Sydney six best trail runs

 When it comes to running I love a good challenge, some soft trails and not to mention a view! Well luckily for all of us that live in this amazing city we can have all that and so much more within minutes of where we live!

SIX: Manly to Spit Bridge: 

Distance: 20km round trip

Difficulty: medium to hard

Surface: Concrete than soft trail/stairs

This is definitely one to please visitors and travellers but also locals after a beautiful challenge! At either end your run will start with 2 or so km of pretty flat winding pathways with the harbour views sweeping through the heads. 

There are some very significant stair climbs throughout the trail but you are always rewarded with gorgeous views of South and North Head. 

At a well rounded 10km each way its an ideal distance for someone looking for a challenging run or training run for an event. There are toilet facilities at Manly, Reef Beach, and Clontarf with water fountains respectfully. I would recommend running with a camel pack though as the ascents can be really dry and hot when you don't have the sea breeze.

FIVE : Chowder Bay to Taronga Zoo

Distance: 10km round trip

Difficulty: easy

Surface: soft trail 

This run is one of my favorites as you get lost in dense bush from the get-go! Its a beautiful windy trail that takes you around some goreous little beach coves with some dreamy mansions, and than when you need some cooler air you ll find yourself in the middle of a mini rainforest! Bliss! you ll end up popping out at HMAS Sydney where you keep following the path around to the zoo.

There s option here to keep going past the zoo too and if your full of beans you can run all the way to the city and get the ferry home :) 

Toilet facilities at Chowder Bay, HMAS Syndey and at the Zoo, I do not run with a camel pack for this run, but if your planning on the longer run it might be a good idea.

FOUR : Manly Dam

Distance: can range from 7km-10km-22km or 30km

Difficulty: easy-challenging

Surface: soft trail/board walk/stairs

Definitely one of my favorites because of its proximity to the hussle and bussle and yet the abundance of serenity. There are many loops that you can do around Manly Dam, from the smallest being 7km to the largest 30km. I would definitely run with a camel pack for this run, and if your doing longer distances I would also add in a snake bandage, as there are a few around. If you are doing the longer distances I would recommend you do a little bit of research or do it as an organised run, Manly Dam Trail Series, as it can be quite easy to get lost. There are only bathrooms at the starting point or at Seaforth Oval if your considering the long distance.

THREE: Botany Bay

Distance: can range from 8km-10km-22km or 30km

Difficulty: easy to moderate

Surface: soft trail and sand

A beautiful run with sweeping views accross Kurnell and Botany Bay. This one you definitely need water for as there is little shade coverage and no water access once you start. A very enjoyable run though with the surfaces making for a challenge even in the shorter distances. I would definitely run with a camel pack for this race, and I always wear a hat but especially for this particular trail. It is a bit of drive from the Northern Beaches however is worth it!

TWO: Bobbin Head

Distance: can range from 14km-22km or 45km

Difficulty: moderate to challenging

Surface: soft surface and stairs

A single track trail for the most parts with beautiful rainforest sections, creek crossings and gorgeous views. There are some steep hills but depending on which distance you choose you can avoid them! I recommend running with a camel pack and some snacks as it can get pretty hot in some sections.

ONE: Dee Why to Shelley Beach

Distance: 15-20km return

Difficulty: moderate

Surface: trail/path and board walk

An absolute gem of a run which I recommend to be done at dawn or dusk. You will get amazing views over the 5 beaches that you cross, chance to see some dolphins, and if you have a furry friend they can come along for the whole distance!

Bring your swimmers to have a dip at the end of your run, you deserve it! There s bathrooms, water at every end of the beach and showers if your dog needs to cool down.