12k Run Charnwood: Scenic Journey Through The Outwoods

Route Overview & Local Insights

Tackle a demanding 12.0km loop through some of Leicestershire’s most iconic upland terrain. This route offers a quintessential Charnwood Forest experience, blending the rugged, bare-earth singletrack of The Outwoods with the more established, sweeping gradients of Beacon Hill. With 225m of vertical gain, it’s a stout challenge for even seasoned trail runners; expect a mix of technical footwork under the canopy and wide-open climbs that will test your lung capacity. Be prepared for a brief 400-metre transition on a narrow grass verge between the two sites, making this a true adventure for those who enjoy varied surfaces and punchy elevation changes.

The Outwoods is one of the oldest surviving woodlands in Charnwood, steeped in ancient history and known locally for its stunning bluebell displays in spring. As you move toward Beacon Hill, you’re running over Precambrian volcanic rock that is over 600 million years old—some of the oldest in England. Reaching the summit of Beacon Hill provides breathtaking panoramic views across Loughborough and the Soar Valley, a site that has served as a bronze-age hillfort and more recently as a signal point for the 1588 Spanish Armada. This run isn't just about the physical effort; it’s a journey through the geological and historical backbone of the East Midlands.