The Robin Hood Way at Clumber Park
The Robin Hood Way is a 105-mile-long route across Nottinghamshire, which enters Clumber Park twice as it winds itself through the county. This walk will take you along the Way and through a mixture of habitats including woodland, parkland and heathland, while offering memorable views of Clumber from several vantage points.
Total steps: 12
Total steps: 12
Start point
National Trust Clumber Park main car park, grid ref: SK625746
Step 1
Starting from the main car park, follow the signposts towards the cafe and shop. Once into this area, head towards the lake and this is where you pick up the Robin Hood Way. On arrival at the lake head east with the lake on your right and continue along this path to the end of the pleasure grounds. Once at the end you will see an inlet with black iron railings round it: this used to be the boat dock where the Dukes of Newcastle kept two scale frigates. Reaching this point turn left along the dirt path and you will soon notice a stone archway in front of you.
Step 2
After going through the archway, continue for around 100 metres and on reaching the woodland and the two stone pillars turn right, with the grass field on your right-hand side. Follow this path as it follows the woodland edge and then meets the lake edge. Continue with the lake on your right, past Heron Point and onto towards the causeway.
Step 3
The next section takes you over the causeway (beware of traffic as this short section has vehicles as well). Cross the causeway and head for the car park by the lakeside and continue along the lakeside path.
Step 4
Just before you get to the weir and footbridge turn left alongside the toilets and head into the car park. Once in the car park walk straight on with the farm buildings on your right. As you walk along, the estate village of Hardwick can be seen on your left, once the home to many workers on the Clumber estate. This section of the walk is along roads so be careful of vehicles. Continue along the road with the farm on your right and head downhill towards the ford. Cross the ford by the footbridge and go up the hill for around 200 metres. You will soon arrive at a bridleway on your left which crosses the field, which you need to cross.
Step 5
On crossing the field take the opportunity to look behind you at the view across the park, this being one of the highest points on Clumber. Leave the field by the pedestrian gate and cross over the road and take the red surface path opposite, with a woodland on your left and a grass paddock on your right. You will soon reach another road: cross over it and continue through the woodland. You have now left the first section of the Robin Hood Way, which will be rejoined shortly.
Step 6
You will soon reach an intersection of paths: turn right at this section and follow the path as it opens up from the woodland. You have now left Clumber and walking back on the Robin Hood Way. Continue along this for around 1.5 miles. This track is open with young trees on either side of it. Once you start to enter back into woodland look out for a right turn back into Clumber.
Step 7
Reaching point number 7 look out for a signpost and one of our information boards then turn down the path towards them and follow it round to the tarmac road. On reaching the road turn right. Take a glance to your left and you will notice the greyhound gates which used to lead into the neighbouring estate of Thoresby. After a short distance walking along the road take the first right past the wooden barrier. After 100 metres take the next left, called Copper Beech Avenue, and after a while you will soon start to notice them on your way down towards the lake.
Step 8
When you reach the end of the avenue of copper beech trees take a look at the bird feeding station and you may be lucky enough to see a Great Spotted woodpecker feeding on them. In front of you, you will see the 18th-century ornamental bridge which spans the lake. Head over the bridge and take in the views from both sides of it. Once over it take the left fork in the road and walk straight on towards the barrier in the road and continue along this road.
Step 9
You'll soon reach reach Lime Tree Avenue, which is 3.5 miles long and contains 1,846 trees. The trees in this section were planted in 1995. On the junction of the road is a small stubby tree, which is an English Purple Oak and one of only two on Clumber. When you reach the road turn right, then first left at the staggered crossroads, and you will walk past a wooden barrier. After a short distance you'll reach a cattle grid with a gate on the left: use the gate to enter the paddock. During summer you will find sheep and cattle grazing this area – a sign will be on the gate if any are present. Carry on along this road until you reach the end of it after about one mile.
Step 10
After exiting the pine woodland, you will reach a wooden barrier. Go past this and follow the road up the hill to the left. This is a busy road so take care when walking next to it. After 200 metres you will come across a path to the right with three wooden bollards in it, surrounded by rhododendron. Head down this path, walking through silver birch woodland at first and then pine woodland. Eventually you will get to a sculpture and an information panel. This sculpture is part of the Sustrans cycle route which runs through Clumber. At this part turn right and follow the track for 3/4 mile.
Step 11
At the end of the track you will come out at the mature section of Lime Tree Avenue, whose trees were planted in the 1820s. Head straight across the road and past the admission point and continue along towards the main facilitates. Take care as this road can be very busy at times.
Step 12
Continuing along this road you will walk past our campsite and a wooden bus shelter. As you get further into the centre of the park you will find it will open up into grassland. On your left you'll see the cricket pitch and pavilion. You are now reaching the end of the walk, so why not head towards the café for well-earned cup of tea and slice of cake.
End point
National Trust Clumber Park main car park, grid ref: SK625746
Trail map
More near here
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This 6-mile (9.5km) circular trail in Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire passes through woods and heaths on the border of the Clumber and Thoresby estates. With no grazing livestock, it's ideal for dogs.
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