Recently, my husband and I spent a night at Heathrow Airport ahead of a long-haul flight back to the US. While our hotel ticked the basic boxes, it didn’t have a gym, and knowing that we had a full day of sitting ahead of us, I was determined to get a run in before we flew and move around!

Initially, I assumed our only option would be to run loops around Heathrow’s perimeter road, dodging traffic and breathing in plane fumes. Not exactly a runner’s dream. But after a bit of digging, I discovered a hidden gem: Harmondsworth Moor.

A Slice of Countryside by the Runway

Harmondsworth Moor is a country park in Hillingdon, just a stone’s throw from the airport. It’s owned by British Airways and managed in partnership with Glendale Countryside, and I was genuinely surprised by how beautiful and peaceful it is.

This 260 acre space was once used for gravel extraction and landfill, but in 2000 it was transformed into a nature reserve with diverse habitats: think open meadows, winding rivers, tranquil lakes, and wildflower-dotted woodland. It’s part of the Colne Valley Regional Park and includes sections of the Duke of Northumberland’s River, which meanders through the area.

There’s also the historic Harmondsworth Barn nearby, an impressive Grade I listed medieval barn that’s been lovingly preserved by English Heritage. The entire area feels like you’ve stepped into the countryside, not into the flight path of one of the world’s busiest airports.

The Run Itself

We headed out from our hotel and jogged along the main road until we found an entrance to the moor. The terrain is all trail, soft underfoot and kind to the joints, making it ideal if you’ve been stuck in trainers all day or are easing back into running.

The paths wind gently through fields and past streams, with beautiful plant life all around. I even saw a few places that would be perfect for a quick bodyweight strength workout if you’re short on time or want to mix things up. The best part? Despite being so close to Heathrow, you can hardly hear the planes. It’s surprisingly peaceful.

The park isn’t busy, but we passed the occasional dog walker and a few people out for a ramble. I ended up running about 5 miles, though you could easily stretch that to 10 or more depending on your route and time.

A Few Tips Before You Go

• Tell someone where you’re headed: The moor feels quite secluded, so it’s worth letting someone know your route – stay safe out there!
• Take water: There are no fountains, so bring your own hydration.
• Wear trail shoes: The paths are soft and sometimes uneven, so plan your footwear accordingly. Definitely don’t wear your expensive super shoes.
• Use GPS or map your route: The trails can look quite similar and it’s easy to get turned around. I recommend using your phone to track where you’re going.
• Watch your footing: The trails are uneven and if it’s been raining, they can get a bit muddy.

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If you ever find yourself with time to spare near Heathrow, I highly recommend packing your trainers and heading to Harmondsworth Moor. Whether you’re after a quick shakeout run or something longer, it’s a brilliant way to squeeze in some movement and clear your head before or after a flight.

To check out my (somewhat muddled) route, check out my Strava.

Have you ever found a surprisingly nice place to run near an airport? Let me know – I’m always looking for hidden gems!