6k Run Newark: Scenic Trails at Ollerton Pit Wood

Route Overview & Local Insights

Lace up for a refreshing 5.8km journey through Ollerton Pit Wood, a hidden gem in Newark and Sherwood that offers a perfect blend of accessible paths and natural "hilly" terrain. With a modest 41m ascent, this route is ideal for runners looking to build strength on undulating ground without facing crushing climbs. Starting at the Pit Wood car park, you’ll navigate a rhythmic loop that mixes 30% paved surfaces with well-maintained woodland trails. The course transition from the dense, sheltered canopy of the woods to the open paths near the western edge provides a stimulating visual variety, while the final stretch along Darwin Drive allows you to find your stride for a strong finish.

Rich in industrial heritage, Ollerton Pit Wood is a testament to nature's resilience, having been reclaimed from the former spoil heap of the Ollerton Colliery. Once the heart of the local mining industry, the area has been transformed into a thriving biodiverse habitat where silver birch and pine trees now tower over what was once coal dust. Local runners often share the trails with woodpeckers and deer, enjoying a tranquility that stands in stark contrast to the site's noisy industrial past. Running here isn't just a workout; it’s a tour through the landscape's evolution from a 20th-century coal mine to a premier green space within the Nottinghamshire countryside.