Local guide
Written with Mark
Mark has run Ben's Yard between 6 and 20 times, so the course detail and the photos on this page are his. I've checked the practical bits against the official course page. Thank you, Mark.
The honest version
Ben's Yard is a farm shop and courtyard of independent shops on the Stuntney estate, just outside Ely. The parkrun runs two laps of packed gravel, dirt and field around a reservoir, and it is flat. Less than 20 metres of climbing in total.
The best bit is the view. Ely Cathedral sits on the skyline, and you get it twice a lap, from Division Bell Corner and Cathedral View Corner. Division Bell Corner is named after the Pink Floyd album cover, which was shot there.
The route
Mark describes it as an eyeglasses shape: a straight out from the start, then a loop round the reservoir. Two laps, both the same.
Got a target time? Get your splits for Ben's Yard, adjusted for this course.
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StartOn the main field, left of the first car park
A short walk from where you park. If you're not sure where to go, the meeting point on what3words is ///epic.hugs.steepest.
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StraightThe opening straight
Flat and fast, but the ground cracks up in places. Stay on the path rather than the grass edge.
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LoopRound the reservoir
A slightly raised gravel and dirt path circles the water. This is where you get the cathedral views, about halfway round.
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Lap 2Do it all again
Same shape a second time. With no hills to manage, it's a good course for even pacing.
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FinishAlong a tree-lined avenue
The finish funnel sits along an avenue of trees, a nice way to end.
Course statistics
Average finish times, course records and full results on the parkrun website.
View on parkrun →Visiting Ben's Yard, Ely parkrun for the weekend
Ely station is just over a mile from Ben's Yard, so a taxi or a bike is the easiest way to do it by train.
If you're travelling in, here's what else is worth your time nearby:
- Ely Cathedral, the "Ship of the Fens", is the one thing you shouldn't miss. You'll see it from the course.
- Oliver Cromwell's House is a short walk from the cathedral.
- The riverside along the Great Ouse is lined with cafes and pubs for a slow afternoon.
Is it a PB course?
Mark says yes, and the profile backs him up. It's flat, there are no sharp climbs, and the laps make it easy to pace.
The surface is the catch. Gravel, dirt and grass are a little slower than tarmac, and after rain the course can collect mud, leaves and puddles. On a dry, still morning it's a good bet.
What to wear on your feet
Shoe recommendation by conditions
Road shoes are fine. The gravel is packed and the field sections are short.
Trail shoes. After heavy rain the grass and dirt get slippery, and puddles collect on parts of the course.
Watch the cracks on the opening straight, whatever you're wearing.
Getting there and parking
For your satnav, the postcode is CB7 5TR. There's free parking at Ben's Yard, very close to the start, and electric car charging points in the main car park. It can get busy, so arrive early.
When you leave, turning right means crossing a very busy road. The event team suggests turning left and coming back round at the roundabout a short way along.
By train, Ely station is just over a mile away and has a taxi rank. There's no bus at a useful time on a Saturday morning. You can walk or cycle from Ely on the foot and cycle path through Stuntney, but Mark warns it's a narrow pavement shared with pedestrians for much of the way.
Toilets and after the run
Ben's Yard Cafe and the toilets open at 8:30am, so you can use them before the 9am start. The farm shop and independent shops open from 9am.
Post-run coffee is at Ben's Yard Cafe. Mark's tip: show your parkrun barcode for a discount.
Buggies and dogs
Buggies are welcome. The surface is packed gravel, dirt and some grass, so an off-road running buggy copes best. You can run with one dog on a short handheld lead, but not with a buggy and a dog at the same time.
If you run here, we'd love a shot of the reservoir path or the view of Ely Cathedral from Division Bell Corner. Send them in and we'll add them with credit.
Send photos or tipsSaturdayOff verdict
Common questions
- How many laps is Ben's Yard parkrun?
- Two. After a straight from the start, the course loops round a reservoir on a slightly raised path, then you do it all again. The finish is along a tree-lined avenue.
- Is Ben's Yard parkrun flat?
- Yes. There is less than 20 metres of climbing in total. The surface, gravel and grass, matters more than the gradient.
- Where do I park for Ben's Yard parkrun?
- There is free parking on site at Ben's Yard, close to the start. The postcode for your satnav is CB7 5TR. Arrive early, as it can fill up.
- What shoes should I wear at Ben's Yard parkrun?
- Road shoes are fine most weeks. After heavy rain, parts of the course collect mud, leaves and puddles, so trail shoes are worth it.
- Can I bring a buggy to Ben's Yard parkrun?
- Yes. The paths are packed gravel and dirt, with some grass, so an off-road running buggy copes best.
- Are there toilets at Ben's Yard parkrun?
- Yes. The toilets and Ben's Yard Cafe open at 8:30am, so you can use them before the 9am start.
Guide written with Mark, a runner with 6 to 20 runs at this event. Practical details checked against parkrun.org.uk. Last updated October 2026.