5k Run Lichfield: Loop Through Chasewater Country Park

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 4.8km loop around Chasewater Country Park offers a fast and flat running experience, making it a favorite for those looking to maintain a consistent cadence. Starting and ending at Brownhills West, the route features a mix of approximately 35% paved surfaces and well-maintained off-road trails. With zero net ascent, this is an ideal course for a tempo run or a leisurely jog where the focus remains on the expansive views of the 200-hectare reservoir rather than battling elevation. Runners will appreciate the wide paths and the crisp air that sweeps across the water, providing a refreshing breeze even on warmer Staffordshire days.

Chasewater is steeped in industrial heritage, originally serving as a feeder reservoir for the Wyrley and Essington Canal during the peak of the canal era in the late 18th century. Today, it has transitioned into a premier Staffordshire destination for outdoor recreation, sitting on the edge of the historic town of Lichfield. As you circumnavigate the water, keep an eye out for the heritage steam trains of the Chasewater Railway which often run alongside the track. The area is also a recognized Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and local runners often spot rare bird species and wild deer in the surrounding heathland, providing a serene natural escape just a stone's throw from the urban centers of the West Midlands.