5k Run Cirencester: Scenic Loop Through Cirencester Park

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 5.3km loop through Cirencester Park offers a classic Cotswold running experience, blending gentle inclines with a mix of paved paths and well-trodden trails. Starting at the grand Cecily Hill Gates, you’ll tackle a manageable 35m of ascent that provides just enough elevation to get the heart rate up without being overly punishing. The route transitions from a solid concrete roadway into the heart of the estate, looping near Seven Rides and Ewe Pens Farm. Expect a semi-paved surface that stays relatively firm underfoot, making it a reliable choice for local runners looking for a scenic training session away from road traffic.

Steeped in 18th-century history, Cirencester Park serves as the stunning backyard to the "Capital of the Cotswolds." As you run through the estate, you are traversing land owned by the Bathurst family for over 300 years, designed originally by the first Earl Bathurst with help from the poet Alexander Pope. The iconic Broad Avenue and the surrounding woodland provide a majestic backdrop that changes beautifully with the seasons. Running here feels like stepping back into an English landscape painting, though be sure to keep an eye out for local walkers and polo ponies, as the park remains a vibrant part of the Cirencester community.