9k Run Linwood: Scenic Adventure along the Linford Loop

Route Overview & Local Insights

Experience the quintessential charm of the New Forest on this 8.6km loop starting from Linford. This counter-clockwise route offers a fantastic blend of sheltered woodland running through Red Shoot Wood and expansive, open-plain views. While the course is fully paved, don't let that fool you into thinking it's flat; with 107m of ascent, you'll tackle a testing climb from Greenford Bottom up toward Amie’s Corner. The terrain is generally firm underfoot, making it a reliable choice throughout the seasons, though the descent into Linwood and the final stretch across Mount Hill provide a true sense of adventure with their varied elevations and panoramic countryside vistas.

Runners will be traversing a landscape steeped in history, as Linwood and the surrounding Red Shoot Plain sit in the heart of the New Forest National Park, a former royal hunting ground established by William the Conqueror. Keep a keen eye out for the famous New Forest ponies and local Highland cattle that frequently roam near the roadside paths in Linwood. The area is also home to the iconic Red Shoot Inn, a popular landmark for local harriers and hikers alike. Finishing your run via Mount Hill provides one of the best vantage points in the area, offering a sweeping look at the ancient heathlands that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.