It might not have seemed the most scenic location, nestled just off the M40, but the Holiday Inn Express Warwick provided the perfect location for my long run on Friday evening before my friend’s wedding nearby.
I had 13 miles to run, and having never been to Warwick or even Warwickshire before, I had no idea what to expect of my route. I filled my bottle, packed a Gu in my pocket and turned right out of the car park, into Warwick.
The first mile and a bit is along a main road, and not all too pretty, however then you can turn right off the road and into the grounds of Warwick castle. I snuck in after the grounds were shut so didn’t have to pay, although you can’t get into the castle itself. It’s a little uphill, off road and perfectly lovely (however I can’t guarantee it would be that way when there are other visitors around!)
From there you can pop out just near St Nicholas park, which conveniently a mile circumference, (and which I lapped a few times to get the mileage up), then over the bridge and along another main road (past a Morrisons if you need to stop in for water, snacks or anything else you were craving – for me it was orange juice mid-run!).
By this point you’re in Royal Leamington Spa, (well done you), turn right and you’ll find yourself in Pump Room Gardens then Victoria park, which you can do a few laps of, before joining a tow path along the canal, joining back up with the main road back to the hotel (via the BP garage if you need a water/coffee en route).
This would make a great little 5 mile route, or skip the park loop for a flat four miler.
Here’s a longer loop, similar to the run that I completed, adding in as many extra park loops as you need!
Where has been your most unlikely scenic/perfect run?
I always love running in new places. Last weekend I went with some folk from my club to Knole Park – lots of deer and fresh air. Great photos. And good running.