Running

Flat 5k loops, Parkrun and morning jogs from Springfield House

Whether you need a flat 5k before the NEC or a Saturday Parkrun while you're staying over, Coleshill has good options close by. Shustoke Reservoir is our top pick — paved, flat, and around 5 minutes by car. For countryside walks and farm trails, see our Walking guide and Parks & Nature guide .

Planning tips

Surfaces: Shustoke is paved year-round. Kingsbury and Parkrun mix gravel and grass — trail shoes after rain. Coleshill riverside paths can be muddy.
Parkrun: Register once at parkrun.org.uk and bring your barcode — without it you won't get a timed result.
Parking: Shustoke machines are often cash-only. Kingsbury is mostly card-only; Parkrun has reduced parking 8–9am on Saturdays.
Corporate guests: Many NEC visitors run Shustoke or the Coleshill loop before show days — free parking at the B&B for your car.

Suggested running sessions

Pre-NEC 5k

Drive 5 minutes to Shustoke Reservoir for a flat paved loop, shower at the B&B, then head to the NEC — around 10 minutes away.

Saturday Parkrun

Kingsbury Water Parkrun at 9am — register once online, reduced parking from 8am, coffee at the Old Barn Café after.

No car needed

The Coleshill Heritage loop starts at Springfield House — around 2.5 miles through town and along the River Cole.

Best local 5k — paved and flat

Shustoke Reservoir with grassy banks and calm blue water

Shustoke Reservoir 5k loop

Google Maps Park guide Walk map

The best local run for a reliable, mud-free surface — a flat paved loop around the lower reservoir, around 5 minutes' drive from Springfield House.

At a glance

Distance: 2.1 miles (3.4 km) — one lap; double it for a 10k
Surface: Paved throughout — trainers fine year-round
Elevation: Flat
Time: around 20–25 minutes at an easy pace
Drive: around 5 minutes via the B4114 toward Shustoke

Why runners like it

No road crossings on the main loop
Consistent footing even after rain — unlike farm or woodland trails
Quiet enough for intervals; wide enough to pass dog walkers
Pay-and-display car park at the start (machines often cash-only)

Good to know

Dogs must stay on a short lead
No toilets on site — The Plough Inn on The Green, Shustoke, is a short walk from the car park
For a longer session, cross to Upper Shustoke or see our walk map for the Figure of 8 route

St Peter and St Paul parish church spire, Coleshill

Coleshill Heritage loop

Google Maps Full walk guide Walk map

A town-and-river loop that starts and finishes at Springfield House — ideal for a pre-breakfast jog without needing the car.

At a glance

Distance: around 2.5 miles (4 km)
Surface: Paved High Street, grass and uneven riverside paths
Elevation: Moderate — steady climb back up Church Hill
Time: around 25–35 minutes
Start: Springfield House, Coleshill

The route

Head into Coleshill High Street, past the church, down Church Hill to the River Cole, loop through Cole End Park, and return via Old Coach Road to the High Street.

Good to know

Riverside sections can be muddy after rain — trail shoes help
High Street is fully paved; use pedestrian crossings on busier sections
Finish with coffee at a High Street café if you're not rushing to the NEC

Kingsbury Water Park lakeside path with woodland and open water

Kingsbury Water Park loops

Google Maps Park guide

Miles of surfaced paths through Warwickshire's largest country park — good for longer steady runs when you want variety beyond a single loop.

At a glance

Distance: flexible — waymarked trails from 1 km to 5 km+; link paths for longer
Surface: Mostly flat gravel and tarmac; some grass between lakes
Drive: around 10 minutes north on the A446
Parking: pay-and-display — mostly card-only (around £4.50 full day)

Why runners like it

Flat terrain across 600 acres and 15 lakes
Multiple loop options — combine trails for 10k or more
Old Barn Coffee Shop near the main entrance for post-run refuel

Good to know

Shared paths with cyclists and families — stay alert at junctions
Busier on Saturday mornings when Parkrun is on (see below)
See our Parks guide for full visitor information

Kingsbury Water Parkrun

Google Maps Website ↗ Register free ↗

Free, timed 5k every Saturday at 9am — the nearest Parkrun to Springfield House and a friendly way to meet locals if you're staying over a weekend.

At a glance

When: Every Saturday, 9:00am (briefing from around 8:50am)
Distance: 5 km — two flat laps
Surface: Grass start, then gravel, woodland paths, and some tarmac
Drive: around 10 minutes from Springfield House
Register once at parkrun.org.uk and bring your barcode

The course

Two laps through woods and around Bodymoor Heath Water — flat overall, but trail shoes beat road shoes after rain. Marshals at road crossings; follow signs if you're unsure.

Practical tips

Reduced parking fee for parkrunners arriving between 8:00am and 9:00am (typically £2)
Post-run coffee at the Old Barn Café by the main entrance — popular with regulars
First-timers briefing around 8:50am near the start field by the overflow car park

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