Gawsworth Countryside Loop

This 10km clockwise loop is effectively flat, with only 44m of total ascent spread across the distance. As a single circuit which you can start from any point, it's a straightforward option for a longer training run. Roughly a third of the route is on paved country lanes, while the majority follows unpaved paths, giving you a proper mix of surfaces underfoot.

Given that most of the route is off-road, your footwear choice depends on the weather. In dry conditions a road shoe with decent grip should manage, but after rain you should expect muddy sections, particularly through the woodlands and along the canal path. Trail shoes are the safer bet for most of the year. The paved portions are on quiet lanes, so you can keep a steady rhythm with minimal interruption.

The route takes you past the grounds of the North Rode estate and alongside a series of fishing ponds near Gawsworth. You will alternate between running through open fields, shaded sections of woodland, and flat waterside paths. It’s a run of varied textures, from hard-packed earth and gravel to tarmac and potentially slick mud, so you'll need to watch your footing through the unpaved parts.