5k Run Three Rivers: Scenic Loop around Stockers and Bury Lakes

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 4.9km loop around Stockers Lake and Bury Lake offers an incredibly accessible and flat escape into the heart of the Colne Valley Park. Starting from the Rickmansworth Aquadrome, you'll find a well-maintained mix of paved paths (roughly 30%) and solid gravel trails that remain runnable year-round. With zero elevation gain, this route is a favorite for local runners looking to settle into a consistent tempo or for beginners aiming to complete a full 5k distance without the challenge of hills. The mirrors of water on either side provide a cooling breeze during summer runs, making it one of the most refreshing corridors in the Three Rivers district.

Steeped in local history, the area known as the Rickmansworth Aquadrome was originally a series of gravel pits used to build the foundations of Wembley Stadium in the 1920s. Today, it has been reclaimed by nature and serves as a vital sanctuary for wildlife; Stockers Lake is one of the oldest gravel pits in the Colne Valley and is now managed by the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. As you navigate the "SL" course, keep an eye out for its famous heronry and the vibrant waterfowl that call these lakes home. It’s a perfect example of industrial heritage transformed into a premier green space for the community to enjoy active recreation.