9k Run Collier Row: Scenic Loop Around Crabtree Hill

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 9.3km loop offers a refreshing escape into the rugged, unpaved landscapes of East London’s rural fringes. Starting from Clockhouse Lane, you’ll tackle a moderately hilly terrain that traverses Three Cornered Plain and the scenic heights of Crabtree Hill. With 101 meters of ascent, the route provides enough elevation change to keep the legs working without being overwhelming. Runners can expect a mix of wide grassy paths and woodland trails through Spurgate Plain, making it a perfect choice for those looking to swap the asphalt for a more natural, multi-terrain experience away from the city noise.

The Collier Row area carries a deep history, once forming part of the vast Royal Forest of Hainault. As you crest Crabtree Hill, you are running over land that has transitioned from ancient hunting grounds to vital grazing commons. The name "Collier Row" likely stems from charcoal burners (colliers) who occupied the area’s woodland in centuries past. Today, this loop serves as a green lung for the local Havering community, offering expansive views that stretch toward the London skyline—a sharp contrast to the quiet, peaceful atmosphere of the plains you'll be navigating.