Described as being in Waltham Abbey but fortunately being just inside the M25, Gunpowder Park Country Park, hosting Gunpowder parkrun, is one of the jewels in the crown of the LonDone challenge (running all the parkruns inside the M25).
Previously developed to increase the size of the Royal Gunpowder Mills Factory on the other side of the M25 this site was used for testing munitions. It has now been transformed into a 284-acre country park which is part of the Lea Valley Regional Park, and is now a source of peacefulness in contrast to his previous explosive past.
Having alighted at Ponders End station we walked over to the King George’s Reservoir and followed the River Lee up to Gunpowder Park Country Park. We took meandering paths through the incredible Sewardstone Marsh which is teaming with wildlife. We then passed through the rich wildflower meadows including a wet woodland, home to Skylarks and Goldfinch. In 2016 this park was voted the Country Park of the Year having already received a Green Flag Award and today felt like a prize-winning day. We arrived at the start, with all our senses invigorated, finding the Gunpowder parkrun core team and some of our friends from Burgess parkrun who were also touring! Of the 161 participants, nearly a quarter were tourists and we were all about to have a real treat.
The course is a clockwise two and a bit course starting near the impressive stone sculpture gate/doorway, meant to capture its former life. The course finishes in the same vicinity. The course is all on clay/sand-coloured gravel paths. With 20m of elevation mainly at the start, the path snakes uphill allowing the eyes to drink in the marshes whilst seeing the outstretching wild meadows; this is a gold mine of a place for a parkrun with the final stretch reminding me of walking down the Siq, the entrance to the ancient Nabatean City of Petra in Jordan.
I set out a bit tentatively not sure how demanding the climb would be however for the second lap I knew what to expect and leaned into running to effort instead of pace. I finished and was scanned and then cheered in other participants with dust being kicked up as they came down the Siq.
Once all the Burgess Crew had finished and group pictures taken we made our way to Enfield Lock for brunch as there are no options to buy food and drinks in the park. However there are plenty of benches practically placed around if you bring your own grub which I would recommend. Pick a good day and immerse yourself in this very special natural space. Things to do in Gunpowder Park
Next week we’re heading East to Barking parkrun another London parkrun in this LonDone challenge.
Happy running
Another lovely write up. I have so many lovely memories from that day. Thank you Daniela B