When: Multiple: 3 events per summer in May, June, July. Wednesday evenings at 19:00. My first ran: May 2015
Where: Langley Country Park, Buckinghamshire UK
Course: complicated but well managed off-road loops of the park
Other routes touched (walk): Beeches Way, Shakespeare’s Way, Colne Valley Trail Extension
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 246
Fastest Finish time: 0:25:43
I’d seen the ad for this trip on Facebook about a year ago. It ticked all the right boxes to get me over-excited. 4 new countries, the highest peak in each, and a new airport. What's not to like? I signed up straight away expecting to rope in a few friends along the way. No chance ... 1 or 2 showed interest but came up with excuses like no money, lack of approval from the wife or “just had a baby”. Meh.
So, 1 year later I turned up at Tirana airport on my own looking for others with KE Adventures bags. I had the cunning plan of wearing my KE shirt so I could be spotted by others. All that did was make them think that I was their official guide for the week and I ended up carrying bags around. Once gathered together with our actual guide we started the 4 hour transfer to the first night's accommodation.
As it turned out, the other 11 in the group were lovely and all interesting people. KE seems to attract the more serious walker and adventure-seeker. All had incredible stories of previous trips and with none of the one-upmanship that comes with some groups. By the end of the trip I’d compiled a long list of future trips and kit advice.
Significance: Highest peak in both Albania and (FYRO) Macedonia
Elevation: 2,764 m
Date climbed: July 1st 2018
Coordinates: 41.7901° N, 20.5471° E
Route Start / End: Circular route from Hotel Korabi, Radomirë, Albania
Route Distance: 17.2 km (10.7 miles)
Route Elevation Change: +/- 1,527m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Web: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korab_(mountain)
One of the things I loved about the trip was how much was packed into each day. Day 1 was no exception with a 06:00 wake up call for the trek to Mt Korab, the high point of both Albania and Macedonia. This was the highest of the 3 summits on the trip and a long day at 9 hours. It was a nice warm-up and a chance to get to know the rest of the group and our guide Geri a bit better. We climbed up from the Albanian side then had lunch in Macedonia over-looking Mavrovo National Park. The return was more or less the same as the ascent, with a nice diversion through a forest and meadows. After a quick celebratory Albanian beer we set off on 3 hour bus transfer to the Kosovan city of Junik.
Significance: Highest peak in Kosovo
Elevation: 2,656 m
Date climbed: July 2nd 2018
Coordinates: 42.5318° N, 20.1399° E
Route Start / End: Point to point route from Gropa e Ereniku to Dobërdol
Route Distance: 15.9 km (9.9 miles)
Route Elevation Change: +1,053m / -947m. Net 106m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Web: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deravica
Kosovo was a pleasant surprise. My only awareness of it was from grim news reports from the 90s. I’d tried not to have any expectations, just an excitement from being able to tick off a new country, and an obscure one at that. Following our last comfortable night for a few days we took a bumpy 4x4 trip to a remote valley to start of our 4 day trek.
After the gentle initial ascent of Korab, today’s climb got steep quickly. The post-lunch scramble reminded me a bit of the Barranco Wall on Kilimanjaro. Once at the summit I was more hesitant to climb on top of the trig-like pillar than on Korab due to the high winds and steeper sides. Fortunately there was a flag pole to grip onto and attempt to look vaguely heroic.
After the initial descent from the summit, the rest of the trek continued north-west, re-entering Albania after traversing a steep sided valley. A large ice field tested my long held nervousness of slipping. The more experienced of the group trudged straight across it while I followed Geri on a longer steadier route.
From the Kosovo/Albania border on the final pass, the end of the day’s walk was a pleasant wander down the Alpine Valley to the farm where we stayed for the night. This was to be the most basic of the guest houses: a single barn floor with a row of mattresses. The 3 snorers in the group, of which I was one, took the option of a separate barn 5 mins up the valley. Although intended as a gift for the others, we ended up with the better deal with a cosier barn and better toilet.
Elevation: from 1,800m to 1,220m
Date walked: July 3rd 2018
Route Start / End: Point to point route from Dobërdol to Çerem, Albania
Route Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Route Elevation Change: +418m / -994m. Net -576m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Day 3 was a break from the summits with a gentler plateau walk, mostly descending, from 1,791m to ~1,200m. The route crossed the Albania/Montenegro border several times a highlight being our lunch stop on a hill with views across to Zla Kolata.
Accommodation that evening was a pleasant but basic guesthouse in Çerem. We were amongst around 50 guests squeezed into the main house plus a few outbuildings. The good news was that it had a shower, but with just 1 for 50 sweaty walkers, there was a bit of a queue. Dinner arrangements were impressive as one lady in a small shed managed to serve up a hearty meal for everyone in 1 sitting.
Significance: Highest peak in Montenegro
Elevation: 2,564 m
Date climbed: July 4th 2018
Coordinates: 42.4850° N, 19.8972° E
Route Start / End: Point to point route from Çerem, Albania to wild campsite on south side of Zla Kolata
Route Distance: 17.1 km (10.6 miles)
Route Elevation Change: +1,457m / -1,148m. Net -309m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Web: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zla_Kolata
By avoiding the screening of the World Cup quarter final nonsense I managed to get an early night. It was just as well as the next day was epic. This was Zla Kolata, the High Point of Montenegro. It was a monster.
The morning was a nice ascent through forests and meadows up to pass on the Albania/Montenegro border. We stopped for an hour for lunch while Geri met up with 2 local guides who would help us on the summit climb. I spent much of that hour looking up at the ascent in fear. From there it all looked like sheer cliff faces and steep ice.
Most of the actual ascent was fine. Taking it step-by-step tends to be much less daunting than from a distance anyway. The tricky bit was not far from the top where the only passing point on an icy ridge was a thin, rocky ledge with a long drop below it. My slipping fear was kicking in but I pressed on, helped enormously by the local guides.
For the final push to the top we were down to 8, with 5 of the group having decided they had met their limits. The final 20 mins was a steep, but relatively easy and mostly grassy scramble to the summit. It was well worth the effort as we were rewarded by clear 360 degree views of both countries. It was a good competitor to Toubkhal for the best summit view I’ve had so far.
The descent to the pass was the same route, although several bits were tougher than I remembered on the way up. I held back to keep fellow trekker Stephen company. He had been struggling with his feet since the first day and was slowed down due to the pain of red raw toes. To be honest, I was also glad of the slower pace to take my time on the steep parts.
With no villages close to the mountain, we wild camped that night. I enjoyed the best night‘s sleep in a tent for many years. In the morning we left the camp site for the final descent to the Valbona Valley. It was a short day ending at a very nice guest house for some beer, rest, reading and a celebration on completing a challenging 3-country trek.
Elevation: from 1,486m to 960m
Date walked: July 5th 2018
Route Start / End: Point to point route from wild camp site south of Zla Kolata to Valbonë, Albania
Route Distance: 11.2 km (7 miles)
Route Elevation Change: +424m / -962m. Net -538m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
The final couple of days of the trip were more restful with a boat & bus transfer back to Tirana and some free time in the city. This trip was epic: a perfect combination of an awe-inspiring adventure, expert organisation and fantastic company. My first action after returning was to check the KE brochure for the next adventure....
