From Sir Captain Tom Moore’s fundraising to our ‘daily exercise’, walking has been a mainstay of lockdown.

As an exercise form it is extremely versatile. It's low-impact, no-equipment, and free. It gets us from 'A' to 'B' while offering a way to build fitness, improve our mental health, and socialise with family and friends.

But avid walkers know it as so much more. Walking is the freedom to roam. The satisfaction of reaching the top of a hill, the rush of a soaring view. The quiet contentment of a golden hour stroll.

As we look beyond the pandemic, 40% of the UK say they’d like to keep the walking up, thanks very much. This is easy to do in Notts. Our varied county is a walker's paradise. Ancient forests and green lanes, grand country estates and gardens, and the bucolic fields of rural England. Here are our top 5 walks in Nottinghamshire - our favourites spots, that are all under 30 minutes from our door.

Clumber Park

Clumber Park was voted the most romantic place for a date in the East Midlands - you won't need a nudge from Cupid to see why.

Clumber was once the country estate of the Dukes of Newcastle. It comprises 3,800 acres of picturesque parkland, heath and woodland. A day out here is a walk in the park in all senses. Whether you visit on a bright morning, in the soft glow of a summer’s eve, or in the crisp midwinter - and preferably visit during all three. It’s infectiously serene and abundantly beautiful, you can’t help but relax.

Clumber is also proof of something we have long held, that nature does escapism best. The park is Regency England to a tee. Promenade the lake front, explore the Gothic chapel and Walled Kitchen garden, and keep an eye out for Lady Whistledown - a ducal atmosphere abounds, that will have fans of Bridgerton wondering if they’ve stepped on set.

 8.8 miles/15 minute drive from Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa

Trent Vale Walks

The Vale of Trent is a unique landscape that winds through the centre of Nottinghamshire. It's prime walking country, characterised by wildlife-rich wetland areas and sleepy green lanes. Imagine rural quietude of Norfolk and Suffolk, on the very fringes between land and sea. Except here you're right in the heart of the country, never too far from a village pub. 

There are plenty of detailed route maps through this green and pleasant landscape available here, including this circular loop from the peaceful village of South Leverton.

9.1 miles/19 minute drive from Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa 

Rufford Abbey Country Park

If your ideal walk involves bags of history, beautiful nature, and great food you’ll love Rufford Country Park.

The one-time Cistercian monastery and Edwardian mansion offers wonderfully scenic routes around its eight-hundred year old estate.

Rufford is perfect for big family groups and arm-in-arm strolls. There’s also a tearoom, an ice cream parlour and a pizza van, so it's all too easy to stay the day!

14.4 miles/22 minute drive from Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa

Sherwood Pines Forest Park

Not to be confused with Sherwood Forest, Sherwood Pines is another great option for woodland walking. There is much to see and do in this outdoor adventure park, making it a real crowd-pleaser. There are miles of trails to walk, run, cycle or even Segway. Add in a variety of children's playgrounds and a Go Ape high-wire and zipline course swinging through the treetops and you have a fun-filled day out.

The variety makes Sherwood Pines an excellent choice for families. Younger children can keep their eye's peeled for a creature with terrible tusks, terrible claws, and terrible teeth in his (you guessed it) terrible jaws, on the Gruffalo trail.

16 miles/24 minute drive from Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa 

Sherwood Forest

It wouldn't be a trip to Notts without a visit to the UK's most famous forest. Sherwood Forest is an ancient forest in the very heart of England. It's a living legend, immortalised in our folklore as the home of Robin Hood and his band of merry men.

It's also a stunning example of a native English forest, complete with blankets of fragrant bluebells in the spring and scores of wildlife (it is managed by the RSPB and is an excellent spot for bird watching). 

There are well-marked trails for all ages, including a 1.5 mile trail to see Major Oak, the famous ancient Oak tree that has stood since the Viking invasion. Long or short, you choose. 

13.9 miles/25 minute drive from Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa

Make Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa Your Base

So you're looking to get out into nature and explore all Notts has to offer? Whether you are planning some hearty hiking or relaxing walks, we couldn't be better placed to accommodate you. Our luxury spa hotel is nestled in the village of Barnby Moor and surrounded by the green fields of the Nottinghamshire countryside.

But we're also mere minutes from the A1. We're a luxury family-run hotel who have been welcoming weary travellers since the 17th century. 

Make your staycation one to remember. Wake up refreshed after a wonderful night's sleep in your boutique room, ready for the day. Return with tired legs but a happy heart. You'll find a warm welcome, top-class dining and a wonderful spa whose eight thermal experiences are yours to enjoy.  

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