8k Run East Hampshire: Scenic Trail through Queen Elizabeth Park

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 7.6km anticlockwise loop offers a quintessential South Downs trail running experience, taking you deep into the heart of Queen Elizabeth Country Park. With an ascent of 156m, this is a moderately hilly route that tests your lungs as much as it rewards your eyes. You’ll navigate a mix of the Short and Long Woodland Trails before tackling the climbs around Halt Down and War Down. Expect technical chalky paths, soft forest floors, and sweeping descents that are entirely off-road, making this an ideal choice for runners looking to escape the tarmac and embrace the natural terrain of East Hampshire.

Historically, this area serves as the gateway to the South Downs National Park and was once part of the ancient Forest of Bere. Queen Elizabeth Country Park was officially opened in 1976 by the Queen herself to celebrate her Silver Jubilee, and it has since become a haven for local endurance athletes. As you run past War Down, you are crossing one of the highest points in Hampshire, an area rich in Iron Age history. The dense beech hangers and coniferous stands provide excellent shelter from the elements, though the chalky trails can become notoriously slick after a typical British rain shower, so choose your grip wisely.