LEFT: All 5 days: Mt Korab to the South East and Djerevica/Kolata trek to the centre North
ABOVE: Djerevica/Kolata from right to left. Green = Day 2: Djerevica, Blue = Day 3: plateau walk, Red = Day 4: Zla Kolata, Yellow = Day 5: Valbone descent
When: June 24th 2018
From: Slindon Estate, Arundel, West Sussex
To: Winchester Cathedral, Winchester SO23 9LS
Distance: 86.1km (53.5 miles)
Elevation: +1,344m / - 1,380m. Net -36m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Monarch’s Way, South Downs Way, West Sussex Literary Trail, New Lipchis Way, Staunton Way, The Shipwrights Way, Long Woodland Trail, Wayfarers Walk, Allan King Way, Pilgrims’ Trail, Itchen Way, Clarendon Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 22, 222, 224, 23
Maps:
- Ordnance Survey Explorer OL10 Arundel & Pulborough Map
- Ordnance Survey Explorer OL8 Chichester, South Harting & Selsey Map
- Ordnance Survey Explorer OL3 Meon Valley, Portsmouth, Gosport and Fareham Map
- Ordnance Survey Explorer OL32 Winchester, New Alresford & East Meon Map
Trig Pillars: TP1105 - Beacon Hill, TP5226 - Old Winchester Hill, TP3089 - Exton
Finish time: 14 hours 49 minutes
Links: South Downs Way, Harting Down National Trust, Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Beacon Hill Nature Reserve, Winchester
This was my 4th ultra and the 2nd in the Threshold Trail series. My first couple were a test, then reconfirmation, that I could do an Ultra. After the Gower I was happy to call myself an Ultra Marathon runner. From here on I’ll do them for the pure awesomeness of the events.
As a true introvert I’m not chatty on the events, defaulting to an inner game of getting through the run. Despite this I love the social aspect of the events. It’s the buzz of so many people taking on a major challenge, the support that everyone gives each other and the spectators cheering and helping anyone on the route.
Race To The King was a classic example of why I love these events. The South Downs Way is an iconic trail, the weather was amazing (albeit a little warm) and the organisation couldn’t be faulted.
The conditions couldn’t have been more different to October’s Gower Ultra. That was was damp and crippled my feet while this was bone dry. Despite being 3 miles long I’d completed this one nearly a hour quicker at 14 hours 49 mins. By the time I’d reached Winchester Cathedral I was in good shape and on a bit of a high.
Next Ultra: Race To The Tower 2019.
Related Posts:
Cycling The South Downs Way - Eastbourne to Bury Hill (The other half of the Trail)
Significance: High point of the island of Guernsey, Channel Islands
Elevation: 111 m
Date climbed: 17/06/2018
Coordinates: 49° 25' 55'' N, 2° 35' 44'' W
Route Start / End: car park in front of Guernsey Airport Terminal building
Route Stats: Approx 2 metres walk up the grassy bank between the car-park and the main road, 1 m elevation!
Subsidiary tops on route: none
Web: http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=9555
When: June 17th 2018
Where: Guernsey, Channel Islands
Course: Flatish point to point from L'Eree in the north-west to the Esplanade in the capital, St Peter Port.
Other routes touched: None
Finish time: 1:59
Less than a month after completing LonDone, I've also bagged the Channel Islands Regionnaire status. Its arguably easier as it's 2 events rather than 50+, but does involve flights and a bit of co-ordination. I did both a year apart to coincide with the half marathons for each island. Both were interesting courses with a friendly crowd and special in their own way. I don't expect any new Channel Island events in the near future, so it looks like this Regionnaire is safe for a while.
Completed: June 10th 2017
Time: 27:53
Other routes touched (walk): Corbiere Railway Walk
Other routes touched (cycle): Jersey Cycle Route 1
Inaugural: September 26th 2015
Completed: June 16th 2018
Time: 25:58
Other routes touched (walk): N/A
Other routes touched (cycle): N/A
Inaugural: April 9th 2016
parkruns are free, weekly, community 5k events all around the world. I started in December 2012 and have been obsessive about it ever since. See my parkrun Collection page for details.
Featured and popular parkrun posts:
Three Men of Gragareth
Significance: Present Day County Top of Lancashire
Member of: Hewitt
Parent Peak: Great Coum. NHN = Crag Hill
Historic County: Lancashire (of which Old Man of Coniston is the County Top)
Elevation: 628m
Date climbed: 11th June 2018
Coordinates: 54.2085° N, 2.4814° W
Route Start / End: Circular from Leck Fell House
Route Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Route Elevation Change: +/- 207m
Subsidiary tops on route: none
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched: None
OS Trig Pillar: TP3427 - Gragareth Fell
OS Map: Yorkshire Dales Map | Southern & Western | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL2
Guidebook: Guidebook: Walking the County High Points of England (David Bathurst)
Links: Wikipedia (Lancashire), Wikipedia (Gragareth), Peakbagger, Hillbagging
This was a sneaky bonus tick. After a weekend in the Lake District tackling the Old Man and Helvellyn we were heading home. The trip is nearly 5 hours at best so I was looking for a convenient mountain en route to break up the trip. Gragareth fitted the bill as it was a decent mountain and only 15 minutes off the M6. It was also pretty obscure and, on a Monday morning, we had the walk to ourselves.
The best place to start the walk is from a small parking bay just before the gate to Leck Fell House. Go through this gate and the second gate on the junction before the driveway for the farm. After this you’re on Yorkshire Dales Open Access land.
The first part is fairly straightforward. Continue along the path beyond the gate, keeping to the right side of the wall. After ~1 km, there’s a path (according to the map I was using) that doubles back roughly southwards up across the hill. We couldn’t see any path so just followed the GPS direction across some very rocky lava flow-like patches. At the top of the hill you’ll get to the Three Men Of Gragareth. From here, head east and follow an actual path all the way to the summit.
The summit is a black Trig point on a large plateau with views to Whernside. From here, take the path heading south(ish) towards a stone wall. Don’t climb over the ladder, but continue following the wall all the way to the 2nd gate by Leck Fell House.
Despite not being the most exciting walk in the world, it’s a pleasant diversion from a long drive home from the Lakes.
There’s some dispute about the high point in Present-Day Lancashire. Peakbagger lists Gragareth as the high point at 628 meters (2060 feet) and Green Hill at 627 meters (2057 feet). Hillbagging has Gragareth at the same height but shows Green Hill at 628.2 metres (2061 feet). Even so, Hillbagging has the comment “Lancashire county top transferred to hill 2793 Gragareth in 2014. All higher ground on Green Hill is in Cumbria. Bridge summit 560m S at SD701815. Nuttall summit at SD701820”. In David Bathurst’s book, Walking The High Points of England, he shows Gragareth at 627 metres (2056 feet) and Green Hill at 628 metres (2059 feet). Wikipedia has similar elevations to David’s book with Gragareth at 627 m (2,057 ft) and Green Hill at 628 m (2,060 ft).
Elevations in the list are based on Peakbagger.
