THIS 6.1-mile route from Mark Jones of Swindon Striders begins and ends at the Link Centre, taking in a variety of local scenery.

:: From the Link Centre main entrance head out on Link Avenue path towards Ashington Way

:: Cross Ashington Way and continue on the footpath

:: Turn right on to Mannington Lane and continue on path through the underpass (under Great Western Way)

:: Continue along the footpath running parallel to Wootton Bassett Road

:: When you reach the roundabout at the end (next to the Esso garage), cross and head towards Kingshill

:: Turn left in to William Street and then right up Stanmore Street, on to Radnor Street

:: Turn right on to Clifton Street then left at the end on to Kingshill Road

:: Continue along Bath Road then turn left in to Victoria Road

:: Turn left in to Prospect Place and then first right past the BBC on to Union Street

:: Follow the road round to the left on to North Street and then right in Prospect Hill

:: Head to the bottom of the hill and turn left on to Edmund Street

:: At the end turn on to Crombey Street and follow until the end, turning left on to Curtis Street

:: Turn right on to Cambria Road and at the end cross the road safely and then enter Faringdon Park – heading for Church Place.

:: Turn left on to Church Place and then immediately right on to Rodbourne Road

:: Turn left in to Penzance Drive and follow the road until Paddington Drive

:: Turn left here and continue until you reach the Great Western Way

:: Cross at the lights and then continue along Mead Way until you reach an underpass on the left

:: Go through the underpass and take the left hand path

:: Continue on this path until you reach a wooden bridge on your right

:: Cross the bridge and continue along the path, crossing Langstone Way, until you reach Asda and the Link Centre.

Swindon Striders is an inclusive club for runners of all abilities, meeting every Monday at 6.45pm for a 7pm run from the Croft Sports Centre, every Friday at 6.45pm for a 7pm run from the Link Centre and putting on hill repeats and speed session training work every Wednesday at 6.20pm for a 6.30pm start from the Croft Sports Centre (alternating between hill reps one week and speed work the next).

The club also puts on at certain times through the year a 5k-plus group to help those who can already run 5k to improve their distance and running. This is ideal for anyone who is new to running, returning from injury or just needs to boost their confidence at the sport.

There are numerous social events through the year too, including barbecues, nights out and trips abroad – not forgetting taking part in local races en mass.

If anyone is interested in joining they can contact a committee member via www.swindonstriders.co.uk or the Facebook page.