Black Dog Halt

I ran 19 miles yesterday. Well, I walked a bit, had a couple of stops, but mostly I ran. I also took a few photographs as I went along just so I could share them with you. Not because i wanted a rest, of course not.

The route I took went along a disused railway line which is now a cycle path that links Chippenham to Calne. My turnaround point was Black Dog Halt, complete with platform and beautiful gates. My son used to be train mad when he was little, my parents live very close by, and it was always a good day if they took him up there.

At this point I was heading to Calne (5 miles) not Chippenham (1 mile)

The start of Chippenham's very own "Love Lock" bridge — The start of Chippenham’s very own “Love Lock” bridge. I love Wilkos too

I used the platform to lean against and do some stretches, then turned around and ran back home.

Well of course I "woo hoo"ed through it — Well of course I “woo hoo”ed through it

Back home after a shower and a change, I loaded up a tray with lunch and retired to the sofa. Even Big Cat joined me – a rare treat.

All the essentials. Don't judge — All the essentials. Don’t judge

So if you want a flat LSR route, what better choice than a disused railway line, which has been converted into a cycle path? Straight(ish), flat, very pretty, and still with a station on the line. ‘Black Dog Halt’ entranced my son when he was little, even without any tracks or trains!

In these inspiring (and flat) settings, my ‘as long as its at least 10 miles, and maybe 11?’ run turned into a 12.5M run. Ending up circling the housing estate I was parked in, in drizzle, and very hungry. Worked out if I’d carried on to 13.1M I’d have been at my old HM pace, and this was without proper LSR breakfast (wot no porridge), and with no gels or ShotBloks en route.

Pretty pleased with myself, actually – roll on my Half Marathons in September!

Oh hang on – a short 5K to get through first…

Tag: Black Dog Halt

A long run. With many photos