OTHER HIGH POINTS IN LANCASHIRE
Old Man of Coniston (803m) Lancashire Historic County Top: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Gragareth (628m) Lancashire Ceremonial County (alternative): Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Green Hill (627m) Lancashire Ceremonial County (alternative): Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Blackstone Edge (474m) Rochdale Unitary Authority High Point (alternative): Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Hail Storm Hill-Southeast Slope (474m) Rochdale Unitary Authority High Point (alternative): Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Winter Hill (456m) Blackburn with Darwen Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Winter Hill Boundary (447m) Bolton Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Scholes Height (415m) Bury Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Billinge Hill (179m) Merseyside Ceremonial County and St Helens Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Billinge Hill - North Top (169m) Wigan Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Greenheys (Newcombe Drive) (116m) Salford Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Heaton Park (108m) Manchester Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Appleton Park (105m) Warrington Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Knowsley Park (100m) Knowsley Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Woolton Hill (89m) Liverpool Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Melling Mount (36m) Sefton Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Warbreck Reservoir (34m) Blackpool Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Striding Edge
Significance: Highest peak in Westmorland (Historic CT)
Member of: Furth, Marilyn, Hewitt, Nuttall, Wainwright, Birkett
Parent Peak: Scafell Pike
Elevation: 950m
Date climbed: 10th June 2018
Coordinates: 54.5268° N, 3.0172° W
Route Start / End: Circular from Patterdale Hotel, A592, Penrith, CA11 0NN
Route Distance: 14.7 km (9.1 miles)
Route Elevation Change: +/- 848m
Subsidiary tops on route: High Spying How (Striding Edge: 863m), Catstye Cam (890m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Coast to Coast Walk (St Bees to Shap), The Ullswater Way
OS Trig Pillar: TP3724 - Helvellyn
Map: OS Explorer OL5: The English Lakes North Eastern Area
Guidebook: The UK's County Tops (Jonny Muir), Walking the County High Points of England (David Bathurst)
Links: Wikipedia (Westmorland), Wikipedia (Helvellyn), Peakbagger, Hillbagging
We did Helvellyn in the same trip as Old Man of Coniston. This was a long weekend in the Lakes to complete the Historic County Tops in the area. We would have also included Scafell Pike if I hadn’t already done it several times and, after the last one, decided to never go back.
Helvellyn is an icon of the Lake District and often considered to be one of England’s best walks. We had a great time on outperform trek there so I can relate to those reviews. We started at the hotel next to the Patterdale Hotel and followed the track that follows the route of the St Bees to Shap section of the Coast to Coast Walk.
When ascending in this clockwise direction you’ll approach the summit via Striding Edge. I’m not a big fan of ridges like these but this was a lot of fun. We had the advantage of good visibility and dry conditions. However, the weather forecasted rain soon so we didn’t hang around too much. That was just as well as an icy downpour started just as we reached the plateau at the summit. We got a good view of walkers behind us getting drenched.
From the Trig Pillar at the summit we saw mini cyclones in the distance and rapidly moving clouds. Fortunately they were moving away from us so we had avoided much of day’s rain. After lunch at the summit we continued our clockwise route, descending via Swirral Edge. It’s another challenging route, but not as tricky as Striding Edge and easier to do as a descent. Even so, the route was now very wet so we took it easy.
Once off Swiral Edge (which I always misremember as Squirrel Edge), we were back in easy terrain, following the path back to the Patterdale Hotel
View to Low Water
Also known as: Coniston Old Man
Significance: Highest Peak in Lancashire (Historic CT)
Member of: Hewitt, Marilyn, Nuttall, Wainwright, Aetherius Society Holy Mountains
Parent Peak: Scafell Pike. NHN = Crinkle Crags-South Top
Elevation: 803m
Date climbed: 09/06/2018
Coordinates: 54.3701° N, 3.1199° W
Route Start / End: Circular from Holly How YHA, Coniston
Route Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
Route Elevation Change: +/- 728m
Subsidiary tops on route: Brim Fell (796m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched: None
OS Trig Pillar: TP2382 - Coniston Old Man
OS Map: Outdoor Leisure 6: The English Lakes South Western Area
Guidebook: The UK's County Tops (Jonny Muir), Walking the County High Points of England (David Bathurst)
Links: Wikipedia (Lancashire), Wikipedia (Old Man of Coniston), Peakbagger, Hillbagging
We did the Old Man of Coniston in the same trip as Helvellyn . This was a long weekend in the Lakes to complete the Historic County Tops in the area. We would have also included Scafell Pike if I hadn’t already done it several times and, after the last one, decided to never go back.
We were staying in the YHA Coniston Holly How so had the advantage of doing a circular trek from the door of the hostel. An alternative start point is the Old Station Car Park in the centre of Coniston.
We took the footpath on the north side of the YHA to join another path heading in a south-westerly direction around the edge of Round Haw and Mouldry Bank. This curves to a north-westerly direction roughly following the course of the Red Dell Beck stream. Don't follow this all the way though as you'll need to take the paths that lead you to Levers Water.
Continue around the southern edge of Levers Water ascending to the west until you meet a path that connects Great How Crags with the Old Man of Coniston summit. Take a left onto this path and follow it in a southerly direction to the summit.
After the summit continue on the path to the south-east (not the path that leads directly south). This will curve to the north-east as you descend to the north-east corner of Low Water. From here take the easterly path for ~2km until you meet the Church Beck stream. Continue along this path following the stream as it curves to the south-east and leads you to Coniston town centre.
If you're staying at the YHA it's less than 1km up Yewdale Road from Coniston Town centre.
Gragareth (628m) Lancashire Ceremonial County (alternative): Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Green Hill (627m) Lancashire Ceremonial County (alternative): Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Blackstone Edge (474m) Rochdale Unitary Authority High Point (alternative): Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Hail Storm Hill-Southeast Slope (474m) Rochdale Unitary Authority High Point (alternative): Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Winter Hill (456m) Blackburn with Darwen Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Winter Hill Boundary (447m) Bolton Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Scholes Height (415m) Bury Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Billinge Hill (179m) Merseyside Ceremonial County and St Helens Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Billinge Hill - North Top (169m) Wigan Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Greenheys (Newcombe Drive) (116m) Salford Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Heaton Park (108m) Manchester Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Appleton Park (105m) Warrington Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Knowsley Park (100m) Knowsley Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Woolton Hill (89m) Liverpool Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Melling Mount (36m) Sefton Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Warbreck Reservoir (34m) Blackpool Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
LonDone is the term for completing all parkrun events in Greater London. There are currently 64 parkrun events in Greater London. The first was Bushy Park which started on October 2nd 2004 and the newest is Battersea which started on October 12th 2024.
I first completed LonDone on June 3rd 2018 at Catford which was the 52nd London event at the time.
There are also other terms: LonDone + for completing all parkruns within the M25. The definition of LonDone ++ is a little more debatable. See my LonDone + page for details.
The London Boroughs are the 32 local authority districts that together with the City of London make up the administrative area of Greater London.
Bromley has the most parkrun events with 5.
There are 2 boroughs that do not currently have a parkrun event: Kensington and Chelsea and the City of Westminster.
The City of London also doesn’t have a parkrun event. Due to its small size and lack of green spaces it’s unlikely to ever have one.
