Overview
Chevin Forest parkrun has been on the cards since 2010 and thanks to a team of volunteers and runners it’s finally here!
The 5 kilometre course is a hilly one but the beauty of the Chevin makes it one worth coming back to again and again. Don’t forget to signup online for free and get your barcode from parkrun before you run Chevin Forest parkrun 5km.
Wanting to find your way to the start of the route? Here is a link for a Google Maps Directions page.
This route has a distance of 2.68km and an elevation gain of 76m.
The largest non-stop incline begins at the beginning of of the route, and has a distance of 492m and an elevation gain of 32m. You can see this on the above elevation chart in red.
The largest continual decline is 374m long with an elevation drop of 35m which starts in the second third of the route. This is shown on the chart as green.
Route Highlights
Keep an eye out for a series of ten wooden sculptures as part of the Shane Green heritage sculpture trail. The sculptures represent a historical timeline from fossil to mountain bikes with the latter signifying the modern use of the park.
Best Time To Run
Anytime of the year will deliver a memorable experience when running the Chevin Forest parkrun 5km. The natural beauty of the Chevin was designated as a local nature reserve in 1989. You need to run it!
Route Description
It’s a challenging parkrun with a ‘killer hill’ you run twice. You have been warned!
The two-lap anti-clockwise course begins on Chippendale Ride at the stream crossing. You hit the hill on the bridleway pretty much immediately. The bridleway travels through Deer Park Wood and Memorial Wood before turning into Quarry Wood – lots of woods!
At the end of Quarry Wood turn left onto the next bridleway and begin a downhill run all the way to the chariot sculpture. After this point you will turn left onto a route through more woods including Caley, Keepers and Stag Wood before starting the second lap. At the end of the second lap follow Chippendale Ride up the hill towards the road and finish.
parkrun
One of the the highlights of taking part in parkrun is the opportunity you get to volunteer on a weekend. We all know it feels good doing something for someone else and this is one of the reasons hundreds of people volunteer each weekend at parkrun’s all over the UK.
Warnings
The trails through the forest can get extremely muddy and uneven – watch out for stones and roots! This is going to be an even more challenging course after consistent rain, if so come prepared with some trail running shoes.
Location
Chevin Forest park is a designated nature reserve, it sits just above the market town of Otley. It is a good 10 miles north-west from Leeds city. The postcode for Chevin Forest park is LS21 3DD (Google Map Directions)
Amenities
The 5k course is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. The nearest toilet facilities can be found at the Chilli Yard – opposite the Upper Shawfield. If this is closed head to the Bowling Green Weatherspoon in Otley (Google Map Directions)
Parking
Use the postcode LS21 3DD, East Chevin Road for a series of car parks less than 50 metres from the start of the Chevin Forest parkrun 5km route.
Please DO NOT to park in the small car park beside the finish line unless you have mobility difficulties.
Food and Drink
Grab a post-run drink and a snack at the Chilli Yard opposite the Upper Shawfield car park, just across the road from the finish line.
