4.4
(15)
2,356
runners
171
runs
Jogging around Bishop'S Stortford offers a diverse landscape for outdoor activity, characterized by the meandering River Stort and its towpaths, extensive parklands, and accessible woodlands. The terrain generally features gentle elevation changes, with many routes following flat riverside paths. Green spaces like Southern Country Park and Northern Parkland provide open areas, while Birchanger Woods and trails leading towards Hatfield Forest offer more natural, wooded running experiences.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
16
runners
3.98km
00:25
10m
10m
Easy 2.5-mile jogging route along the River Stort, offering scenic waterside views and historical sights like Waytemore Castle.
5.0
(1)
454
runners
5.11km
00:33
10m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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71
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1.0
(1)
65
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
50
runners
6.65km
00:43
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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This path follows the beautiful River Stort Navigation canal near South Mill Lock. It’s a lovely flat trail that offers picturesque views, conveniently located just outside Bishop's Stortford.
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The River Stort passes through Bishops Stortford on its was through Essex and Hertfordshire from the village of Langley to the River Lea. From the town the river has been made navigable, known as the Stort Navigation.
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Waterside Stortford is a 5.6km, flat trail which runs from Bat Willow Hurst Country Park to the north of the town, through the centre here, to just beyond Twyford Mill lock in the south. There are information points throughout the trail providing more information about the features of the trail.
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The history of Waytemore Castle is shrouded in mystery. It is thought that it was a Saxon fortress built in the 10th century against invasion by the Danes but there is no record of it in the Domesday Book of 1086, a thorough survey and record of England commissioned by William the Conqueror after his victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Now all you can see of the castle is the mound on which it stood and the stream to the south and west which would have been a much larger moat. The ruins on top are much later than 10th or 11th century. It has never been excavated for archeological research so who knows what secrets it holds.
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A gorgeous park and green space for a pit stop, maybe a picnic, r&r and then get back on it! Coffee shop is close as well.
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There are over 170 running routes around Bishop's Stortford, offering a wide variety of options for different fitness levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored these trails over 2000 times.
Yes, Bishop's Stortford offers several easy running routes perfect for beginners. For example, the Waytemore Castle & River Stort loop from Bishop's Stortford is an easy 2.5-mile (4.0 km) trail that follows the scenic River Stort.
For longer runs, you can explore routes like the Bridge The Gap Café – Lock and Latte Coffee Stop loop from Bishop's Stortford, which is nearly 5.6 miles (9 km) long. The trails leading towards Hatfield Forest also offer opportunities for extended runs in beautiful Hertfordshire and Essex countryside.
Absolutely. Many of the running routes in Bishop's Stortford are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Popular options include the The River Stort – Castle Park loop from Bishop's Stortford and the The River Stort – Waytemore Castle Mound loop from Bishop's Stortford.
Bishop's Stortford's running routes are rich in natural beauty. You'll find picturesque riverside paths along the River Stort Navigation, extensive parklands like Southern Country Park with diverse wildlife habitats, and woodlands such as Birchanger Woods. During summer, the chalk banks of Southern Country Park are vibrant with wildflowers, bees, and butterflies.
Yes, many of the routes along the River Stort and within the town's parks are suitable for families due to their largely flat and accessible paths. The 'Parks and Beyond' circular walks link several open spaces like Southern Country Park and Northern Parkland, providing safe and enjoyable environments for family runs.
Many of the trails and open spaces in Bishop's Stortford are dog-friendly, especially the riverside paths and parklands. Southern Country Park and Grange Paddocks are popular choices for dog walkers and runners. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding dogs, especially in nature reserve areas.
Bishop's Stortford's town center is well-connected by public transport, and many routes, particularly those along the River Stort and through the central parks, are easily accessible from bus stops and the train station. This makes it convenient to start your run without needing a car.
Parking is generally available near many of Bishop's Stortford's running routes, especially at larger parks like Grange Paddocks and Southern Country Park. For routes starting in the town center, public car parks are available, though charges may apply.
The running routes in Bishop's Stortford are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 10 reviews. Runners often praise the scenic riverside paths, the variety of parklands, and the well-maintained trails that cater to different abilities.
Yes, several running routes incorporate historical landmarks. The Waytemore Castle & River Stort loop, for instance, passes by the historic Waytemore Castle Mound. You can also find interesting points like Parndon Mill and Lock along some of the riverside trails.
Yes, some routes offer opportunities for refreshment stops. The Bridge The Gap Café – Lock and Latte Coffee Stop loop from Bishop's Stortford is specifically designed to include a coffee stop. The town center also provides numerous options for post-run refreshments.
Absolutely. Southern Country Park is an award-winning Green Flag Park with diverse habitats, perfect for varied runs. Grange Paddocks offers a running track and community fitness zones. For a more natural, wooded experience, Birchanger Woods and Thorley Wedge provide pleasant environments for a run.


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