6k Run Rickmansworth: Scenic Loop at Croxley Common Moor

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 5.5km loop offers an incredibly flat and accessible escape through the heart of the Colne Valley, making it a favorite for local runners looking to maintain a steady tempo without the interference of hills. Starting near the serene Croxley Lake, the route utilizes the Ebury Way—a well-maintained former railway line—to provide a smooth, traffic-free path toward Croxley Common Moor. With roughly 35% of the course paved and the remainder following firm riverside trails and grassy tracks, you can expect an easy-going terrain that transitions beautifully into the Grand Union Canal Walk for a peaceful, water-side return to Rickmansworth.

Rich in biodiversity and local history, Croxley Common Moor is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), boasting over 130 species of wildflowers and plants that have thrived here for centuries. As you navigate the moor, you are running through a rare fragment of ancient lowland acid grassland that has remained largely unchanged by modern agriculture. The return leg along the Grand Union Canal provides a glimpse into England's industrial heritage; originally opened in the late 18th century as a vital trade artery between London and Birmingham, it now serves as a tranquil green corridor where runners share the path with narrowboats and local waterfowl.