5k Run Taunton Deane: Scenic Loop Through Cotlake Hill

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 5.3km loop offers a quintessential Somerset running experience, blending town charm with rolling elevation. Starting from the Fons George car park, you’ll quickly find your stride as you join the East Deane Way. The highlight of the route is the steady climb up Cotlake Hill; while the 40m ascent provides a moderate challenge for your lungs, the reward is a sweeping view across the Vale of Taunton Deane. The terrain is predominantly paved, making it a reliable choice year-round, as you descend toward the fringes of Trull before looping back through the leafy, picturesque residential lanes of Sherford and Wilton.

Running through this part of Taunton Deane feels like a journey through local history. The East Deane Way itself is a long-distance path that showcases the diverse landscape of the West Country, and this specific section captures the transition from urban Taunton to its rural surroundings. As you pass through Wilton and Sherford, you are running through some of the oldest parts of the borough, characterized by historic stone walls and mature gardens. Local tip: keep an eye out for the Quantock Hills on the horizon as you crest Cotlake Hill—on a clear day, the vista provides the perfect motivation to keep your pace steady through the final mile.