Explore the Hynburn Greenway 5
Location: Accrington, England
This is a straightforward 5.0 km out-and-back along the Hyndburn Greenway. The route is entirely tarmacked and traffic-free, making it a reliable option for a tempo effort or a predictable training run whatever the weather. Because it’s fully paved, standard road shoes are all you need. The profile is simple: a sustained climb for the first half followed by a matching descent back to the start.
You’ll begin the climb from the moment you set off. All 59m of ascent are gained in the first 2.5 km, so expect a constant, steady grind to the turnaround point. It’s never punishingly steep, but it's a consistent upward gradient that will keep your heart rate up. The path itself takes you through a corridor of green space, with suburban Accrington visible at points between the trees and open sections.
The high point of the route is the 2.5 km marker, where you simply turn and retrace your steps. The return leg is the reward for the work you’ve put in, offering a continuous gentle downhill that allows you to open up your stride and focus on your form. This distinct profile makes it a good route for practising pacing, aiming for a negative split on the faster second half. The footing is consistent throughout.