5 parkrun events share their name with the borough that they are in: Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Harrow and Southwark.
Another 6 parkrun events have all or part of their name in the name of the borough that they are in: Barking, Fulham Palace, Hackney Marshes, Kingston, Richmond Park and Walthamstow.
The table above shows parkrun events listed by London Borough where the current start line is located. Most events are fully within the boundaries of their respective borough, however some cross borders. Events in italics with a * have explanations below. Thanks to the members of the various Facebook parkrun groups for input on these. Events like Clapham Common may be under the jurisdiction of a borough council but shown above in a different borough due to the start line location.
Clapham Common has the start and finish in Wandsworth although the course crosses into the eastern side of the Common which is part of Lambeth. The event is under Lambeth jurisdiction (thanks to Cal Jones for this info), although I’ve listed it under Wandsworth in the table for consistency of where the start point is.
Crane Park parkrun is half in Hounslow borough and half in Richmond - as the river Crane is the boundary. On the current course the start is in Hounslow and the finish in Richmond (thanks to Mike Dennison for this info).
Kingston parkrun starts and ends in Kingston upon Thames and crosses over into Richmond upon Thames in the middle section (thanks to Mike Dennison for this info).
Roundshaw Down parkrun has the briefing in Croydon, the start line just over the border in Sutton, and the finish in Croydon. Much of the course is in Sutton with the eastern edge in Croydon. (thanks to Robert Butlin for this info).
The Wanstead Flats course is in Redbridge, although the post-code for the Harrow Road Pavilion is in neighboring Waltham Forest. This is presumably because the entrance to the Pavilion is off Harrow Road which is right on the border.
Wimbledon Common parkrun is mostly in Wandsworth although the finish line and funnel is inside the Merton boundary - the Wandsworth border is a few metres north of the drinking trough next to the finish line. The old Wimbledon Common parkrun course, which was used as an alternative course (due to hornets on the usual course) in 2016 was entirely in Merton (thanks to Charles Leonard for this info).
Before the creation of Greater London, the area was split between 5 Historic Counties:
23 Greater London parkrun events were previously in the historic county of Middlesex. Hazelwood is the only parkrun event that was in Middlesex but is not now in Greater London.
17 Greater London parkrun events were previously in the historic county of Surrey. The Riddlesdown event crosses the current border of Greater London and present-day Surrey but is classified as London.
14 Greater London parkrun events were previously in the historic county of Kent. Both Crystal Palace and Bethlem Royal Hospital cross the border of Historic Surrey and Kent, but the parkrun courses are mostly on the Kent side.
9 Greater London parkrun events were previously in the historic county of Essex. Hackney Marshes was all inside Middlesex when I did it in 2014, however the new course now starts and ends on the east side of the River Lea in Essex but still has most of the route in Middlesex.
1 Greater London parkrun event (Oak Hill) was previously in the historic county of Hertfordshire
Below are each of the Greater London parkun events in alphabetical order. A few things to note:
The interactive maps below take you to the approximate location for the course, typically the centre of the park. See the course instructions in the parkrun page for each event for specific directions to the start.
Course maps and elevation profiles show the route at the time that I ran it and may have changed since then. See the Course page in the event’s page on parkrun.co.uk for the current course outline.
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram details are based primarily on the public transport description in the Course page for each event plus input submitted by readers of this page.
See the LonDone parkrun travel connections page for more details on stations, driving and facilities.
If you would like a PDF version of my manual LonDone tracker, please BuyMeACoffee and let me know on the Contact Page. It’s a table of all current Greater London parkrun events, plus all events inside the M25, with space for future new events. You can track your date completed and finish time. It’s simple and you could easily make one yourself, but let me know if you want a copy of mine. 20% of each virtual coffee goes to parkrun Forever and the rest goes toward the running of this website.
I completed this event on: January 1st 2015 with a finish time of: 27:01
Other routes touched: Alexandra Palace and the Parkland Walk Circular
Greater London Borough: Haringey
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: December 3rd 2011
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Alexandra Palace (National Rail via Great Northern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.3 miles (0.48 km). Alternative: Wood Green (Tube).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: October 28th 2017 with a finish time of: 26:40
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Barking and Dagenham
Historic County: Essex
Inaugural: July 28th 2012
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Barking (National Rail via c2c. Overground. Underground via Bakerloo, District, Hammersmith & City). Walking Distance: 0.6 miles (0.96 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I have not completed this event yet
Greater London Borough: Wandsworth
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: October 12th 2024
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Battersea Power Station (Underground via Northern). Walking Distance: 1 miles (1.6 km). Alternatives: South Kensington and Sloane Square (Tube). Battersea Park Overground & National Rail.
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I completed this event on: February 3rd 2018 with a finish time of: 25:51
Other routes touched (walk): Green Chain Walk, Capital Ring
Greater London Borough: Lewisham
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: November 19th 2016
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Beckenham Hill (National Rail via Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km). Alternative: Beckenham Junction (Tram).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: January 6th 2017 with a finish time of: 27:28
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 13
Greater London Borough: Newham
Historic County: Essex
Inaugural: June 2nd 2012
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Royal Albert (DLR). Walking Distance: 0.3 miles (0.48 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: January 18th 2014 with a finish time of: 24:13
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Hounslow
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: May 9th 2009
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Ashford (National Rail via South Western). Walking Distance: 1.1 miles (1.76 km). Alternative: Hatton Cross (Tube, then take a bus).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: May 25th 2019 with a finish time of: 25:15
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Bromley
Historic County: Surrey & Kent (course is on the border of the 2 counties)
Inaugural: May 25th 2019
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Eden Park (National Rail via southeastern). Walking Distance: 0.7 miles (1.12 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: March 31st 2018 with a finish time of: 26:13
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Bexley
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: February 4th 2012
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Welling (National Rail via southeastern). Walking Distance: 1.2 miles (1.92 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: May 26th 2018 with a finish time of: 27:28
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Lambeth
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: December 11th 2010
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Herne Hill (National Rail via southeastern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km). Alternative: Brixton (Tube).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: March 17th 2018 with a finish time of: 26:38
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Bromley
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: August 29th 2009
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Bromley South (National Rail via southeastern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.9 miles (1.44 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: December 2nd 2017 with a finish time of: 25:17
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 425
Greater London Borough: Southwark
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: September 22nd 2012
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Elephant & Castle (National Rail via southeastern, Thameslink, Underground via Bakerloo, Northern). Walking Distance: 1 miles (1.6 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: March 1st 2014 with a finish time of: 23:30
Other routes touched (walk): London Loop
Greater London Borough: Richmond upon Thames
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: October 2nd 2004
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Hampton Court (National Rail via South Western). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km). Alternative: Teddington (Train), Hampton Wick (Train)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: November 12th 2016 with a finish time of: 26:03
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Harrow
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: October 8th 2016
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Canons Park (Underground via Jubilee). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km). Alternative: Harrow & Wealdstone (Train)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: June 2nd 2018 with a finish time of: 25:47
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Lewisham
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: April 28th 2018
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Hither Green (National Rail via southeastern). Walking Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km). Alternative: Catford, Catford Bridge.
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
Elephant's Head!
