A glimpse of southern Clumber
This walk is mainly through woodland and agricultural land in some of the quieter parts of Clumber. It finishes by the lakeside and is perfect for a summer evening. 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.
Total steps: 14
Total steps: 14
Start point
National Trust Clumber Park main car park, grid ref: SK625745
Step 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 (*).
Step 2
Follow the path as it bears right and becomes a road which is usually car free. The lake is now on your left.
Step 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).
Step 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.
Step 5
At the junction with a red shale cycle track turn left.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 12
In approximately ¾ mile (1.2km) the path leaves the lakeside and goes along the edge of a field.
Step 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.
Step 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 a 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 point
National Trust Clumber Park main car park, grid ref: SK625745
Trail map
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