Sling 2020

This course covers the villages of Sling and Ellwood, on the outskirts of Coleford in the Forest of Dean. Much of course utilises the blocks of woodland around the villages, with their strong network of footpaths, as well as the paths and lanes linking the villages, so there is relatively little road running. The going on the paths is generally very good, with few brambles and nettles etc even at the height of Summer. Given the overall shape of the area, and one or two blocks where there is little access, it's a course which should reward the fastest runners with a full house and membership of the 600 club.

Parking is in or next to Ellwood Primary School car park. If you are running during school hours, you should park outside the car park, on one of the many grassy verges and open areas in the vicinity. At other times you may be able to park in the car park, which is not usually locked, but there is plenty of other parking around the area if you would rather not.

The Start and Finish are in the far left corner of the car park as you enter it. There is a footpath running along the school fence beyond the car park, and one option is to park round the back of the school and approach the start and finish along this path. On the course map the Start/Finish symbol rather obscures this, but it links the car park with the lane running behind the school, and is an ideal access to Start and Finish if the school is busy. However, you will invariably be able to run through the car park to get to the Start/Finish if you wish.