I completed this event on: December 4th 2021 with a finish time of: 25:13
Other routes touched (walk): Capital Ring
Greater London Borough: Greenwich
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: October 2nd 2021
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Charlton (National Rail via southeastern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km). Alternative: DLR Woolwich, North Greenwich (Jubilee).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: April 14th 2018 with a finish time of: 25:41
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Start and finish in Wandsworth although the course crosses into the eastern side of the Common which is part of Lambeth. The event is under Lambeth jurisdiction (thanks to Cal Jones for this info).
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: March 24th 2018
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Clapham South (Underground via Northern). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km). Alternative: Clapham Junction (Train)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: October 4th 2014 with a finish time of: 24:24
Other routes touched (walk): London Loop
Greater London Borough: Crane Park parkrun is half in Hounslow borough and half in Richmond - as the river Crane is the boundary. On the current course the start is in Hounslow and the finish in Richmond (thanks to Mike Dennison for this info).
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: June 9th 2012
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Whitton (National Rail via South Western). Walking Distance: 1.1 miles (1.76 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: December 17th 2016 with a finish time of: 26:23
Other routes touched (walk): Capital Ring
Greater London Borough: Bromley
Historic County: Surrey & Kent (course is on the border of the 2 counties)
Inaugural: May 29th 2010
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Penge West (National Rail via Southern. Overground). Walking Distance: 0.2 miles (0.32 km). Alternative: Penge East (Train), Crystal Palace (Train, Overground).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: October 22nd 2016 with a finish time of: 25:18
Other routes touched (walk): Green Chain Walk
Greater London Borough: Southwark
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: April 14th 2012
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: West Dulwich (National Rail via southeastern). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km). Alternative: North Dulwich.
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: January 24th 2015 with a finish time of: 28:06
Other routes touched (walk): Capital Ring, New River Path
Greater London Borough: Haringey
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: October 31st 2009
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Finsbury Park (National Rail via Great Northern, Thameslink. Overground. Underground via Piccadilly, Victoria). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: October 20th 2018 with a finish time of: 28:36
Other routes touched (walk): N/A but runs very close to the London Loop and Cray Riverway
Greater London Borough: Bexley
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: July 21st 2018
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Albany Park (National Rail via southeastern). Walking Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: October 19th 2013 with a finish time of: 23:28
Other routes touched (walk): Thames Path
Greater London Borough: Hammersmith and Fulham
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: October 19th 2013
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Putney Bridge (Underground via District). Walking Distance: 0.6 miles (0.96 km). Alternative: Putney.
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: November 1st 2014 with a finish time of: 24:14
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Brent
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: June 30th 2012
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Dollis Hill (Underground via Jubilee). Walking Distance: 1.1 miles (1.76 km). Alternative: Cricklewood.
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: May 13th 2017 with a finish time of: 34:07
Other routes touched (walk): Shuttle Riverway
Greater London Borough: Greenwich
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: March 6th 2010
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Falconwood (National Rail via southeastern). Walking Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: January 1st 2015 with a finish time of: 25:24
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Enfield
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: July 24th 2010
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Winchmore Hill (National Rail via Great Northern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km). Alternative: Southgate (Tube).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: March 8th 2014 with a finish time of: 23:11
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Hounslow
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: October 29th 2011
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Acton Town (Underground via District, Piccadilly). Walking Distance: 0.6 miles (0.96 km). Alternative: Kew Bridge (Rail).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: January 1st 2014 with a finish time of: 25:12
Other routes touched (walk): Lea Valley Walk / Lea Canal Towpath
Greater London Borough: Hackney
Historic County: the course was all inside Middlesex when I did it in 2014, however the new course now starts and ends on the east side of the River Lea in Essex but still has most of the route in Middlesex
Inaugural: May 29th 2010
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Hackney Wick (Overground). Walking Distance: 1.1 miles (1.76 km). Alternative: Stratford International DLR
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: January 4th 2014 with a finish time of: 26:31
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Camden
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: May 14th 2011
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Hampstead Heath (Overground). Walking Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km). Alternative: Hampstead (Tube).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: June 15th 2019 with a finish time of: 27:24
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Hounslow
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: May 4th 2019
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Feltham (National Rail via South Western). Walking Distance: 0.9 miles (1.44 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: November 7th 2015 with a finish time of: 25:24
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Harrow
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: May 9th 2015
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Harrow on the Hill (National Rail via Chiltern Railways. Underground via Metropolitan). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: March 25th 2017 with a finish time of: 25:33
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Havering
Historic County: Essex
Inaugural: January 12th 2013
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Elm Park (Underground via District, Hammersmith & City). Walking Distance: 0.6 miles (0.96 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: January 1st 2014 with a finish time of: 25:13
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 162
Greater London Borough: Islington
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: November 12th 2011
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Highbury & Islington (National Rail via Great Northern. Overground. Underground via Victoria). Walking Distance: 0.2 miles (0.32 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: May 27th 2017 with a finish time of: 26:53
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Lewisham
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: September 8th 2012
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Ladywell (National Rail via South Western). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: February 10th 2018 with a finish time of: 26:02
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Bromley
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: July 15th 2017
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: St Mary Cray (National Rail via southeastern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: January 3rd 2015 with a finish time of: 25:26
Other routes touched (walk): Thames Path
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 4
Greater London Borough: Starts and ends in Kingston upon Thames and crosses over into Richmond upon Thames in the middle section (thanks to Mike Dennison for this info).
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: March 20th 2010
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Hampton Wick (National Rail via South Western). Walking Distance: 1.7 miles (2.72 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: October 1st 2016 with a finish time of: 26:08
Other routes touched (walk): Vanguard Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 232
Greater London Borough: Croydon
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: October 23rd 2010
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Lloyd Park (Tram). Walking Distance: >0.1 miles (>0.1 km). Alternative: East Croydon (Rail)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: November 12th 2022 with a finish time of: 25:26
Other routes touched: None
Greater London Borough: Haringey
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: October 22nd 2022
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Turnpike Lane (Underground via Piccadilly). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km). Alternative: Bruce Grove (Overground)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: April 22nd 2017 with a finish time of: 26:02
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1. (walk): Jubilee Greenway
Greater London Borough: Tower Hamlets
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: February 4th 2012
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Mile End (Underground via Central, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City). Walking Distance: 0.6 miles (0.96 km). Alternative: Limehouse (Train, DLR).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: August 24th 2024 with a finish time of: 26:42
Other routes touched (cycle): None, although NCN 208 runs very close to the north-eastern edge of the course.
