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Night Trail: Thetford Forest

31/3/2019

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I’ve been running in events for ages now. I’ve done trail races, parkruns, coast paths and road races, but they’ve all had something in common - it’s been daylight. Always up for something new I ran Night Trail’s 10k in Thetford Forest. Read on for what I thought and how I did.
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Driving into Thetford Forest in the dark was a bit unnerving. I know the general area well but have only ever been in the forest a couple of times before. It’s really, really dark. Following the general flow of people with headtorches, it was easy to pick up my race number and hang around looking for my friends in the over 400 other brightly clad runners. The fact that so many people think running around in the dark is fun was very surprising!


As if by some unspoken message, we drifted over to the start line and were set off in waves. Bobbing torch light and reflective vests soon invaded the forest. As the runners thinned out, it got harder to see without as many other torches about. I was very grateful to the torch my brother had leant me for the occasion. But it wasn’t enough to stop me taking a tumble over a tree root. Quickly hoisted to my feet by a fellow runner I was unscathed. The trails were very dry and softer than landing on tarmac.


The sign posts were very clear but it was very disorienting taking turn after turn in the dark. I could’ve sworn we were on a meandering circuit, but it was actually a single loop. Motivated by not wanting to be alone in the woods, I kept up with the guys in front of me until the water station at 6km. At 7km I had the usual negative thoughts “why am I doing this?” “How on Earth is this a good idea?” “Are me legs going to fall off?” until catching up with a guy that asked if I’d pace him to the finish. So I had to keep going!


Crossing the finish line I was quickly passed a heavy, glowing medal. Running in the dark was fun! It was certainly different to any other race I’d done before. The event was well organised but there were a couple of points that could have been improved: it would have been nice to have an announcement of welcome, look out for each other etc. from the organisers. But more importantly, I wish there had been no plastic bottles. Paper cups of water would have been fine, specially at the end. Next time!


My results
Time: 54:07
Place: 104th overall 19th female.

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Thames Path Walk Directions

17/3/2019

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​Look at this enticing trail! Maybe it's the Forest of Dean. Or the a Cornish bridleway. Nope, it's London. If you enjoyed reading How to adventure in London for Intrepid, then here's a step-by-step guide to exploring my neighbourhood. And if you want company or a tour guide then just send me a message and I'll show you round...
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Start: Kew Bridge Station (District line and Overground)
Finish: Hammersmith Station (Piccadilly, District and Hammersmith and City)
Distance: 7 km/4.5 miles approx. 2 hours walking
Refreshments/toilets: No toilets at Kew Bridge but public toilets at Hammersmith. Numerous cafes and pubs near both stations. The Ship Pub near Chiswick Bridge and a couple of riverside pubs in Barnes.

Directions: 

Exit Kew Bridge station towards the river and take care crossing the busy South Circular Road. Grab a coffee and a pre-walk ‘safety wee’ at one of the cafe's or pubs near the station before heading across Kew Bridge. Turn left down a few steps and double back beside the bridge. Take the path next to the playground to join the Thames Path. Turn right and you’re on your way to Hammersmith with the water on your left.

As your feet crunch on the gravelly path, enjoy the little colourful houses and watch out for herons and cormorants on the river. If it's been wet you'll need to practice your puddle jumping skills on this stretch of the path. You’ll soon pass under a railway bridge before eventually coming to Chiswick Bridge. Just beyond The Ship Pub the path can become flooded when the tide is super high.

POSSIBLE DETOUR If you can’t continue ahead, then turn right up the road beside the pub and left to detour round this short section. Follow the road until The White Hart pub in Barnes where you’ll be able to join the Path again.


After Barnes Bridge you could explore Barnes. It's a quaint little village, with independent shops, cafes and pubs to visit.

After Barnes, the path quickly leaves the roadside and seems more secluded once again. Look out for rowers from one of the many boat houses, and you'll be able to see Chiswick Eyot (a tiny river island) nearer the far bank. Shortly after this Hammersmith Bridge will soon come into view. Leave the path directly before the bridge, up the slope, and cross over to the north bank. Turn left for a well-earned pint at the Blue Anchor pub before the short walk to one of Hammersmith's stations, where the bustle of busy London will contrast with the peace and quiet of your walk.

Still feeling energetic? Haven't seen enough pubs? You could walk back to Kew on the north side. It's very different over there - you'll walk past many more houses and marinas and leave the riverside at a couple of points (it's very well signed). Or continue to Putney Bridge - north of the river is again more built up and takes you via Fulham Football Club. South of the river, the path is gravelly until nearer to Putney. Don't worry, there are some pubs in Putney too!


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How to adventure in London

13/3/2019

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Read my contribution to the Intrepid Magazine blog here!
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    Hannah the traveller

    is a travel and lifestyle blog with focus on running, vegan eating and of course global travel.

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