I do most of my buggy half marathons in Windsor Great Park, mainly because there are plenty of almost-traffic-free tarmac roads that make buggy running considerably easier. Today, I fancied something more challenging and therapeutic (I love water!) so I embarked on a lovely “two rivers” half. Starting from Slough and running by Jubilee River all the way to Taplow, then crossing over to Thames, following it to Dorney Lake and finally crossing back to Jubilee River. See below ⤵️
Jubilee River path itself is an excellent buggy running grounds as it’s wide and moderately easy to run on. But if you are an experienced(ish) buggy runner and fancy something a bit more challenging why not try the 6 mile loop from Dorney Lake up to Taplow Bath Road and back (see below⤵️).
The small “two rivers” loop
- Why small? Because there is a much longer one that I shall map for you in the near future.
- Distance: 6 miles
- Difficulty: 7/10 (with 1 being a stroll on a perfectly flat concrete with a topless waiter serving you chilled coke every other mile, and 10 being a requirement to lift your buggy over a fence while escaping from angry cows)
- Key points: single buggy only, one set of steps.
Obviously, since it’s a loop, you can technically start anywhere and run either clockwise or anticlockwise. On the map ⬆️ I marked a paid-for carpark at Dorney Lake, but you can park for free at a carpark by Marsh Lane/Jubilee River or Lake End Road (B3026)/Jubilee River. Please note that due to lockdown the two latter carparks are currently shut.
Whether you run clockwise or anticlockwise probably depends on whether you prefer to go up or down a set of steps with your buggy. I went up (anticlockwise) and it was manageable. A great way to get some muscle training into your cardio 😉
Either way, you can split the run into two different sections:
Jubilee River – As I mentioned this is the easier bit. The path is wide, fairly flat, with a decent surface (little bumpy at places but your buggy occupant is probably used to it already).
Thames path – This section is a bit more challenging. The north part is fairly wide and easy, with a great view of some ultra-posh houses. Going south it gets gradually narrow and traily – tree roots and uneven surface. Don’t expect to move fast. But it is stunning so it’s worth the effort. You can’t pass someone without one of you getting out of the way, so I would recommend less busy time than a Sunday afternoon. I ran there around 9 am on a Friday morning and bumped into a handful people only.
So when you are fed up with running in a “civilisation”, crossing the road for a hundredth time on a 5 miler and constantly apologising everyone for blocking the pavement, ditch the town jog and come to run by my rivers ❤
