The origin of panshanger park dates back to the 17th century when it was part of the Panshanger Estate of Willian Cowper, 1st Earl Cowper. Educated in Hertfordshire William became the first Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain. His estate, created and shaped around the Mimram Valley mirrored Willian’s power and influence. Developed by subsequent descendants and with the input of Humphry Repton the estate was grandness exemplified.
Panshanger park is no longer within the Panshanger district of Welwyn Garden City rather it is within the parishes of Hertford and Hertingfordbury. The ownership of this 1,000 acre park has passed to Tarmac, part of CRH a global diversified building materials business in the 1980's, Reopened to the public in 2014 it now boasts a nature reserve, is home to woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, a dragonfly trial, the Great Oak and from October 2014 Panshanger parkrun.
The event starts at the western side of Panshanger park, near the carpark. Mark, for the first time, gave the first timers welcome and did an excellent job before handing over to today’s Run Director, Barbara who gave the main address. Along with welcoming tourists from near and far she explained how the course is a mixture of grass, dirt, gravel, forest tracks and that the cows were out in the field by the Kings Lake and that no patting was allowed.
We set off on a gentle grass decent before turning right running along a wide trail path with the Mimram river to our left. No glimer of houses, no sound of cars. As we approached 1k I saw them, the cows Barbara had mentioned but these were no ordinary cows, they were English Longhorn cattle. With their distinctive longhorns they looked more like bulls than cows hence their nickname ‘battle cattle’!
Tarmac, with their commitment to responsible land management reintroduced the majestic English Longhorns to help maintain the grasslands and to create biodiversity and they are a sight to behold!
As we approached the herd some of cows started galloping alongside runners and I was reminded of the brilliant Bollywood film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobora where the main characters go to Pamplona in Spain for the annual festival of San Fermin and participate in the famous Running of the Bulls.
As I drew alongside the ‘battle cattle’ my heart quickened they are incredible and intimidating! I had a certain sense of relief when we turned left up Kings Lake leaving them behind. The Kings Lake climb offered glorious views except for the back of an Enfield Chaser passing me by. We then took a left along a trail section then a right and one more hill the tip of which signalled the halfway point. As we went past the Evergreen Wood I caught up with the Enfield Chaser, the chaser was now being chased. We went through the Phoenix gate and then through the western approach path which leads to an epic great down hil0l and then on to the finish. The views on this course are simply sensational with my finish drawing on the thrill of running with the Longhorns earlier on.
The sunshine was of a paritulcar quality making the whole finish area light up as all the participants came through. Friendly marshals and off duty Run Directors ensured the perfect execution for a fantastic event. Panshanger park is registered as a Grade II park and garden by Historic England and this one lap course shows you why.
Go to Panshanger parkrun, they are friendly and welcoming the views are stunning and perhaps you’ll get to run with the battle cattle too.
Happy Running
Panshangar sounds like a bucket list, PR. Interesting to hear the methods that the construction industry are employing to address the negative affect that we have on the environment and habitats. “Running with cows”, who’d have thought it lol. Great write up, AQ.
This is a phenomenal exposition! It’s a totally immersive experience for those of us that are reading! It makes me want to actually be involved in these events; though across the pond! Can’t wait to read the next one!
Linc W.
Love the cows!
Great description!
Thank you for the summary. This one is on my list hence now I know what to expect + I’m actually looking forward to seeing the cows 🙂
Daniela B