Walks in Nottinghamshire by GPS Routes

Nottinghamshire offers a varied choice of walking routes, from the ancient woodland of Sherwood Forest to peaceful country parks, dramatic limestone gorges and historic waterways. The county is rich in history and wildlife, with trails passing through the landscapes associated with Robin Hood, alongside riverside paths and canal towpaths that provide gentler walks close to towns and villages.

Sherwood Forest Country Park

Sherwood Forest is one of Nottinghamshire's best-known attractions, famous for its connections with the legend of Robin Hood. The country park has an extensive network of paths through ancient woodland, heathland and open clearings, with the Major Oak as its most celebrated landmark. This enormous veteran oak is traditionally associated with Robin Hood and is one of the most recognisable trees in England.

The Major Oak

The woodland is also important for wildlife, particularly its veteran trees and the rare species that depend on them. Walking through the forest gives you the chance to explore its distinctive landscape, with seasonal wildflowers, birds and open heathland adding interest throughout the year. The visitor centre provides a useful starting point for exploring the trails.

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Clumber Country Park Walk

Clumber Park is a large country park near Worksop, with woodland, parkland, gardens and an extensive lake. Once part of a great country estate belonging to the Dukes of Newcastle, it is now managed by the National Trust and offers a wide variety of paths for walkers. The lake is a particular highlight, with attractive views across the water and opportunities to spot waterbirds.

Clumber Park Chapel

The park also features a walled kitchen garden, a Gothic Revival chapel and long avenues of trees. You can explore the woodland trails or enjoy a more leisurely walk around the lake, taking in the peaceful scenery and historic features. The mix of open spaces, mature trees and waterside paths makes Clumber a rewarding destination in every season.

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Creswell Crags

Creswell Crags is a dramatic limestone gorge on the Nottinghamshire–Derbyshire border, renowned for its caves and evidence of Ice Age human occupation. The limestone cliffs contain caves where prehistoric people lived and left behind stone tools, animal remains and some of Britain's most important examples of Ice Age cave art. The site offers a fascinating insight into life thousands of years ago.

The Pond at Cresswell Crags

Walking around the gorge takes you beside the small lake and beneath the rocky cliffs, with woodland and grassland adding to the scenery. The visitor centre provides information about the archaeology and geology of the area, while guided cave tours offer a closer look at the prehistoric remains. It is an unusual and historically significant place to explore on foot.

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Nottingham Canal Walk

This walk follows the Nottingham Canal and the Erewash Valley Trail from Langley Mill towards the outskirts of Nottingham. The largely flat route passes through countryside and former industrial areas, with attractive stretches of waterway, old bridges and historic canal structures along the way. Around Cossall and Trowell, the canal corridor has become an important wildlife habitat, attracting birds, dragonflies and damselflies.

Canal Basin, Langley Mill

One of the interesting features is the old Swansea Bridge near Trowell, built in the late 18th century, along with the surviving lock-keeper's cottages. The route offers a mix of canal heritage and natural scenery, with the option to continue towards Wollaton Park or explore further into Nottingham. It is a good choice for a relaxed walk or cycle along a historic waterway.

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Newark River Walk

This short riverside walk explores the historic town of Newark-on-Trent, following paths beside the River Trent and its navigation. The route passes the Town Lock and the old riverside warehouses, many of which have been converted into cafés and shops. The river provides an attractive setting for a stroll, with views of boats, bridges and the town's historic waterfront.

Trent Bridge

A highlight is Newark Castle, whose surviving ruins include a gatehouse dating from the 12th century. The route also crosses Trent Bridge, a historic crossing of the river, before returning to the riverside park. The nearby town centre has plenty of historic buildings and places to eat, making this an easy walk to combine with a visit to Newark's shops and attractions.

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Beeston Canal Walk

This easy 4.1-mile walk follows the Beeston Canal between Beeston Lock and Nottingham city centre. The towpath provides a largely level route beside the water, passing willow trees, bridges and old canal-side buildings. Although close to the city, the canal offers quieter stretches where you can enjoy the waterside scenery and watch boats moving along the waterway.

Beeston Canal Lock Entance

Beeston Lock, beside the River Trent, is a pleasant starting point, with historic lock structures and cottages nearby. At the western end of the canal, you can extend the walk into Attenborough Nature Reserve, where lakes, wetlands and grassland provide habitats for a wide variety of birds and other wildlife. The route is also a useful way to explore Nottingham's waterways on foot.

For more walks in the county, see the Nottinghamshire Walks page.

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Images: Wikimedia Commons | This blog was provided by www.gps-routes.co.uk