10k Run Charnwood: Picturesque Journey Through Bradgate Park

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 9.8km loop through the heart of Charnwood offers a quintessential English running experience, blending steady climbs with breathtaking views. Starting from Anstey, you'll follow the National Forest Way toward Newtown Linford before entering the iconic Bradgate Park. The terrain is a mixed bag of paved paths and rugged forest trails, featuring a moderate 114m of ascent that peaks at the rugged outcrops of Hunt's Hill. Runners can expect a rewarding descent toward the tranquil shores of Cropston Reservoir, providing a flat and scenic stretch to catch your breath while watching the local birdlife before heading back toward the start.

Steeped in history, this area is best known as the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey, the "Nine Days' Queen," whose ancestral home remains as ruins within the park. Charnwood Forest itself is a geological marvel, containing some of the oldest fossils in Western Europe. As you run, keep an eye out for the famous herds of Red and Fallow deer that have roamed these ancient lands for centuries. The landscape is dominated by gnarled oak trees and distinctive Precambrian rocky crags, making every kilometer feel like a stride through time in one of Leicestershire’s most beloved natural landmarks.