Parkrun as a starting point for trail runs

Lots of people have opinions about parkrun. Personally, I think it is a fantastic initiative to get people in to running, a fantastic social and community opportunity and a great way to get out and explore places. But some parkruns also offer something a little more.....adventurous!

Around Manchester my two favourite parkruns are Lyme Park and Watergrove.

Lyme Park is a National Trust property that I run at a lot (I feel safe running on my own there, even in moderately inclement weather) and their 5km is a charming mixture of rocky paths, wood lines trails and grassy path. And its beautiful! Unfortunately weather does mean that it has at least two alternative courses but both of these are pleasant. It is a pretty tough course with plent of elevation and you won't run your usual parkrun time, but you'll work the lungs and legs plenty. You also don't really need trail or fell shoes to complete the course; road shoes will get you round but the extra grip can aff to the fun. We have included it in the Blacksheep series for the last few years, usually in the colder months as the bigger races stop during the bad weather months, and its a great way to kick off the New Year. I have run this parkrun in baking sun, ice, snow and pouring rain and I never don't enjoy it. But I am yet to go sub 30 on the main course. For after, the cafe opens for warming cups of tea and breakfast. Trains go to Disley, which is about a mile and half from the start.

The 'sheep at Lyme Park this January

Up to the cage, photo courtesy of Alice Swift

Watergrove is a set up on the Pennines near Rochdale. The start line is often blustery, set against the reservoir. Another Blacksheep favourite, I was told that this run just 'went round the reservoir and back'. This isn't exactly a lie but you do climb up on to the lower moors and a marshal each week is set on sheep duty to prevent the moor residents escaping through open gates.  I have also come fourth woman here as during winter numbers can be tiny! Less muddy than Lyme, this parkrun can also be done in road shoes but is mostly on rocky or cobbled paths. It is an out and back and on a clear day the views from the top are incredible. For after, there is are cafes in Wardle, the local village, but my favourite is the Cherry Tree in Littleborough, where you can also find a train station.

Steep in parts but good under foot for the main part

Views across the reservoir and down the Manchester

When I am not able to travel quite so far on a Saturday, my local parkruns are Worsley Woods, Pennington and Bolton and all offer their own enjoyable aspects. Worsley Woods is tree lined and covers my local running routes, Pennington offers undulating footpath with views of the the IronManUK swim course, and Bolton has a wonderful hill you get to do more than once. I have not yet tried Haigh Woodland but running here is quite pleasant anyway so I am hoping to get there soon. 

Further afield, Whinlatter parkrun offers an opportunity for the hill lovers to get their legs to open up. It also offers incredible views over Keswick and across to Skiddaw. They reckon you can add on up to 6 minutes compared to your normal parkrun here! This is all on reasonably wide forestry track apart from the small loop section at the top which takes you along amazing lovely single track. For after, Siskins cafe at the start line offers a parkrun promotional breakfast after. You do have to pay for parking and in summer and holidays the event can get busy. 

Whinlatter is one of England's only true forest mountains and offers views of Skiddaw

Delamere forest south of Manchester is also a Forestry Commision based parkrun but without the mega climbs. Down near my southern roots, Wendover Woods Parkrun offers an inbetween version of the two. If you are at a Forestry England location, there are often multiple signposted running and walking routes that make great beginners trail runs.

If you fancy a few more challenges its worth watching this video on the toughest parkruns in the UK though some people are convinced there are tougher ones in Scotland! I'd love to hear if there are any other wilder parkruns people would recommend!