5k Run Erewash: Scenic Lollipop Route at Donisthorpe Woodland

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 4.8km "lollipop" loop is a runner’s dream for those seeking a smooth, flat, and fast surface. Starting at the Discovery Station, the route is 90% paved, making it an excellent choice for tempo runs or a brisk morning jog regardless of the weather. With zero meters of ascent, you can find a steady rhythm as you navigate the gentle curves of Donisthorpe Woodland Park. The course offers a refreshing mix of open pathways and shaded segments, concluding conveniently near the Waterside Station. It’s a perfect distance for local Erewash runners looking to squeeze in a high-quality session on reliable terrain.

Donisthorpe Woodland Park is a testament to the region’s successful environmental reclamation, having been transformed from the site of the former Donisthorpe Colliery into a thriving green space. As you run, you are treading on land that once powered the local industrial economy, now reclaimed by woodland and wildflower meadows. The park is a key link in the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail, and running here allows you to experience the quiet beauty of the Leicestershire and Derbyshire border. Keep an eye out for local birdlife and the occasional canal boat drifting nearby, adding a peaceful, historical backdrop to your training miles.