THE last route provided by Mark Jones of Swindon Striders began and ended at the Oasis. This time another major Swindon leisure centre, the Link, is the point of departure and arrival for a route which covers 5.1 miles and takes us through a range of local scenery.

From the Link Centre head out on the Link Avenue path towards Ashington Way.

Having reached Ashington Way, cross with care and continue along the footpath

Turn right on to Mannington Lane and continue along the path through the underpass beneath Great Western Way.

Carry on along the footpath which runs parallel to Wootton Bassett Road.

At the end of Wootton Bassett Road, cross over and head for the beginning of the canal towpath, which lies behind the Esso garage

Continue along the towpath until you come to a small stone arched bridge.

Cross the bridge and then turn right on to Mill Lane, one of the oldest and most historic roads in Swindon.

Continue on Mill Lane before making a right turn at the Waitrose supermarket and then turning right once more on to Peglars Way.

Continue along Peglars Way until the road bears right, and follow it on to Redpost Drive

Go under the bridge and then turn immediately right up some steps before joining the railway path - another historic Swindon location.

Turn right and follow the path to John Lewis.

Keeping the store on your left, continue to Wootton Bassett Road and cross over.

Take the footpath opposite the crossing and then turn left, heading toward the underpass once more.

Immediately after the underpass turn right and continue on this path until the Delta Tennis Centre

Turn left immediately before the centre and continue until the first right turn

Follow the path, crossing Westlea Drive, until a wooden footbridge on your left

Cross the bridge and follow the path, crossing Langstone Way and then Corton Crescent, back to the Link Centre.

A CLUB FOR ALL ABILITIES AND SEASONS

SWINDON Striders organises road and trail runs come rain or shine, and welcomes people at all stages of their running careers.

The organisation has three sub-groups of runners.

The first is for people who are able to run a mile in 11 or 12 minutes, or in other words people who are generally just getting started on their running journey.

The second group is for people who are capable of running a nine-minute mile.

They are the middle set of runners and range from people training in a fairly solitary way to those needing practice as they work toward goals such as a half-marathon.

The third group is composed of runners described by Swindon Striders Secretary Mark Jones as the ones who are pretty quick.

Among them are local elite athletes - dedicated competitive runners.

Members fall not only into various categories of athletic ability but also a broad range of ages and backgrounds.

One of the more senior members, who is in his seventies, won a trophy at the Swindon 10k run held at Wroughton airfield.

In addition to training, advice and a warm welcome, new members can look forward to a thriving social scene. Mark Jones said: “We do social activities including barbecues, curry nights out, Christmas parties - and one of our members, Kelly Harvey, is in an Abba tribute band, so we go and support her.”

Swindon Striders has a new website, www.swindonstriders.co.uk, and the club can also be found on Facebook.

Annual membership costs £33 for new members, and all are welcome to inquire.