7k Run Cadley: Scenic Loop through Savernake Forest

Route Overview & Local Insights

Experience the tranquil beauty of Wiltshire on this 6.7km loop through the ancient Savernake Forest. Starting near Cadley, this route offers a gentle mix of terrain with only 47m of total ascent, making it an accessible yet rewarding run for those looking to swap the pavement for soft forest tracks. The course takes you along the iconic Long Harry before sweeping clockwise around Braydon Hook. As you wind your way back through the majestic Great Beech, you'll enjoy a predominantly flat profile that allows for a steady cadence amidst some of the most impressive woodland scenery in southern England.

Savernake Forest is a truly unique running destination, recognized as the only privately owned forest in Britain. Managed by Forestry England but owned by the Marquess of Ailesbury, this Royal Forest dates back over a thousand years and was once a favorite hunting ground for King Henry VIII. As you navigate the trails, keep an eye out for the "Big Belly Oak"—one of the oldest trees in the UK. The area around Postern Hill is steeped in history and natural heritage, providing a timeless backdrop that changes beautifully with the seasons, from the vibrant greens of spring to the golden hues of autumn.