A glimpse of southern Clumber
The walk is mainly through woodland and agricultural land in some of the quieter parts of Clumber and finishes by the lakeside, and is perfect for a summer evening.
A relaxing walk with beautiful views of the countryside
You'll be introduced to historic aspects of the park as well as its natural habitats providing a haven for many species of flora and fauna. Along the way are lovely views of the lake and surrounding countryside.
Map
Start:
National Trust Clumber Park main car park, grid ref: SK625745
1
Leave the car park and follow the signs for the café and toilets which take you through the Turning Yard in the direction of the lake. Go past the toilets and at the signpost (*) follow the path to the left towards the lake. If the Turning Yard is closed return to the road and turn left to follow the number 2 cycle trail until you reach the signpost (*).
2
Follow the path as it bears right and becomes a road which is usually car free. The lake is now on your left.
3
In about ¼ mile (0.4 km) you'll reach a wooden barrier. Immediately before this turn left on to a wide path which goes downhill through woodland eventually passing the Clumber Grotto. On reaching the road beware of traffic as you turn left to go over Clumber Bridge and take the road signed South Lodge. Immediately on your left is a wooden barrier and you take the obvious track going into woodland (Beech Drive).
Clumber Bridge and Grotto
In the late 18th century the River Poulter was dammed to create an 87 acre lake and the ornamental bridge was built. The grotto was created in the early 19th century as another ornamental feature. Later a turbine was installed to provide water for the house.
4
After approximately ¾ mile (1.2km) you reach a T-junction with another track where you turn left and follow it for about 1.5 miles (2.4km). Eventually you'll hear the traffic on the A614.
5
At the junction with a red shale cycle track turn left.
6
After a few hundred yards you reach a tarmac road with Drayton Gate on your left. Cross the road and continue on the cycle track. There are seven entrances to the park dating from the 1770s. Drayton Gate was connected by a carriage drive to the London Road. The 18th -entury carvings on Drayton Gate are Newcastle greyhounds.
7
Soon you reach another tarmac road with Normanton Gate on your right; through the gate you can see the Clumber Hotel. Cross the road and go through the gate on to a bridleway which crosses farmland. Soon you're walking alongside woodland which you shortly leave behind to follow the bridleway diagonally down a field to Hardwick village with a view of the lake and weir.
8
On reaching the road turn right and walk down to the ford across the River Poulter. Cross the footbridge and continue up the road towards the village passing farm buildings on the left.
Hardwick village
In the 1850s the Hardwick model village was developed for estate workers and from 1904 a post office and general store was provided which is now used as a social club. In 1912 a boarding school, known as the chantry, was provided for the boys in the Clumber chapel choir. The village school was destroyed by fire in 1932.
9
As the road bends right, turn left following signs for the toilets. Ahead are more farm buildings and an information board. Follow the tarmac path (signed public toilets) which goes between the information board and the farm buildings. Walk past the toilets to reach the lakeside path and turn right.
10
After approximately ¼ mile (0.4km) there is a wooden barrier and a small car park. Go through the car park and at the tarmac road turn left.
11
After about 100yd (90m) turn left on to a path with the main lake on your left. When you reach the information board you turn left to follow the lakeside path through woodland.
12
In approximately ¾ mile (1.2km) the path leaves the lakeside and goes along the edge of a field.
13
At a junction with a path on the right, turn left and after a short distance you'll reach a stone gateway with an iron gate. Go through the gate which is the entrance to the Pleasure Ground and by walking more or less straight ahead you will reach Lincoln Terrace where you turn right.
Pleasure Ground and Lincoln Terrace
The Pleasure Ground was created in the 18th century to offer the Dukes of Newcastle, their families and guests secluded walks and sheltered places to sit and enjoy the spectacular views across the lake. Lincoln Terrace was constructed in 1861. The existing chapel was commissioned in 1886 by the 7th Duke of Newcastle and took three years to build.
14
Follow the terrace which takes you along the lakeside. Eventually you'll see the chapel which is well worth a visit. Otherwise continue along the terrace until you reach the end of the path. From here walk diagonally right across the grass to some steps that lead up to the site of Clumber House which was demolished in 1938. Straight ahead of you are the visitor facilities with café, Discovery Centre, visitor information point and shop. Why not treat yourself to a well earned cup of tea and piece of cake, browse around the shop and plant sales before returning to the car park.
End:
National Trust Clumber Park main car park, grid ref: SK625745
