“A very well organised parkrun in incredible surroundings that will leave you feeling glorious for quite some time! I think I’ve found a new favourite course.”

Wow! Just Wow! If you ever get the opportunity to head over to Fountains Abbey parkrun take it! If you need to divert an hour or two it is so worth it. I went as part of my journey from Hull to Carlise and it made an ordinary day epic. Located near Ripon and 12 miles or so away from Harrogate, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique opportunity to run around one of the crowning jewels of the National Trust.

The route is a two lap loop, the first slightly shorter around the dramatic monastic ruins and the second going further out around Studley Royal’s elegant water gardens. The scenery is nothing short of awe-inspiring: I smiled all the way around, even uphill! Ran mainly on tarmac/gravel, and suitable for road shoes all year round, the undulating route winds through trees & gardens, past lakes & follies and at one point over a narrow wooden bridge over a water feature.

Initially, it was congested with over 400 runners who had travelled from far and wide, but after the first 800m or so this thinned out. I saw a couple of buggy runners gunning around the course with ease. One note of caution that if you are a much slower participant the course has to be clear by 10 am for the opening of the property.

A very well organised parkrun in incredible surroundings that will leave you feeling glorious for quite some time! I think I’ve found a new favourite course.

Facilities wise: parking is excellent but a good 10-minute walk from the start line; toilets at the visitor centre around 10-minutes from the start; lots for children and the rest of the family to see including the fabulous ruins; and food/drinks are available from the National Trust cafe afterwards.

Find out more about Fountains Abbey at parkrun.org.uk

Personal Stats

PB – 23:56
Best Position – 113th
Times run – 1