The Second World War walk at Clumber Park
Explore sites of Second World War activities plus evidence of significant earthworks throughout Clumber Park, which was used by the army as a top secret testing site from the outset of the war.
Near to
Clumber ParkStart point
National Trust Clumber Park main car park, grid ref: SK625745Trail information
Total stages: 14
Total stages: 14
Start point
National Trust Clumber Park main car park, grid ref: SK625745
Stage 1
Leave the main car park and follow the signs for the café and toilets, which take you past the shop and plant sales and through to the Turning Yard. Go past the toilets and at the signpost follow the path to the left towards the lakeside.
Stage 2
Follow the path as it bears right and becomes a road that is usually car-free. The lake is now on your left.
Stage 3
In about 0.25 miles (0.4km) you'll reach a wooden barrier. Continue until you get to the crossroads. Beware of traffic from left and right as you go straight across the road and carry on in the same direction.
Stage 4
Continue to Lime Tree Avenue, which you reach after passing a wooden barrier. Take care crossing the road and turn right to walk along the grass verge until you reach another tarmac road. Walk along this, passing a wooden barrier and cattle grid. It's thought there were laboratories in this area where explosives were tested. Just beyond a heathland information board and before you reach a cattle grid sign, look to the left where there's evidence of earthworks.
Stage 5
Cross another cattle grid and continue along the road for approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 kms). After a slight uphill incline you'll reach a road junction with a wooden barrier. Cross the road with care and turn left. In the distance is Truman's Lodge. Continue towards the lodge for about 220yd (200m), looking out for cycle route marker post 19 where you turn right to follow cycle route marker 18.
Stage 6
At the first crossroad of paths, just after a wooden bench, turn right. Continue straight on, ignoring any paths on the left and right.
Stage 7
At a T-junction of paths turn right onto a cycle track. Shortly afterwards turn left to follow cycle route marker 17.
Stage 8
Continue to follow route marker 17 as it turns left and eventually right. At cycle post 17 turn left to pick up cycle route marker 16.
Stage 9
Continue with route marker 16 until you reach an information board displaying a map of Clumber Park. Go straight on towards Lime Tree Avenue. During the Second World War, this avenue was lined with hundreds of corrugated iron ammunition stores. Each contained 400 cubic feet of shells, including naval shells over 3 feet high.
Stage 10
Cross Lime Tree Avenue with care and go more or less straight on along a path with a wooden public bridleway sign and cycle route marker 8.
Stage 11
At the road turn right and beware of oncoming traffic along the one-way system. Shortly you will reach a cattle grid constructed of tracks taken from railway lines used to bring large quantities of ammunition to be secretly stored in the park.
Stage 12
At the road junction, turn left and again beware of oncoming one-way traffic.
Stage 13
Follow the road until you reach a wide track on the right. Follow this track (cycle route marker 1) through the woods towards the lake which comes into view as you reach the brow of the incline. Continue towards the lake and pass between two stone pillars. Following the path towards the right you'll see a stone archway and metal gate which you go through into the Pleasure Ground.
Stage 14
By walking more or less straight ahead you will reach Lincoln Terrace where you turn right. Follow the terrace which takes you along the lakeside and make your way back to the Turning Yard, visitor information, shop and café. Why not treat yourself to some refreshments: no ration book required!
End point
National Trust Clumber Park main car park, grid ref: SK625745
Trail map
The Second World War walk at Clumber Park map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
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This 5km running trail takes runners through scenic parkland and woodland at Clumber Park's estate and offers beautiful lakeside views.
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