Parkrun every Saturday at Fountains Abbey in Nidderdale AONB. Getting ready for the off!

Are you a ‘parkrunner’? Have you heard of parkrun? I didn’t until just a little while ago when my daughter Joanne started entering into the spirit of parkrun. She now takes the grandchildren and they all love it!

If you’re a seasoned parkrunner then have you joined the one at Fountains Abbey near Ripon? A picturesque route, running in the ancient grounds of Fountains Abbey with the abbey nearly always in sight. Joanne says there can be about three hundred runners, with running clubs and runners arriving from far and wide to enjoy the route and of course the camaraderie. Loads of parking and a meet in the cafe afterwards for sustenance!

Parkrun had its 13th anniversary on 7 October this year. It started with just thirteen runners and has since grown to having events taking place every Saturday the world over with new routes coming along all the time. Parkrun is a 5km timed event, free to enter, encouraging all ages and abilities to join in, classed to be easy and safe and can be non-competitive with you only competing against yourself rather than with others. All are welcomed.

Want to stay in a cottage nearby? We have a little cottage for two in Ripon, the Hay Loft, where you could almost walk to the start, Mistle House near Galphay to sleep five is quite nearby and then we have cottages in Masham, Grewelthorpe and near Kirkby Malzeard, all within easy driving distance to Fountains Abbey. Have a look on our Country Hideaways website for availability or call me, Nadine or Joanne on 01969 663559 for friendly help and advice.