9k Run Ashfield: Scenic Journey Through Silverhill Wood Park

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 8.5km loop offers an inviting mix of flat, fast-paced running and rolling inclines, making it a local favorite in Ashfield. Starting from Skegby, the route utilizes the regional network of disused railway lines, providing a firm, 50% paved surface that is ideal for maintaining a steady rhythm. Once you enter the circuit of Silverhill Wood Country Park, the terrain shifts to well-maintained surfaced tracks that wrap around the heart of the park. With a modest 46m of ascent, the "hilly" rating is more of a gentle undulation than a steep climb, offering just enough elevation to enjoy panoramic views across the Nottinghamshire countryside without breaking your stride.

Silverhill Wood is a site steeped in industrial history, transformed from the former Silverhill Colliery into a thriving green space. As you reach the highest point of the park, look out for the iconic "Testing the Air" monument—a bronze statue of a miner that serves as a tribute to the area's coal mining heritage. This spot is actually one of the highest points in Nottinghamshire, offering rare 360-degree vistas that extend as far as Lincoln Cathedral on clear days. Running here provides a unique sense of place, blending the reclaimed natural beauty of the woodland with the enduring legacy of the local mining community.