Greater London Borough: Merton
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: June 15th 2024
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Morden South (National Rail via Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km). Alternative: Morden (Tube)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: July 26th 2014 with a finish time of: 23:58
Other routes touched: N/A
This event is also part of parkrun Compass Club
Greater London Borough: Ealing
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: June 21st 2014
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Northolt (Underground via Central). Walking Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: January 10th 2015 with a finish time of: 24:58
Other routes touched (walk): Pymmes Brook Trail
Greater London Borough: Barnet
Historic County: Hertfordshire
Inaugural: August 27th 2011
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Oakleigh Park (National Rail via Great Northern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.6 miles (0.96 km). Alternative: Southgate (Tube)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: September 21st 2013 with a finish time of: 23:32
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Richmond upon Thames
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: August 21st 2010
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Richmond (National Rail via South Western. Overground. Underground via District). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: December 24th 2016 with a finish time of: 28:04
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Bromley
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: September 15th 2012
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Orpington (National Rail via southeastern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 1.6 miles (2.56 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: January 25th 2014 with a finish time of: 23:35
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Hounslow
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: August 31st 2013
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Osterley (Underground via Piccadilly). Walking Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km). Alternative: Isleworth (Train)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: December 25th 2016 with a finish time of: 25:36
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Southwark
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: June 21st 2014
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Honor Oak Park (National Rail via Southern, Overground). Walking Distance: 1.1 miles (1.76 km). Alternative: Nunhead (Train)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: February 7th 2015 with a finish time of: 26:09
Other routes touched (walk): Pymmes Brook Trail
Greater London Borough: Enfield
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: April 9th 2011
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Silver Street (Overground). Walking Distance: 0.2 miles (0.32 km). Alternative: Edmonton (Train), Seven Sisters (Tube)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: February 11th 2017 with a finish time of: 26:36
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Havering
Historic County: Essex
Inaugural: May 2nd 2015
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Romford (National Rail via greateranglia. Overground, Elizabeth Line). Walking Distance: 0.9 miles (1.44 km). Alternative: Elm Park (Tube).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: February 1st 2014 with a finish time of: 24:14
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 4
Greater London Borough: Richmond upon Thames
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: October 20th 2007
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Richmond (National Rail via South Western. Overground. Underground via District). Walking Distance: 1.1 miles (1.76 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: January 1st 2017 with a finish time of: 26:24
Other routes touched (walk): London Loop, Tandridge Border Path
Greater London Borough: Croydon
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: July 2nd 2011
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Whyteleafe (National Rail via Southern). Walking Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km). Alternative: Upper Warlingham (Train)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
Note that the start, and most of the course is in Greater London, however the finish is in Surrey.
I completed this event on: January 1st 2017 with a finish time of: 27:28
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Sutton. Roundshaw Down parkrun has the briefing in Croydon, the start line just over the border in Sutton, and the finish in Croydon. Much of the course is in Sutton with the eastern edge in Croydon. (thanks to Robert Butlin for this info).
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: July 18th 2009
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Waddon (National Rail via Southern). Walking Distance: 1.1 miles (1.76 km). Alternative: West Croydon (Overground), Wandle Park (Tram)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: February 12th 2022 with a finish time of: 25:03
Other routes touched: None
This event is also part of parkrun Compass Club
Greater London Borough: Ealing
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: January 8th 2022
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Southall (National Rail via GWR, Underground, Elizabeth Line). Walking Distance: 0.7 miles (1.12 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: December 23rd 2017 with a finish time of: 28:28
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 21
This event is also part of parkrun Compass Club
Greater London Borough: Croydon
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: July 8th 2017
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Arena (Tram). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km). Alternative: Alternative: Elmers End (Train), Norwood Junction (Overground).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: November 23rd 2017 with a finish time of: 24:26
Other routes touched: N/A
This event is also part of parkrun Compass Club
Greater London Borough: Southwark
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: September 7th 2013
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Surrey Quays (Overground). Walking Distance: 0.2 miles (0.32 km). Alternative: South Bermondsey (Train), Canada Water (Tube)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: January 7th 2023 with a finish time of: 26:07
Other routes touched: The London Loop
Greater London Borough: Hillingdon
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: January 7th 2023
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: West Drayton (National Rail via GWR, Elizabeth Line). Walking Distance: 1 miles (1.6 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: April 13th 2019 with a finish time of: 26:48
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Barnet
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: March 30th 2019
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Colindale (Underground via Northern). Walking Distance: 1.3 miles (2.08 km). Alternative: Mill Hill Broadway (Train).
I completed this event on: November 20th 2021 with a finish time of: 25:01
Other routes touched: None
Greater London Borough: Greenwich
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: September 11th 2021
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Kidbrooke (National Rail via southeastern). Walking Distance: 0.7 miles (1.12 km).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: May 20th 2023 with a finish time of: 24:47
Other routes touched (walk): Thames Path
Other routes touched (walk): NCN 1, Q14
Greater London Borough: Greenwich
Historic County: Kent
Inaugural: May 6th 2023
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Woolwich (Elizabeth Line). Walking Distance: 0.3 miles (0.48 km). Alternative: Woolwich Arsenal DLR
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: January 28th 2017 with a finish time of: 26:55
Other routes touched (walk): Capital Ring
Greater London Borough: Wandsworth
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: January 30th 2016
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Tooting Bec (Underground via Northern). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km). Alternative: Balham (Train), Clapham Junction (Overground).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: November 5th 2016 with a finish time of: 25:54
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Redbridge
Historic County: Essex
Inaugural: February 19th 2011
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Gants Hill (Underground via Central). Walking Distance: 0.7 miles (1.12 km). Alternative: Alternative: Ilford (Train), Woodgrange Park (Overground).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: April 28th 2018 with a finish time of: 24:23
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 13
Greater London Borough: Newham
Historic County: Essex
Inaugural: March 17th 2018
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Royal Victoria (DLR). Walking Distance: 0.3 miles (0.48 km). Alternative: Custom House (Train), Canning Park (Tube).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: December 3rd 2016 with a finish time of: 26:11
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Waltham Forest
Historic County: Essex
Inaugural: January 26th 2013
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Higham's Park (Overground). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km). Alternative: Walthamstow Central (Train, Tube).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: December 10th 2016 with a finish time of: 25:27
Other routes touched (walk): Greenwich Meridien Trail, Epping Forest Centenary Walk
Greater London Borough: Redbridge, although the post-code for the Harrow Road Pavilion is in neighboring Waltham Forest. This is presumably because the entrance to the Pavilion is off Harrow Road which is right on the border.
Historic County: Essex
Inaugural: May 21st 2011
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Leytonstone High Road (Overground). Walking Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km). Alternative: Stratford International (Train), Leytonstone (Tube), Forest Gate (Elizabeth Line).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: November 29th 2014 with a finish time of: 25:14
Other routes touched: Capital Ring
Greater London Borough: Wandsworth. The course is mostly in Wandsworth although the finish line and funnel is inside the Merton boundary - the Wandsworth border is a few metres north of the drinking trough next to the finish line. The old Wimbledon Common parkrun course, which was used as an alternative course (due to hornets on the usual course) in 2016 was entirely in Merton (thanks to Charles Leonard for this info).
Historic County: Surrey
Inaugural: January 6th 2007
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Southfields (Underground via District). Walking Distance: 1.4 miles (2.24 km). Alternative: Putney (Train), Wimbledon (Tram).
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
I completed this event on: June 15th 2013 with a finish time of: 24:10
Other routes touched: N/A
Greater London Borough: Hammersmith and Fulham
Historic County: Middlesex
Inaugural: June 11th 2011
Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: East Acton (Underground via Central). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km). Alternative: Acton Main Line (Train)
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up
Actual course outlines for the parkrun events in Greater London. Some courses have changed their routes since I completed them.
parkruns are free, weekly, community 5k events all around the world. I started in December 2012 and have been obsessive about it ever since. See my parkrun Collection page for details.
