It was an early start as we set off from Coventry, heading northwest towards Alderford Lake for our parkrun adventure. The misty, dreich weather gave the lake a real atmospheric feel, making for a scenic run around this hidden Shropshire gem.
Watch out You Tube Video from Alderford Lake parkrun
Alderford Lake – More Than Just a parkrun Location
Nestled near Whitchurch, Alderford Lake has an interesting past. Originally a sand and gravel quarry, it has since been transformed into an open-water lake and a hub for outdoor adventure. It’s a playground for outdoor lovers, offering wild swimming, paddleboarding, and even a giant inflatable water obstacle course! 🌊💦
For those who prefer to stay on dry land, Island Escape Rooms provide a fun puzzle-solving challenge. But today, our focus was on parkrun, a two lap course winding its way around the lake and offering a scenic but slightly challenging route.
Alderford Lake parkrun – A Beautiful, Scenic 5K
The Alderford Lake parkrun route is a mix of grass, trail, and a little bit of tarmac, making it one of those “all-terrain” courses where conditions can change depending on the weather. On this particular morning, the ground was slightly soft from recent rain, but nothing too tricky.
The route starts near the café, leading runners through a mix of grassy fields and lakeside trails, with lovely views of the water and surrounding countryside. There’s even a section that takes you right next to the lake, adding a bit of variety to the run.
Breakfast at Raven Café – A Classic Post-Parkrun Refuel
After the run, we had planned to grab breakfast at Alderford Lake Café, but it was completely full—clearly a popular spot! So, a quick change of plan took us a short drive to Raven Café, a well-known transport and biker café that serves proper hearty breakfasts.
Raven Café is one of those places that doesn’t try to be fancy but gets everything right—great food, big portions, and no-nonsense service. A well-earned full English, steaming hot cup of tea, and the post-run satisfaction of a morning well spent. Highly recommended if you’re in the area! ☕🍳🥓
Exploring Wem – A Trip Down Memory Lane
With a bit of time to spare, we decided to take a detour to Wem, a town I used to explore in my teens. It’s a small but historically rich market town, dating back to at least the Domesday Book (1086).
Wem is often referred to as the “Home of Modern Sweet Pea Cultivation”, thanks to Henry Eckford, a horticulturist who developed many of the beautiful varieties of sweet peas we see today. The town also has a fascinating connection to the Great Fire of London, as William Wycherley, a playwright who lived in Wem, is thought to have inspired some of the reports about the fire.
Walking through Wem’s narrow streets and traditional market square, I reminisced to the children about past visits, including showing them the baptist church I used to go to. It’s one of those places that hasn’t changed much over the years—quiet, full of character, and with that unmistakable small-town charm.
Final Thoughts – A Perfect Saturday Morning Adventure
From a misty morning parkrun to a classic breakfast stop and a nostalgic visit to Wem, this Saturday morning was a perfect mix of exercise, food, and exploration. Alderford Lake parkrun is definitely one I’d recommend—a scenic course, a friendly community, and plenty to do nearby if you fancy making a day of it.
If you’re ever in the area, why not give it a go? And if you’ve already run here, let me know in the comments—what did you think of the course?
Locations featured
- Alderford Lake parkrun – A scenic Saturday morning run!
- Alderford Lake – Adventure destination
- Raven Café – A brilliant breakfast stop after the run.
- Wem – A nostalgic visit to a town I explored in my teens.
Recent Comments