10k Run Charnwood: Scenic Loop by Canal and Charnwood Water

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 10km loop offers a refreshingly flat and fast experience through the heart of Charnwood, perfect for runners looking to maintain a steady tempo without the interference of elevation. Starting along the serene Grand Union Canal towpath, you’ll enjoy a smooth, paved surface that stretches toward Woodthorpe Bridge. The route transitions through a mix of well-maintained footpaths and quiet suburban pavements, leading you around the tranquil perimeter of Charnwood Water. With zero meters of ascent, it is an ideal course for a personal best attempt or a restorative long run where you can truly find your rhythm amidst the waterside scenery.

The area surrounding Charnwood Water is steeped in industrial history, having been transformed from a former sand and gravel quarry into a thriving local nature reserve. As you navigate the loop, you’re running through a landscape that once powered the local construction trade but now serves as a peaceful haven for kingfishers and waterfowl. The canal section itself is part of the historic waterway once vital for transporting hosiery and granite from nearby Loughborough. Today, it remains a favorite haunt for the local running community, offering a blend of Charnwood’s heritage and natural beauty just a stone's throw from the town center.