South Beverley loop via Keldmarsh Nature Reserve

This moderate 7.1-mile (11.4 km) jogging loop, taking about 1 hour and 11 minutes to complete, offers a gentle 104 feet (32 metres) of elevation gain through the secluded wet woodland of Keldmarsh Nature Reserve. You'll follow an uneven earth track winding past shrubs and crossing a stream bed, where clear chalk springs bubble up into pools. Look out for impressive willow trunks, some ancient and fallen, creating a wild atmosphere.

While Keldmarsh Nature Reserve is generally easy to access, be prepared for uneven and potentially wet ground, especially after rain. The reserve lacks formal paths, so you'll be following 'desire lines' through the terrain. If you visit in spring, the stream can flow, making access difficult without appropriate footwear like wellies due to wet conditions and trip hazards from stones and branches. This route is best suited for those who don't mind a less manicured jogging surface.

Keldmarsh Nature Reserve stands out as a valuable remnant of the wet woodland habitat that once covered this area. Its unique chalk springs, emerging from underground streams, feed the pools and streams within the reserve. This peaceful location provides a glimpse into a rich ecosystem, supporting various birds like chiffchaff and blackcap, and occasionally water voles when water levels are high. It's a place for nature observation, showcasing diverse plant life such as yellow flag iris and marsh marigold.