Clumber Park lakeside walk
A six-mile circular walk along stretches of Clumber Lake, taking in Hardwick village, wooded areas and open views of the parkland with its striking temples and bridges.
Total steps: 9
Total steps: 9
Start point
National Trust Clumber Park main car park, grid ref SK625745
Step 1
Start from the main car park following the signs for the visitor facilities; shop, café and toilets. From the shop follow the signs for the toilets and after passing these turn left. Continue on the path as it goes round to the right and becomes a road which is usually car free. The lake is now on your left.
Step 2
Immediately before a wooden barrier turn left onto a path which goes downhill through woodland. Follow this path past the Grotto to Clumber Bridge. Go over the bridge (pausing to take in the view) and turn left. Take care as you walk along the road and through a small car park.
Step 3
At a wooden barrier take the path going diagonally right passing an information board on your left. After a short distance go through the first gate on your right and follow the obvious grassy path. Soon views open up across the lake to the chapel, stables and Duke's Study.
Step 4
Continue to follow the wide grassy track as it curves left and right. Ignore all other paths off to the right and left. After approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km) you'll come to a fence and a gate with a water trough nearby. Go through the gate and carry straight on heading towards a wooden bench. Just before you reach the bench take one of the paths on your left that lead to a wooden gate you'll see in the near distance. Go through the gate and carry straight on towards the lake.
Step 5
At the red shale cycle track turn right and continue with the lake on your left. After a short distance you reach a Greek temple. Carry on in the same direction glimpsing the lake through the trees. After about 0.8miles (1.3 km) you approach the weir and Hardwick village. Here there are extensive views of the surrounding countryside and lake.
Step 6
After crossing the weir look out ahead for the toilets and take the path alongside going right.
Step 7
Take care as you walk through a parking area to the road where you turn left to walk along the grass verge. Continue up through Hardwick village passing the war memorial on your right. About 220 yards (200 metres) further on look out on the left for a metal public bridleway sign and take this path into the woods.
Step 8
At the road beware of traffic as you turn left. As the road flattens look out on the left for a track. Leave the road to follow this track. As the lake comes into view follow the path to the right. At a cycle track turn left to the road. Cross over with care and walk straight ahead up into Ash Tree Hill wood.
Step 9
At a cross road of tracks turn right. After approximately 330 yards (300 metres) look out for a sign for the bird hide and take this. After visiting the bird hide carry on in the same direction through the woodland. After a short distance you'll come to 2 stone pillars which you walk between. Head for a stone archway with a metal gate and go through this into the Pleasure Ground. Walk more or less straight on to the lakeside where you turn right and follow the path back to the visitor facilities.
End point
Visitor facilities, next to National Trust Clumber Park main car park, grid ref SK625745
Trail map
More near here
The bluebell woods of Clumber
Explore ancient woodland carpeted with bluebells during the spring, see historic buildings in Hardwick village, cross heathland and farmland and stroll alongside Clumber Lake.
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A 7.5-mile route on good paths, this walk visits both familiar and more hidden features from periods when Clumber Park was a ducal estate and a wartime munitions store.
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Take a relaxing walk along The Robin Hood way: a 105-mile-long route across Nottinghamshire, which enters Clumber Park twice as it winds itself through the county.
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