Woodland Walks to discover in Nottinghamshire
There are plenty of great walks in Nottinghamshire. Arguably the jewel in Nottinghamshire’s crown, Sherwood Forest is the historic home of Robin Hood and is a must visit for those coming to do a spot of walking in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
It is also a National Nature Reserve – a place to play, discover and leave with tales of your own, inspired by 420 hectares of beautiful, precious, unique woodland.
A new visitor centre opened in 2018, managed by the RSPB and their partners on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council.
Sherwood Forest
Once an area of woodland and heathland stretching over 30 miles from Nottingham to Worksop, Sherwood Forest was established as a royal hunting preserve in the 10th century.
Made legendary as the home of the famous outlaw in the ballads of Robin Hood, amongst the great oaks you will find the timeworn beauty, The Major Oak, along with nature trails and walks.
You can now find a cluster of main country parks that offer an insight into how this mighty forest may have once appeared – Rufford Abbey, Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve and Sherwood Pines Forest Park to name but a few. These spots are all great for picnics, walks and outdoor activities such as Go Ape.
The Major Oak
The Major Oak, known throughout the world as the secret hiding place of Robin Hood, is located in historic Sherwood Forest, a 450-hectare national nature reserve.
The Major Oak is the biggest oak tree in Britain and is thought to be between 800 and 1,000 years old.
The world-famous tree weighs an estimated 23 tonnes, has a girth of 10 metres (33ft) and boasts an impressive canopy that reaches a whopping 28 metres (92ft).
Sherwood Pines
Located to the north of Nottinghamshire, Sherwood Pines is one of the largest forests in the Midlands.
It’s also one of the most popular destinations for mountain bikers in the East Midlands.
You can improve your techniques on the skills loop before hitting the trails then venture on to the fast-flowing Blue Trail or the more challenging Red route. If you don’t have a bike, the team at Sherwood Pines Cycle Centre can fix you up with a set of wheels.
There are trails for children, and if you’re looking for something more sedate, the woodland is a secluded haven, perfect for calming walks away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Thieves Wood and Fountaindale
As the name implies, Thieves Wood was a haunt for outlaws through the years.
The King’s highway ran through the wood and it was here that many a traveller met with an unfortunate fate.
A short distance away is Fountaindale, the legendary place where Robin Hood first met Friar Tuck. You can take a waymarked route between the two sites.
Haywood Oaks and Blidworth Woods
Haywood Oaks is a small wood with hidden treasures. Mature oak trees, which are several hundred years old, can still be seen throughout the wood and provide a snapshot of the Sherwood from times gone by.
At the nearby town of Blidworth you’ll also find Will Scarlett’s burial place at St Mary’s Church.
At the southern section of Sherwood Forest is Blidworth Woods, a great location for walkers and particularly popular for horse riding.
Set in arable farmland, the woods are welcome cover for a transient deer population and even adders have been seen there.
