10k Run Richmond: Scenic Loop with Views from King Henry's Mound

Route Overview & Local Insights

Experience the quintessential London run with this 10.3km loop through the southern and eastern stretches of Richmond Park. Primarily set on well-maintained paved paths and hard-packed gravel, this route offers a gentle challenge with 55m of elevation gain, providing just enough undulation to keep your legs working without feeling like a mountain climb. Runners will enjoy a sense of true escapism as they traverse open grasslands and skirt ancient woodlands, with the park’s expansive horizon offering a refreshing break from the city’s dense urban skyline. It is a fantastic choice for a steady long run or a targeted 10k effort on solid footing.

Richmond Park is a site of international importance for wildlife conservation, famously established by Charles I in the 17th century as a deer park. As you navigate the loop, keep a keen eye out for the herds of Red and Fallow deer that have roamed these grounds for centuries. The area carries a rich sporting heritage, serving as a hub for the UK’s running and cycling communities for decades. Local runners often tip the "Col de Richmond" (the slight incline near Dark Hill) as a great spot for hill repeats. After your session, join the local crowd for a post-run coffee at the Roehampton Gate cafe to soak in the atmosphere of London’s largest Royal Park.