Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum

Is there a better way to start the day?

Posted: April 1, 2019 at 10:49 am Author: Allan Moth and Simon Hough

Simon and Allan, our Westonbirt Runners, are doing fantastically well and have been trying out the new running routes in the arboretum. See how they’ve been getting on…

A weekend of drier and brighter weather meant we managed a morning run on Saturday and Sunday last week; being extreme fair-weather athletes comes at a price!

We thought we'd try out some of the new permanent running routes being way-marked around Westonbirt. These are a great new facility, allowing you to choose how far you want to run and then follow the appropriately coloured arrows. We chose the 3km route and the 2km route. Both of these were around the Downs and the Old Arboretum. If you haven't been in the Old Arb recently, you're missing a treat - the camellias and magnolias are beginning to do their thing. This spell of milder weather has been to their liking and they are really coming into their own now. The flowers look so fragile but seem to have survived the strong winds that have been blowing a few weeks ago.

Simon: The runs both went well - I try to mix it up with a few faster sprints as well as a few leg stretch exercises. I'm pleased with how I felt during and after each run - though I don't think I'm going to be breaking records anytime soon!

Allan: Well the start line is already looming but there’s still time to build up the distances I am running. The running routes around the arboretum are fantastic and offer a good variety of short to long distances all of which offer spectacular sights and plenty of spring colour. Westonbirt is looking fantastic at the moment with stunning flowers and light green foliage waking up in the warm sunshine. Now that the clocks have changed we also have lighter afternoons to enjoy a run or a leisurely stroll.

Why not try out our new running routes?

We’ll catch up with Allan and Simon again in a couple of weeks to see how they’re getting on.


Support our Westonbirt Runners by donating £5 today...

Find out more about Simon and Allan here...