4k Run Chard: Scenic Loop Around Chard Reservoir

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 4.1km loop around Chard Reservoir offers a refreshing escape into the South Somerset countryside, perfect for runners seeking a scenic, flat, and accessible trail. Starting from Chard skate park, you'll traverse a mixture of paved paths and well-trodden trails, making up about 70% of the route. With a negligible ascent of just 11 meters, it is an ideal course for recovery runs, speed sessions on the level ground, or for those transitioning from road to light trail. The path hugs the water's edge before returning via the quiet Touches Lane, providing plenty of opportunities to spot local waterfowl and enjoy the tranquility of the nature reserve.

Steeped in West Country history, a significant portion of this run follows the Monmouth Rebellion Walk. This trail commemorates the 1685 uprising where local men joined the Duke of Monmouth in his ill-fated attempt to overthrow King James II—a pivotal moment in English history that centered heavily around these Somerset towns. Today, the reservoir is a designated Local Nature Reserve and a haven for birdwatchers, having been originally built in the mid-19th century to provide water for the Chard Canal. Running here offers a unique blend of heritage and biodiversity, serving as a peaceful reminder of the area’s industrial and rebellious past.