Featured and popular parkrun posts:
Fields to the north-west of Skirmett
Start / Finish: The Frog at Skirmett, Henley-on-Thames RG9 6TG
Distance: 5.5km (3.4 miles)
Elevation Change: +/- 164m
Other Routes Touched (walk): Chiltern Way
Other Routes Touched (cycle): Chiltern Cycleway
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Frog at Skirmett (at start and end), The Chequers Inn (2.3 km in), The Bull & Butcher (3.4 km in),
Map: OS Explorer 171: Chiltern Hills West, Henley-on-Thames and Wallingford
Links: Skirmett, Turville, Fingest
This is a lovely, short walk in the heart of the Chilterns. Pick the right day, as we did, and you'll experience a wonderful walk in the hills, great views and an outstanding pub to start it from. We spent a leisurely couple of hours in the Frog's garden with some great food. They even catered well for the gluten and dairy frees amongst us. The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.
From the Frog:
Head north on Fingest Lane and take the first footpath on the left.
Follow the footpath up the hill and continue as it meanders around the edge of Great Wood. You'll soon see the windmill above Fingest in the distance.
Keep on the footpath as it crosses Dolesden Lane, across the field and turn right onto the Chiltern Way.
Keep on the Chiltern Way through Turville Village, crossing Holloway Lane. The path turns right and runs parallel to Holloway Lane, eventually meeting Fingest Lane just before the Chequers Inn.
Shortly after the Chequers, keep on the Chiltern Way as it turns off Fingest Lane and climbs a steep hill.
Keep on the Chiltern Way as it enters the woods, and then descends back to the Frog and the end of the walk.
Hambleden Church
Part of the Chiltern Rivers Series
River start: Near junction of Watery Lane and Fingest Lane, North Skirmett, Oxfordshire
River end: Confluence with the River Thames at Mill End, Buckinghamshire
River length: 6.6 km (4.1 miles)
Cycle route start / end: Henley-on-Thames Town Centre
Cycle route length: 23.3 km (14.5 miles)
Cycle route ascent: +/- 240m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Oxfordshire Way, Shakespeare’s Way, Chiltern Way, The Wokingham Way, Thames Path
Other routes touched (cycle): Chilterns Cycleway
Map: OS Explorer Map (171) Chiltern Hills West, Henley-on-Thames and Wallingford
Links: Hambleden Brook, Skirmett, Hambleden
The Hambleden Brook is a 4.1 mile chalk stream running from Skirmett to Mill End near Henley on Thames. There's loads of options for scenic walks in the area, but I chose a 14.5 mile circular cycle route also taking in Henley, Lower Assendon and Fawley.
How To:
The maps below show a start & end point at the source of the Brook at Skirmett, however I recommend starting in Henley where there are a lot of parking options. From Henley Town Centre:
Head north-west on the A4120 toward Wallington & Nettlebed. This is a fairly busy road but there's protected cycle path on the left for most of the way.
Just before the A4120 becomes a dual carriageway, turn right onto the B480 toward Assendons and Stonor, then first left following the Chilterns Cycleway.
Follow the Chilterns Cycleway north for approx 5k through Fawley to the T-junction at Dudley Lane. Turn right, away from the Cycleway.
Take first right onto Drovers Lane, following it to Southend, turning right through the village.
Follow the steep Bridleway down to Dolesden Lane, and follow this right / east toward Fingest.
At the intersection of Dolesden Lane and Holloway Lane, turn right onto Watery Lane, following this until it meets Fingest Lane.
The source of the Hambleden Brook is in the field on the right hand side of Watery Lane, just before you reach Fingest Lane. As you turn right onto Fingest Lane, you'll see a dry ditch which follows the course of the Brook.
Follow Fingest Lane with the Brook on your right, past the Frog at Skirmett a recommended lunch stop.
Just past the Frog, Fingest Lane crosses a bridge over the Hambleden Brook and the road becomes Skirmett Lane.
Follow Skirmett Lane towards Hambleden, but turn left onto Colstrope Lane where you'll cross another bridge over the Brook.
After a short, steep section take a right and continue south toward Hambleden.
Re-join Skirmett Lane just past Hambleden Village and continue to A4155 at Mill End. Cross this and cut through the houses to Hambleden Marina.
Here you can walk your bike over the weir to Hamblden Lock, meeting the Thames Path. Follow this all the way back to Henley
Blue = course of the Hambleden Brook, Red = cycle route
High Point NJ
Despite having travelled to New Jersey for work several times a year I'd not realised that the State High Point was just an hour from my company's NJ office. Even better, the Tri-Point monument marking the meeting point of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania is less than 20 minutes drive from the High Point. So, on a sunny May evening I embarked on a microadventure to find both.
Significance: Highest Point in New Jersey State, Sussex County NJ
Parent Peak: Sams Point Summit
Elevation: 550m
Date “climbed”: 14th May 2018
Coordinates: 41° 19' 15'' N, 74° 39' 42'' W
Links: Wikipedia / Peakbagger
New Jersey is a pretty flat state and High Point has an elevation of just 550 metres. That makes it technically a mountain, but don't expect to bring your crampons for the trip. There's some good hiking options in the State Park that surrounds it and the Appalachian Trail runs close by. I was short on on time so drove straight to the car park that's 5 minutes walk from the summit.
The summit is marked by the War Veterans' Monument, which you used to be able to climb, but it was closed for repairs when I visited. Despite this, there were great views and you can easily see the Tri-Point monument
The 3-state Tri-Point is in an almost-lovely location. The grave-stone like monument is at the tip of a peninsula at the southern end of Port Jervis at the confluence of the Delaware and Neversink rivers. It would be a very pleasant quiet place if it wasn't for the ugly highway overpass built right over the top of the monument. The monument is surrounded by the pretty Laurel Grove Cemetery. Although it is possible to drive to the tip, as several anglers had done, I parked at the cemetery gates and took a 10 minute walk through the grounds.
Technically, the actual tri-state boundary is a few metres into the Delaware river. I was happy to stay on dry land and bag the monument stone as the marker point.
Start: Dana Guest House, Dana Village, Dana, Jordan
Finish: Feynan Ecolodge, Dana Nature Reserve, Jordan
Distance: 14.2 km (8.8 miles)
Elevation change: +33m / -944m. Net -911m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Wadi Ghwayr Trail
Other routes touched (cycle): None
Dana is Jordan's largest nature reserve, located on the west side of the country just south of the Dead Sea. We visited for 2 nights with a trek to the Feynan Eco-Lodge. Our first night was at Dana Guesthouse, high on the cliffs overlooking the valley. On day 2 we took the 14 KM hike down through the valley. Its a pretty easy trek and hard to get lost. We had a local guide who was unusually talkative and helpful compared other guides we had experienced on our Jordan adventure. Whilst we could have found our way ourselves, the guide explained a lot of the local history and nature in the valley.
The Eco-Lodge at the end was a great experience. It's one of National Geographic's best 25 Eco-Lodges in the world. We were only there for a night, but with a lot more time there were many interesting excursions and local activities on offer. We arrived early afternoon and took advantage of the quiet, remoteness and lack of electricity and wi-fi in the rooms to get a good rest before the next stage of our Jordan trip in the morning.
