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Blickling parkrun

With the weather predicted to turn wet on parkrunday, I decided to venture slightly inland this week, with Blickling parkrun located in an ideal position and the forecast rain not set to arrive until the afternoon.

The area

Blickling parkrun takes place on the grounds of the Blickling Estate, north of Norwich. The Blickling Estate, including Blickling Hall, and the surrounding grounds, are owned and managed by the National Trust, having been built and operated as a stately home since its original construction.

The main entrance to Blickling Hall

Anne Boleyn was reportedly born on the estate, although before the construction of the current hall begun.

The course

The parkrun route follows just under two laps of the Mausoleum walk - one of several walks signposted by the National Trust. The route is primarily run on gravel paths, with the finish on grass, and takes in one long but gentle hill each lap.

Several pay-and-display car parks are located around the edge of the estate, although the main visitor car park is closest to the start, as well as toilets and the cafe being located at the main car park, making it the ideal base for your day.

Parkland at Blickling Hall being grazed by sheep

The run

Given the relatively remote location of this event, the number of participants at this week's event came as a slight suprise. I guess people are willing to travel to run at such scenic locations!

I planned to continue my run after today's parkrun, and so I decided to run at a steady pace throughout. The course takes in many of the main parklands, including meadow, woodland, and farmland, so you always have something interesting to look at!

Thank you to all of the team who ensured the success of today's run.

After the run

Following the run, I refueled and set out to explore the outdoor spaces, mostly following the "Brady's walk" route, followed by the multi use trail.

The woodland consists of mature trees, dwarfing the path.

Path through mature woodland

Blickling Tower is one of the first focal points. Originally built to allow former estate owners to watch races at the former race course located south of the tower, it is now a holiday rental property!

Blickling Tower

It wasn't far before I encountered some of the cows who call Blickling their home.

Cows at Blickling Estate

The Mausoleum at Blickling was constructed in 1705 in the memory of the then owner of the estate, Lord Hobart, Earl of Buckingham.

Blickling Mausoleum

The next major focal point was the lake, which links to the hall itself. Unfortunately, the path was closed beyond the lake due to a fallen tree blocking the path on the day I visited.

Blickling Hall from the lake

The woodland at Blickling Estate is home to a number of veteran and ancient trees, including several small leaved lime trees thought to be over 600 years old.

Ancient Small leaved limes at Blickling Estate

Links: Run report | Results | Strava

References: Blickling Estate map

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Location: Blickling, Norwich NR11 6NF, UK

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