7k Run Blaby: Scenic Paths at Glen Parva Nature Reserve

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 6.5km loop offers an incredibly flat and accessible running experience through the heart of Blaby’s natural corridors. Starting at the Glen Parva Nature Reserve, you’ll enjoy a mix of well-maintained paved sections and soft trail paths as you navigate a route with a negligible 13m of ascent. The course takes you toward the historic Packhorse Bridge before transitioning into a serene waterside stretch along the River Soar. Runners can expect a fast, steady rhythm thanks to the level terrain, with the final leg crossing the modern bridge at Cork Lane to complete a satisfying circuit that showcases the area's best green spaces.

Steeped in local heritage, the area around Glen Parva is a fascinating blend of industrial history and ecological restoration. The "Spinney" and nature reserve sit on what was once part of a bustling transport network, including the Great Central Railway and the Old Union Canal. As you run past the medieval Packhorse Bridge back toward the river, you are traversing paths used for centuries by traders and travelers. Today, the reserve is a haven for local wildlife, and eagle-eyed runners might spot kingfishers or grey herons along the Soar, making it one of the most picturesque spots in Leicestershire for a peaceful morning log.