Well, I was mistaken when I believed that Carnfunnock and Kilbroney were the only really hilly parkruns here: Colin Glen is a delight but it involves a challenging climb! The run starts just beyond the archway for the Gruffalo trail and the trail provides lots of photo opportunities for anyone familiar with this wonderful children's story.  Toilets are in the main building and car parking seems ok if you arrive in good time. This is a really friendly Parkrun, lots of banter among the frequent runners but a lovely warm welcome for visitors too.  The run is mostly on Tarmac paths, with a couple of bridges to cross - the paths are in a forest so some twigs, leaves and a good few potholes are to be expected. It is a lovely route and Ben was very happy looking around and just taking in his surroundings. The first 1.5-2k is a tough uphill climb, it tapers out for a breather occasionally but it is mostly uphill (approx 100m elevation).  I was fortunate that I had two amazing club mates pushing the jogger with me because it would have been very hard work on my own. Once the hills are done, there is a pleasant double lap of a pretty lake (pond) and then a cracker final 1k downhill to get back to the start. There are usually 70-100 runners / walkers but, due to various events, there were over 230 when we were there. The route could handle the increased numbers no bother and there was no risk of getting lost but on a quieter day follow the blue arrows on the ground if you lose sight of the folk in front. I'll definitely do this one again for my own training but I might not bring Ben unless I've a willing support team!

colin glen

team kerr