Box, Thickwood and Colerne Loop

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 11.7km loop starting from Box offers a quintessential Cotswolds running experience, blending riverside serenity with challenging climbs. As a Category SL (Short/Local) trail route, you’ll encounter a mix of lush grassy footpaths along the By Brook and steady elevation gains as you push toward Colerne. With roughly 45% of the course on paved quiet lanes and the rest on varied trail terrain, it’s a fantastic choice for runners looking to transition from road to trail. Expect a moderate challenge with 181m of ascent, peaking as you climb through the peaceful countryside of Thickwood, but you'll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views over the valley as you descend past Jamie's Farm.

Box is an area steeped in engineering and geological history, most famous for Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Box Tunnel, which was once the longest railway tunnel in the world. As you run these ancient paths, you are crossing through the heart of the Golden Valley, an area famed for its high-quality Bath Stone. The village of Colerne, perched high on the ridge, provides a stunning vantage point that has been strategically significant since Roman times. This route doesn't just offer a physical workout; it takes you through a landscape shaped by both the industrial revolution and centuries of pastoral farming, making every kilometer feel like a journey through time.