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Finding a Love of Walking in Nottinghamshire

There are some fantastic places to have a walk-in Nottinghamshire! If you’re new to walking or are recovering from injury, read on to find out about ten fantastic Nottinghamshire walks all six miles or less. We’ve broken this list down into three sections: walks under 3 miles, walks between 3 and 5 miles, and walks above 5 miles. We’ve also included a variety of routes. Some are wheelchair and pushchair friendly, others are more adventurous – but nothing you’ll need crampons for, we assure you that! The routes are also varied in their scenery. Some you’ll see picturesque towns or villages, others explore country parks or lakes and we even take you near caves! Read on to discover these hidden (and not so hidden) Nottinghamshire walking gems.

Walks under 3 miles

  1. Daneshill (2 miles, circular route, parking available, OS map Explorer 279)

Daneshill Lakes Nature Reserve is located at the A638 Great North Road, north of Retford. There are signs from Torworth. You can park in the Daneshill Lakes car park, which is right next to the lake. The route takes you around the Daneshill Lakes Nature Reserve, which has surfaced paths and no stiles or steep gradients, which means it’s a great route for wheelchair users or pushchairs.

  1. The Carrs, Greenwood Forest (1.5-mile circular route, parking nearby, OS map Explorer 206)

The Carrs is a gentle walk that follows the River Meden from Market Warsop to Church Warsop. Along the route, there is plenty of seating, great duck-feeding opportunities and a children’s play area, making it an ideal day out for the family.

  1. West Stockwith Village Trail (2.5 miles, circular route, parking nearby, OS map Explorer 280)

There are some mixed surfaces as well as some very steep gradients so this walk won’t be suitable for those with mobility problems or young children. You can start anywhere on the route in the village and there are two car parks conveniently located.

Walks between 3 and 5 miles

  1. Creswell Crags (3 miles, circular, parking on-site, OS map Explorer 270)

This wonderful limestone gorge is littered with caves. Many tools and animal remains have been found here that date back over 10,000 years. The walk starts at the visitor centre, which is also worth a look.

  1. Brierley Forest Park (3.5 miles, circular, parking nearby, OS map Explorer 269)

This country park was created on some of the Huthwaite Colliery pit heap. It is a relatively new site, having only opened in 1999. The walk is accessible for people who might struggle to get on country walks. There are picnic tables and seats in the park as well as a children’s play area.

  1. Bilsthorpe Leisure Trail (3.5 miles, linear)

This is a leisure route that links Bilsthorpe, Sherwood Pines and Vicar Water Country Park in Clipstone. It also links to the county’s leisure network and the National Cycle Network Route 6. This trail was created along an old mineral railway line.

Walks longer than 5 miles

  1. Clumber Park (5.5 miles, circular, OS map Explorer 270)

This is a mixed-surface but flat route that goes along the lakeside, through a wooded area and along estate roads. Clumber Park is a great location for all of the family to enjoy and much of it is wheelchair accessible.

  1. Attenborough Nature Reserve, Greenwood Forest (5 miles, circular, OS map Explorer 260)

This route has some steep gradients so it might not be suitable for some walkers in parts. This is a great place to come for a full day out as there is a huge amount of wildlife and birds to see, places to feed the ducks and have picnics and there is also a Visitor Centre, a café and toilets.

  1. Mansfield Woodhouse Heritage Walks (6 miles, linear)

There are two walks at Mansfield Woodhouse. Walk 1 begins at Whinny Hill and Walk 2 begins at Oxclose Wood. There is a great variety of wildlife on both walks including birds and pond life. Walk 2 also goes past a Roman villa, which was excavated in 1768.

  1. Farnsfield and the Halifax bomber memorial (6 miles, circular)

This is a walk that has over 6 stiles to cross and it has moderate gradients across mixed surfaces. There is parking nearby. The bomber memorial along this walk is signposted along the footpath.

Summary

So, whether you’re planning an afternoon with a young family or fancy a 6-mile solo walk, we hope we’ve given you a lot of ideas and things to think about. For all routes and maps in more detail, the Nottinghamshire County Council website has a wealth of information. Enjoy your walks in this wonderful county!