10k Run Bolsover: Scenic Tour of Shirebrook Wood & Pleasley Park

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 10km loop offers a fantastic blend of Bolsover's industrial heritage and its flourishing natural recovery, perfect for runners seeking variety underfoot. With an 86m ascent, the route is classified as "hilly" but remains accessible, featuring a 50/50 split between paved sections and off-road trails. You'll start with a climb through the rejuvenated Shirebrook Wood, where well-maintained paths provide excellent traction, before crossing the railway line to enter the lush, mixed canopy of Pleasley Park. The terrain here can get a bit technical with roots and soft earth, making it a great spot to practice your trail cadence while enjoying the sheltered, scenic surroundings.

Located on the border of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, this area serves as a powerful reminder of the region's coal mining legacy. Shirebrook Wood stands on the site of the former Shirebrook Colliery, which closed in 1993; today, it is a thriving community woodland and a haven for local wildlife. Continuing into Pleasley Park, you are running through a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), known for its limestone gorge and diverse flora. Local runners favor this route for its quiet atmosphere and the way it connects these two distinct green lungs, offering a peaceful escape just a stone's throw from the historic town of Bolsover and its famous castle.