organised by a committed group of volunteers, this event is freely available to runners of all ages and ability levels.

Nant y Pandy Nature Reserve is perhaps best known for being home to the endangered red squirrels. Six of the animals were relocated to the reserve in 2008 as part of a reintroduction programme aimed at arresting their dramatic decline. This programme has been a success thus far, with the animals having successfully bred and multiplied across the reserve. Despite still being few in number, your best chance of spotting a red squirrel at Nant y Pandy Nature Reserve is to be had by heading to the Dingle Boardwalk.

The parkrun route takes in this boardwalk in addition to a solid path which lie adjacent to the River Cefni. There are two short hills to be navigated near the start and finish of the course, but the rest is fairly flat. Participants should be aware that dogs are not permitted in the Nature Reserve, so alternative arrangements will need to be sought for their care if you are looking to take part.

Penrhyn Parkrun
If you are willing to make the short trip over to mainland North Wales then we would strongly recommend taking part in the Penrhyn Parkrun. This is held on the grounds of the stunning Penrhyn Castle whose origins can be traced back to the 15th century.

The current iteration of the property was designed by acclaimed architect Thomas Hopper during the mid 19th century, with Hopper aiming to create a Neo-Norman style castle. It truly is a sight to behold and a picture perfect backdrop if you are looking to post a selfie on your socials to keep your friends, family and followers up to date with your North Wales parkrun accolades.

Taking place every Saturday at 9am, the 5km parkrun route consists of two large loops and two slightly smaller loops around the castle itself. On your way around you’ll be treated to views of Snowdonia & the Great Orme in the distance. In total, the entire estate covers 60 acres of beautiful parkland & woodland which is prime for exploring once you have completed your run.

Conwy Parkrun
Another scenic parkrun in North Wales mainland that we would highly recommend taking part in is the Conwy Parkrun. This is held at 9am every Saturday morning at Conwy’s RSPB Nature Reserve, providing runners with inspiring views of the beautiful wildlife which are made up of everything from dragonflies and butterflies, to bird species such as warders and warblers.

The Conwy Parkrun community is also one of the most welcoming, with participants regularly meeting up for a post run coffee at the on-site RSPB Waterside Coffee Shop. Here you will be able to gaze out through the huge picture windows across a lagoon and really take in the beauty that the reserve has to offer. There are plenty of tasty light bites, hearty meals and sweet treats on offer in the cafe too, perfect if you are looking to replenish your energy levels as a reward for completing the parkrun.