Bedgebury Forest 5 Mile Trail

Race Description

Run over Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest near Goudhurst and organised by Nice Work, the 5 mile covers a single lap of the same undulating forest loop that 10 mile runners complete twice, on paths and trails through the pinetum that can turn muddy depending on the weather. The pinetum itself holds the world's largest conifer collection - upwards of 10,000 trees on 320 acres, dating back to 1925 - giving the route a distinctive setting even over the shorter distance.

5 mile entrants park in the main car park rather than the Walled Garden reserved for the 10 mile field, and the course is free of vehicle traffic throughout. All finishers receive a bespoke medal, with free photographs and prizes for the leading runners on the day.

As a single lap of genuinely hilly forest trail rather than a flat introductory loop, it still asks more of runners than a typical road 5 mile, but it's a manageable way to sample Bedgebury's terrain and scenery without committing to the 10 mile's second lap - a reasonable entry point for less experienced trail runners or anyone easing back into distance after a break.