10k Run Broxtowe: Scenic Loop Through Attenborough Nature Reserve

Route Overview & Local Insights

This nearly flat 9.9km loop through Attenborough Nature Reserve is a runner's sanctuary in the heart of Broxtowe. Starting from the main car park, you’ll tackle a mix of paved paths and well-maintained gravel trails that wind between the River Trent and a series of serene lagoons. With zero elevation gain, it is the perfect course for a steady tempo run or a scenic long-distance recovery session. You will experience a refreshing variety of landscapes, from the wide, flowing banks of the Trent to the tranquil, sheltered loops around the Natural Park and Lakes, eventually passing the local sailing club on your return to the trailhead.

Attenborough Nature Reserve holds a unique place in Nottinghamshire’s history, having been transformed from a series of gravel pits worked by the Butterley Company into a world-renowned wetland habitat. Formally opened by Sir David Attenborough in 1966, the area is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a vital haven for over 250 species of birds. As you run, keep an ear out for the distinct call of the bittern or the splash of a kingfisher. This area isn’t just a gym without walls; it’s a living testament to environmental restoration, offering runners a chance to escape the urban bustle of nearby Beeston and Nottingham while staying on flat, fast terrain.