Why the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is a must-visit for Parkrun enthusiasts

Parkrun’s free, 5 km events have become a Saturday-morning ritual for more than 300,000 people worldwide each week. Researchers reviewing outdoor exercise report lower stress, higher energy, and better mood compared with indoor workouts, highlighting why a forest or park run feels so good.

Tucked between Gloucestershire and the Welsh border, the Forest of Dean and neighbouring Wye Valley offer six contrasting parkrun courses - each starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday (and a junior 2 km at 9 a.m. Sunday, where stated). Whether you chase personal bests, enjoy muddy single-track, or if you’re working through your A–Z of parkrun letters, this region packs a lot of running variety into a compact area.

Meet the local parkruns

1. Forest of Dean Parkrun (Five Acres)

Terrain: Two-lap woodland loop with soft trail, roots, and occasional mud.
Vibe: It celebrated its 15th birthday last year and still averages about 80 finishers—ideal for runners who like space without losing the buzz.
Family factor: A junior parkrun uses an adjacent 2 km route every Sunday. Coffee and tea by donation round off the morning .

2. Mallards Pike Parkrun

Terrain: Single lap on hard-packed forest roads around a picturesque lake. Expect a steady 1.7-mile climb followed by a gravity-powered descent to the finish.
Why run it: Hard surface means road-shoe friendly; the downhill return rewards patient pacing.

3. Lydney Parkrun

Terrain: Three laps circling the boating lake on a mix of tarmac, stone, and light trail. Post-rain puddles add character, so pack quick-dry socks.
Local tip: The café at Hips Social opens in time for a post-run treat.

4. Ross-on-Wye Parkrun

Terrain: Flat, all-grass course beside the River Wye - great for barefoot-shoe fans and anyone who enjoys river views. Muddy in winter, soft underfoot in summer.
Stretch it out: Combine the parkrun with the riverside walking trail for a scenic cooldown.

5. Newent Parkrun

Terrain: Community-centred loops around Newent School fields and woodland paths. Friendly volunteers, small field, plenty of first-timer encouragement.
Good to know: Ideal “N” for alphabet-chasers - a rarer letter in the UK roster.

6. Severn Bridge Parkrun

Terrain: Out-and-back along the M48 bridge deck - start in Wales, turn in England, finish back in Wales. Gradual climb outbound and net downhill return makes PBs common.
Claim to fame: The only UK parkrun that crosses a national border mid-run.

Parkrun tourism & quirky traditions

Many visitors arrive chasing the unofficial parkrun alphabet challenge, ticking off events that start with each letter A–Z. With “F” (Forest of Dean), “M” (Mallards Pike), and “N” (Newent) nearby, the area helps fill tricky gaps.

If your visit falls on the 22nd of any month, pack a tutu; runners worldwide don the fancy dress for “Two-Two Day” fun runs with photo ops guaranteed.

Practical details for first-time visitors

Beyond the finish: exploring Dean & Wye

Reward your 5 km effort with forest cycle trails, canoeing on the River Wye, or a viewpoint walk at Symonds Yat Rock. Independent cafés in Clearwell Caves and Mallards Pike Cafe serve locally roasted coffee, while Tintern’s abbey ruins offer a gentle afternoon stroll.

If you’re looking for places to stay there’s plenty to choose from, from campsites and cosy B&Bs to converted forest cabins, plus dining, attraction passes and public-transport tips, browse our website for more details.

The science of running in nature

An International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health study links green-space exercise with reduced fatigue and heightened enjoyment compared with indoor workouts.

Participants also reported stronger intentions to repeat the activity, suggesting that a simple trail run could help make fitness habits stick.

Combine that with Parkrun’s community support, and you have a weekly commitment that boosts mental and physical health, no matter if you’re local or visiting on holiday.

Plan your Parkrun weekend today

Ready, Set, Forest!

Swap the treadmill for towering conifers, river views, and cross-border bridges. Pack your barcode, lace up, and experience six distinctive parkruns, plus everything else the region offers by planning your trip at visitdeanwye.co.uk.

See you on the start line!