5k Run Staunton Harold: Scenic Route through Bignall's Wood

Route Overview & Local Insights

Clocking in at a manageable 5.2km, this scenic loop around Bignall's Wood offers a refreshing blend of surfaced trails and soft grassy paths that are perfect for a mid-week training run or a brisk weekend outing. Starting from the Ferrers Centre, runners will enjoy a relatively flat opening before tackling a gradual incline toward the midpoint—a great spot to find your rhythm and work your lungs. The route pays you back with a gentle descent into the final stretch, providing a fast, flat finish back toward the estate. With only 21m of ascent, it’s a high-cadence friendly course suited for all abilities looking to enjoy the fresh Leicestershire air without daunting hills.

The area surrounding Staunton Harold is steeped in history and natural beauty, centered around the stunning 18th-century Palladian hall and the rare Commonwealth-era church. Running through Bignall's Wood, you are traversing part of the National Forest, a visionary project that has transformed the local landscape over recent decades. After your run, the Ferrers Centre for Arts and Crafts is more than just a convenient parking spot; it’s a vibrant hub of local artisans situated in the estate's former stable block. It is a favorite local tradition to refuel with a coffee and a slice of cake at the courtyard tea rooms, making this route as much about the post-run community as it is about the miles.