7k Run Tewkesbury: Scenic Loop by the River Severn to Oddas Chapel

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 7.1km loop offers a refreshingly flat and tranquil escape through the Gloucestershire countryside, perfect for runners looking to maintain a steady tempo without the interruption of steep climbs. Starting in the historic market town of Tewkesbury, you’ll follow the meandering banks of the River Severn towards the hidden gem of Odda’s Chapel. The terrain is a pleasant mix, with roughly a quarter of the route on paved surfaces while the rest takes you across riverside paths and through the lush green expanses of Tewkesbury Park. With only 11 meters of total ascent, it is an ideal choice for a recovery run or a scenic sunset jog where the water reflections provide a stunning backdrop.

Steeped in Saxon and medieval history, this route connects two of the area's most significant landmarks. After passing the confluence of the Severn and the Avon, you reach Odda’s Chapel in Deerhurst—one of the most complete Saxon churches in England, dating back to 1056. As you loop back through the grounds of Tewkesbury Park, you are running over land once central to the 1471 Battle of Tewkesbury, one of the decisive encounters in the Wars of the Roses. Today, the area is much more peaceful, characterized by grazing cattle and the towering presence of Tewkesbury Abbey on the skyline, offering a true sense of running through a living museum.