The Essex Cross Country Series takes is a 5 event 10k series that takes place annually between April - September, with one race per month. Taking place in 5 different spectacular country parks in Essex, these races offer an opportunity to get away from the road and experience trail running in the summer months. Races can be entered individually. Runners taking part in more than one race will receive series points that are accumulated to become eligible for series prizes when 4 or more races are completed.
Danbury Country Park is the second race in the series. The 10k course takes in much of the beautiful surroundings on 3-lap course with a separate start and finish straight. Originally laid out in the 13th century as part of a private estate, Danbury Country Park offers ornamental gardens and lakes, woodland and meadows.
Surviving historic structures include an ice house where before refrigerators, ice was collected from the lakes in winter and stored for the palace kitchens.
The lakeside path takes you past the ornamental gardens and alongside tranquil waters, where you can see ducks, carp, moorhens, coots, grebes and sometimes a kingfisher.
In summer, the meadows fill with wildflowers and grasses, attracting butterflies and insects. Woodland paths offer respite from the sun in the dappled shade of ancient oaks, hornbeams and sweet chestnuts.
Location
Directions
By car:
Navigate to Woodhill Road, Danbury CM3 4AW and park in either carpark. Both are a short walk to the race area.
By public transport:
Danbury Country Park is 5 miles from Chelmsford Rail Station and is served by bus. To plan your journey visit
Traveline.