We've barely recovered from the Easter Bank Holiday weekend before we have another break to enjoy. If you plan to spend the Early May Bank Holiday weekend in the West Country, the Runaway Train Trail Race at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, on Sunday 4 May 2025 looks like an interesting diversion.

You won't have to outpace an actual runaway train! The Runaway Train Trail Race celebrates the Windsor Hill disused railway path with a rugged trail race, before everyone gathers for a celebratory 'Boxty Feast' in Shepton Mallet Market Place.

The 8.5-mile and 3-mile races are super scenic, taking in woodland paths, valleys, distant hills, dark railway tunnels and high viaducts, before finishing right in the heart of Shepton Mallet. The full Runaway Train Trail Race has a total elevation of 1,200ft and includes open fields, grass trails, rough tracks and some tarmac footpath. The less challenging 3-mile option has less elevation and easier terrain.

The route will be marked with flour and temporary signs. Marshals are at major road crossings. Walkers and families can join with an early start on the full route or a shorter version to Ham Woods and back.

The main race starts outside Shepton Mallet and climbs across fields and a rough track into Windsor Hill Woods below the impressive Ham Wood viaduct. Then it's helter-skelter down the Ham Woods valley to Croscombe, the lowest point on the course, before following an ancient grassy drove to the highest point at Maesbury Castle.

Like a runaway train, you are now headed downhill to Shepton Mallet over farmland and onto the newly cleared railway path. Over the Ham Wood Viaduct, through Windsor Hill Tunnel (pictured below) and over the Bath Road Viaduct. From Barren Down, the final steep descent takes you back into Shepton Mallet Market Place.

So, what's a Boxty Feast you may well ask? Boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake made with grated potatoes, pan-fried over charcoal until golden and crispy outside and fluffy inside. Served with spicy tomato sauce, spinach, grated cheese, topped with a poached egg, and washed down with Pilton Cider from the bar – it sounds delicious!

This year's race will be held in memory of Harry Walker, the event's main organiser, who has sadly passed away.

Further information is at the Runaway Train Trail Race website here.

Previous results are at the runABC South race listing here.

Photos courtesy of Mark Adler and Jason Bryant for Runaway Train Trail Race