Above: Location of Feynan Eco-Lodge at the end of the trail
Many people say that you need a week to visit Petra. That may be true if you want to see everything in detail, but 2 well planned days can get you around the must-see parts. Here’s our 2 treks taking in the Petra Highlights
Start & Finish: Petra Guest House, Wadi Musa, Jordan
Distance: 11.7 km (7.3 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 503 m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
All routes start from the sun gates by the Petra Guest House. From here it’s a half mile gentle trek down to the Siq
The Siq is a narrow cavern created by an earthquake that split the rock thousands of years ago. The half-mile walk down through the Siq needs to be made slowly to take everything in. The Siq opens up at a T-junction with the Treasury rising up in front of you.
This is the point as far as most people, including myself before this, had heard about Petra. In reality, the Siq and The Treasury are a fraction of the site. Turning right and continuing along the main route, you’ll pass the theatre, Royal Tombs, the Collonade and the Basin. It was here that our useless guide left us and we paused at the Basin Restaurant for a break.
From the Basin there’s a few options but the main event is the walk up to The Monastery. It’s a 45 min to an hour climb and well worth the effort. In some ways the Monastery is even more impressive than the Treasury. Its huge, and the climb to get there makes it all the more rewarding.
Start & Finish: Petra Guest House, Wadi Musa, Jordan
Distance: 11.5 km (7.2 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 389 m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Take the same route as Day 1 to The Treasury. Turn left and you’ll see some steps leading steeply upwards. There will be local “guides” hanging round the base waiting to take you up. I’m not convinced it was necessary to take a guide. There was an official looking sign at the base so we negotiated 5 JD with a local boy to take us up.
There’s only 1 tricky section of the climb, but it’s otherwise an easy 10 minutes to a great view looking down to The Treasury. The boy pointed out a path to the High Place of Sacrifice where he would take us for an extra 10 JD. We offered 5 which was more than generous. This was the point that he revealed that the original 5 JD was a 1-way trip, not a return to the base. After a bit of a commotion where he spat at me, threaten to call the police and picked up a rock to throw at us, we sent him on his way and continued upwards on our own.
I found it best to assume that the local guides are all lying. They either say that the routes are long and difficult or you can only go with a guide. None are true and when you get one, as we did on Day 1, they’re pretty useless. Don't take this as a generalisation of all Jordanians though. Everyone else we met were friendly, generous and welcoming of tourists. Its just the local guides in the historic sites that are a particular breed of lazy arsehole.
The route to the High Place and the Wadi al Faraza trek are well worth the effort. They’re quieter than the main routes at ground level and have some amazing vistas and tombs to explore.
The trail ends at the Basin restaurant at the start of the route to the Monastery. It’s a great place to stop but be prepared for a fleecing on food and drinks. From here, you can return back to the Treasury via the Collonade, stopping off at the Royal Tombs on the way.
Below: The Treasury at Petra
When: April 29th 2018
Where: Fleet, Hampshire UK
Course: Small loop of Fleet Town Centre then larger loop of country roads taking in Rotten Green, Dogmersfield and Crookham. Flatish.
Other routes touched: None
Finish time: 1:56
When: April 15th 2018
Where: Barnes, London, UK
Course: Start and end at Barn Elms Sports Centre. 2 lap course mostly along Thames Path between Putney and Hammersmith Bridges, looping around Barnes Common and Bishops Park. Flat.
Other routes touched (walk): Thames Path, Beverley Brook
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 4
Finish time: 1:57
When: April 8th 2018
Where: Charing, Kent, UK
Course: Hour-glass shaped loop from Charing School through country lanes and part of the North Downs Way
Other routes touched (walk): North Downs Way, Shepherd Neame Walking Route,
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 17
Finish time: 2:07 - slow due to [insert excuse here]
Colne meets the Thames at Staines
Part of the Chiltern Rivers Series
River start: North Mymms Park in Hertfordshire.
River end: Confluence with the River Thames in Staines, Surrey
River length: 18 km (11.2 miles)
Cycle route start / end: parking in North Mimms town centre, Hertfordshire / River Thames in Staines.
Cycle route length: 57.8 km (36 miles)
Cycle route elevation change: +182m / -262m. Net -80m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Hertfordshire Way, Grand Union Canal Towpath, London Loop, Beeches Way, Colne Valley Trail, Thames Path
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 12, 4, 6, 61
Map: OS Explorer Map (182) St. Albans and Hatfield / OS Explorer Map (172) Chiltern Hills East / OS Explorer Map (160) Windsor, Weybridge & Bracknell
Links: River Colne, Welham Green, North Mymms, Rickmansworth, Staines
The Colne is the daddy of the Chiltern Rivers. The Lee may be longer, but the Colne tells the real story of the Chilterns. From its start at North Mymms, the river flows south through Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, meeting the Thames at Staines in Surrey. Along the way it picks up water from smaller rivers such as the Ver, the Gade, the Chess , the Pinn and the Misbourne. Travel along these and you'll see some of the best scenery of the region.
The cycle route that I devised was awesome. I was fully prepared to get lost, stuck in the mud or work around non-cycle paths. As it turned out, it was a challenging but hugely enjoyable combination of trails, country roads, canal towpath and interesting industrial wasteland.
Unlike some of the other Chiltern Rivers, its possible to stay pretty close to the river itself. There's not one waymarked route to follow, but stringing a few together will get you there. Its complicated, so take a bike sat-nav and don't even think of attempting it on a road bike. Its muddy. And awesome.
Roughly its the following, but don't just rely on this. Take a map or GPX file.
Start at Welham Green, Hertordshire.
Follow Dixons Hill Road / Tolgate Road / Coursers road out of town.
Cross the fields, following the river until you get to the Watling Chase Timberland Trail
Follow the Trail to Lowbell Lane, crossing under the A1081
Passing through London Colney, take Shelney Lane over the M25
Follow Harper Lane to Watling Street, briefly turning right, then left onto a Bridleway
When passing though a farm/equestrian centre please dismount and walk the bikes through. The natives are friendly, but sounds like they have had a bad experience with people ignoring the "no cycles" sign.
Follow School Lane over the M1 to Garston.
By now you will be on NCN 61. Follow this all the to the Malt Shovel Pub on the Grand Union Canal at Iver.
This stretch of the NCN 61 also follows the Abbey Way and Ebury Way
Turn right off the canal then left onto Old Mill Lane.
Take the right hand path around Little Britain Lake, Following London Loop (section 1) then the Beeches Way to the Colne Valley Way
When the Colne Valley Way reaches Thorney Mill Road, take a left onto it until Wise Lane
Follow Wise Lane then the Colne Valley Trail onto Harmonsworth Moor.
Cross under the M4, then over the A4 through Stanwell Moor and under the A30.
Once past the A30, its a wiggle through Staines to the end of the river at the Thames opposite the Swan Hotel.
The Cafe in The Park at Rickmansworth Aquadrome is a great half-way stopping point. Their Courgette and Lime cake is amazing.
Data based on the awesome Running Challenges Chrome Extension
