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The Course.
Initially, the course comprises a 700 yard loop around the central area passing The Sensory Garden, BBQ and Picnic area, Shorne Dam Pond (dog swimming allowed, no humans!!) and back to the starting point. The same route is again followed, but this time you exit to the left just past the Pond. Thereafter, the course follows the existing network of footpaths/trails.
The first mile of the course through this beautiful park is along relatively level ground, though shortly afterwards a right downhill turn is made and care will need to be taken, particularly if the paths are muddy. You then ascend across an open area to reach a favoured picnic spot, Randall Heath, which offers fine panoramic views right across the fields as far as the Thames estuary
The second mile is largely along even ground, probably slightly downhill, passing Randall Bottom Pond to your right just before the 2 mile marker is reached. Just after 2 miles, you ascend a short flight of steps and again continue along level ground following the paths/directions towards the central area bypassing Quarry Car Park to your right, before entering the access road ,which runs from the Main Park Entrance to Woodlands Car Park. A short way along this road you turn right and follow the path until you reach a gate which brings you into Woodlands Car Park. Afterwards, you enjoy a long downhill path lined with rhododendron bushes which are a blaze of colour in May/June.
After passing the 3 mile marker, the pleasant downhill conditions continue, and before long you reach the “Faerie Ring”. Rather than taking the steep steps up to “The Knoll” (Randall Heath), a short deviation allows you to ascend by the “back door” path up to the top of Cardiac Hill, still a fearsome and narrow route through lush ferns. Reaching the top, you cross the heath, passing the large chestnut tree to your left and follow the angled and downhill path (great care must be taken at this point as the slope is both downward and sideways). Passing a set of steps and shortly afterwards negotiating a stile, you soon reach the 4 mile marker.
The last mile is characterised by the steep gradients. There are three long hills, each 120 – 150 yards long, though the surface is good for the most part. Once you reach the top of the last hill and catch a sight of the Fishing Lake to your left, you are almost there. Just pass through one final gate on your left and there’s just 300 yards to go. The Finish is immediately to the side of the Adventure Playground.
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