Explore the The King's Forest Paths & Tracks
Location: West Stow, England
This 6.5km loop in King's Forest is an entirely unpaved run. As a circular route, you can start it at any point. It's designed to stick to the smaller, less obvious paths that branch off from the main gravel tracks, which means you'll have a quieter run with less foot traffic. The 36m of total ascent is negligible, making it a very flat and consistent effort, good for maintaining an even pace without any real climbs to break your rhythm.
Given the route is 100% off-road, a pair of trail shoes is the best option. The ground is mostly firm earth and forest floor, but some sections, particularly on the narrower paths under tree cover, can get muddy and slippery after rain. In a long dry spell, you could manage in road shoes, but you’ll appreciate having some grip for the sections with tree roots or loose ground. The mix of wider track and singletrack provides some good variety underfoot.
The course moves between dense woodland and more open glades within the forest. Because it deliberately uses the smaller paths, you’ll need to pay attention to your navigation to avoid accidentally taking a turn onto one of the main forest thoroughfares. Having the route on a watch is a good idea. The payoff for using these quieter paths is a feeling of being properly away from things, with a reasonable chance of seeing deer or other wildlife.