Eridge Park 10 Trail Challenge Trail

Race Description

The Eridge Park 10 Trail Challenge, organised by Tunbridge Wells Harriers, is one of the more unusual off-road races in the South East simply because of where it happens: entirely inside Eridge Park, a historic deer park on the Kent/Sussex border that's normally closed to the public. For one September morning each year, runners get access most walkers never do, following old estate carriageways and woodland tracks past three lakes, through ancient woodland, and up to a Saxon hillfort topped by a Victorian folly tower, with the route also passing several natural springs along the way.

It's genuinely tough underfoot: think steep, narrow, often rutted climbs through the trees rather than smooth parkland gravel, and mud is more or less guaranteed whatever the weather has done in the weeks before, which is part of why the race has built such a loyal following among trail runners across Kent and Sussex. This isn't a course built for PBs; it suits runners who enjoy a proper physical challenge and value scenery and novelty over a fast, flat surface, and its single-lap, traffic-free layout through private parkland gives it an intimate, almost expedition-like feel compared with typical multi-lap trail races.

It has regularly featured among readers' polls of the best UK off-road races, a reputation earned largely through word of mouth among club runners who return year after year. Anyone who enjoys a serious trail test combined with access to a genuinely special, rarely seen corner of the Weald should have this one on their list.