8k Run Ashfield: Scenic Loop Around Bestwood Country Park

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 7.7km loop offers a fantastic blend of lakeside paths and woodland trails through the heart of Nottinghamshire's countryside. Starting from Moor Road, runners will enjoy a relatively flat beginning around the serene Mill Lakes before tackling the undulating terrain of Bestwood Country Park. With 72m of total ascent, the route qualifies as a "hilly" challenge, particularly as you climb through the dense canopy of Big Wood. The terrain is largely paved and well-maintained, making it an excellent choice for a steady tempo run or a vigorous weekend trail session where you can really find your rhythm amidst the shifting elevations.

Steeped in industrial and royal history, Bestwood Country Park was once a 14th-century deer hunting park for King Edward III and later home to one of the most successful coal mines in the East Midlands. As you run through the village and past the historic Winding Engine House—the last remaining part of the Bestwood Colliery—you are traversing a landscape that has transformed from a bustling industrial hub into a lush green haven for local wildlife. This route provides a perfect snapshot of Ashfield’s heritage, transitioning from the peaceful waters of the Leen Valley to the majestic heights of former aristocratic hunting grounds.