Forest track delight

[Oldgirl]

Forgot I had this photo, Swanscot, Rollertoaster much more fun than pavements aren't they. This is a section of my favourite Hazelhead route which I was out on this morning.

[swanscot Graduate]

Forests/woods are delightful to run along especially when it's sunny and warm.

I had a wonderful easy-pace run today. I felt so at ease running along on the soft path with the dappled sun warming my bare arms and legs. I didn't bother with any music, but was listening to the sound track of my surroundings.

I didn't take photos today, but have a few of my route from the past few weeks.

This is the path through the woods (pic taken in early evening) and I found the uneven terrain that requires careful negotiation was perfect for making sure I ran slow enough at the start of the run to keep at my planned 'Easy Run' pace.

flickr.com/photos/swan-scot...

This path leads into one of the two country estates on the edge of the village. Here's a shot of the castle from two weeks ago - the trees are now green:

flickr.com/photos/swan-scot...

Once leaving the estate I had one km of road running (single-track toad) then back through the woods again on this path:

flickr.com/photos/swan-scot...

Followed by 1 km run along our single track road uphill home.

Total distance: ~8 km footpath/track/private road + 3 km single track road

Not a pavement in sight!

[Oldgirl Graduate in reply to swanscot]

Smashing pics as always, we are very lucky to live in such a beautiful country.

[Rollertoaster Graduate]

Looks lovely! While my fastest running is on pavements, you really can't beat the countryside!

[Oldgirl Graduate in reply to Rollertoaster]

Yes I agree tracks are always harder to run, mine twists and turns goes up and down but climbs gradually upwards until halfway which is a hard run to start. Then the halfway mark its whooppee downwards all the way home just about.

[TJFlute]

Lovely picture! The countryside looks at its best in May. Soon, it'll be brambles and nettles galore!

[Ribena]

My university campus perimeter path: fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd....

fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd....

[Oldgirl Graduate in reply to Ribena]

Wow Ribena thats beautiful, just love bluebells, my pathway has some but they are always nicer when you see a carpet of them like that.

[swanscot Graduate in reply to Ribena]

That's a gorgeous place for a run.