parkrun venue 64 found me visiting relatives in the Somerset area and looking for a parkrun I hadn't done yet on New Years day. The closest actually going ahead was Five Arches parkrun in the old mining town of Radstock, and what a gem of a parkrun it was! This parkrun takes place on the crossing point of two ex-railway lines, along the Norton Radstock Greenway, which used to be the GWR Bristol to Frome Line, which passes through the Five Arches Viaduct, this is where the old Somerset and Dorset line used to cross the GWR line. As a bit of a railway enthusiast this was a fascinating parkrun, and as a bonus I also managed my fastest 5km time since July. This route is essentially a twice out and back route all on tarmac with the second out and back extending the distance along the Greenway.
[I first visited this parkrun on 1st January 2024]
Bit of History
Radstock has been settled since the Iron Age, and became more imporant in Roman times being close to the Fosse Way, but is probably better known as a coal mining town and large numbers of mines opened up around the town following the discovery of coal in 1763. Radstock later became the southern terminal of the Somerset Coal Canal used to transport coal from the various mining towns and villages in that part of Somerset. Then during the steam age both the Great Western Railway (GWR) and the Somerset and Dorset Railways had stations in the town. The Five Arches was a railway viaduct built to take the Somerset and Dorset Railway over the top of the GWR. Skipping forward to the modern day the ex GWR railway line is now a multi use path (pedestrian, cycle, horses), called the Norton Radstock Greenway.
Briefings
As far as I am aware there was just one combined briefing at this parkrun which included a good description of the course (quite an easy course in reality), the usual call outs for tourists and first timers, reminders of the rules for under 11s and Dogs, as well as a reminder to keep left and overtake on the right on this course which being out and back does mean your pass both quicker and slower runners for a large portion of the route. He also mentioned post parkrun breakfast at the Radstock Hotel, which opens at 10am and does have toilets. I didn’t hang around for it to open unfortunately so can’t update you on the hotel.
The Course
Very easy course, twice out and back along the Greenway, the first out and back is much shorter than the second being about 1 mile and then the second out and back is about 2 miles, but each out and back passes under the Five arches viaduct, so you cross underneath the arches four times in total. The second out and back takes you all the way to the Northern Edge of Midsomer Norton.
Difficulty
Very Easy 1 out of 5, fast and flat with good PB potential. Surface is tarmac all the way. Also quite quiet and secluded and fairly well sheltered from any wind there might be.
Elevation
Very slight incline, but only about 15m of total elevation across the 5km, the incline is very slightly uphill on each 'out' section and then slightly downhill on the 'return' leg. So once you have turned back for the final time it is downhill all the way to the finish, so enjoy it. Make no mistake this is very nearly flat, you will feel the incline in your legs but it is only the very slightest of inclines.
Parking, Facilities and Coffee
I parked for free at the recommended car park behind Hope House Surgery at Waterloo Road, BA3 3EP. From here it is a short jog in a Westerly direction along the Waterloo Road to the start of the Greenway. There is a pedestrian crossing across the A367 to reach the Greenway, take note of 'The Radstock' hotel on your right this is where you can grab a post parkrun breakfast or coffee. Once you join the Greenway you will soon come to a playground and small car park (please don't try to park here), you are now at the start point of this parkrun. There are also some public toilets at the playground.
Other Points of Interest
Radstock itself is a charming historic mining town. It is home to the Radstock Museum which opens at 11am most Saturdays (obviously not open on New Years day when I visited).
I would recommend walking back to the Five arches after the parkrun, there are some trails and it is possible to get up on top of the arches themselves where the Somerset and Dorset railway used to pass over the GWR line.
There is also a heritage trail in Radstock, and there is the playground close to the start if you have little ones. On the drive back to Taunton I also stopped at the stunning Downside Abbey and took a few photos.
Summary
A fantastic parkrun for New Years Day. Fast, Flat and with PB Potential and a very stunning and historic location. I would highly recommend checking out this unusual parkrun if ever you are visiting Somerset, it is pretty friendly and a unique experience, I plan on a return visit at some point in the future.
Links
Link to official parkrun site for this course: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/fivearches/
My YouTube Video Review of this parkrun:
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