4.5
(1409)
10,865
hikers
33
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Farnsfield are characterized by a varied landscape, transitioning from Sherwood Sandstone in the north to Mercia Mudstone in the south. This geological diversity results in scrubland and acid grasslands giving way to lush meadows and thick woodlands. The area features rolling fields, quiet farmland, and a network of former railway lines and ancient footpaths, providing diverse scenery for hikers.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
5.0
(3)
34
hikers
5.99km
01:33
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(8)
18
hikers
5.65km
01:31
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
5.0
(1)
6
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
hikers
6.52km
01:40
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
6.72km
01:43
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
The first mention of Farnsfield emerges in 956AD in a document in which King Edwy of Northumbria gave the Danish Archbishop of York, Oscytel, the manor of Southwell, which included the farmstead of Farnsfield. Farnsfield was a small community of farmsteads scraping a living from agriculture in a clearing at the edge of Sherwood Forest. By 1520 Farnsfield was the responsibility of Southwell Minster under the Archbishop of York, Cardinal Wolsey. Most people were farmers and poor land, bad weather, disease and starvation were constant hazards. By the 1600s more specialised trades were developing in Farnsfield including bakers, tailors and shoemakers. By the late 1700s sheep rearing was the main source of income from outside.
0
0
The church dates from the 15th century but was rebuilt between 1859 and 1860 by Thomas Chambers Hine and Robert Evans following a fire. Only a fragment of the tower from the 15th-century building survives.
0
0
The trail is 7.5 miles and built on the former railway line of the Midland Railway. It stretches from Southwell to Bilsthorpe and passes the villages of Farnsfield, Kirklington and Maythorne.
0
0
Great, easy going trail for all abilities. Well maintained.
0
0
The trail is 7.5 miles and built on the former railway line of the Midland Railway. It stretches from Southwell to Bilsthorpe and passes the villages of Farnsfield, Kirklington and Maythorne. You can walk, cycle or horse ride along the trail and there are a number of free car parks to allow access.
0
0
This is a small church dating from the 12th century, with no tower and a bellcote. The north wall comprises a number of windows from different periods, including a narrow Norman one. The church underwent extensive repairs and restoration during the 19th century.
0
0
A pretty red-brick village that boasts a couple of pubs, a small Co-op and a village bakery, if you are in need refreshment or supplies. To the north is the former Southwell to Mansfield railway line, which has since been converted into the Southwell Trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. To the south is a memorial to a Halifax bomber that crashed here in 1944, killing all on board.
2
0
There are over 15 easy hiking trails around Farnsfield, offering a variety of landscapes from scrubland and grasslands to lush meadows and woodlands. These routes are generally well-suited for various fitness levels.
The trails around Farnsfield are unique due to their varied geological landscape, transitioning from Sherwood Sandstone in the north to Mercia Mudstone in the south. This creates a diverse environment with both open fields and thick woodlands. Many routes also utilize former railway lines, like the Southwell Trail, and ancient footpaths, providing a blend of natural beauty and historical context.
Yes, many of the easy trails are suitable for families. For instance, the Deer at Hexgreave Park – Woodberry Café loop from Farnsfield is an easy 6 km (3.7 miles) route that takes about 1 hour 33 minutes, offering a gentle experience for all ages. The Southwell Trail, which passes near Farnsfield, is also known for being a well-maintained, multi-user path suitable for families.
Absolutely. Many easy routes around Farnsfield are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. A popular option is The Veg Stop loop from Farnsfield, an easy 5.6 km (3.5 miles) path with gentle elevation changes, typically completed in about 1 hour 31 minutes.
Most public footpaths and trails around Farnsfield are dog-friendly, though it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially when passing through farmland with livestock or nature reserves to protect wildlife. The Southwell Trail is a popular choice for dog walkers due to its wide, well-maintained path.
The diverse landscapes around Farnsfield, from woodlands to open fields, support various wildlife. Along trails like the Southwell Trail, you might spot birds of prey such as sparrowhawks and kestrels. The wooded areas and meadows are also home to various smaller birds, mammals, and insects.
Yes, Farnsfield village itself has amenities like pubs, such as The Plough Inn and The Lion. You can plan your easy walk to start or end in the village, or choose a route that passes nearby, allowing for a convenient stop. Many local loops originate from or pass through the village.
While on an easy hike, you can explore several points of interest. The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, famously linked to Robin Hood, is a notable natural monument. You might also encounter historical sites like Newstead Abbey with its beautiful gardens, or explore the walking trails of Thieves Wood, which carries a folklore ambience.
The easy trails in Farnsfield are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the varied scenery, the peaceful countryside, and the accessibility of the paths. Many appreciate the blend of open fields, quiet woodlands, and the historical context provided by former railway lines and ancient footpaths.
While Farnsfield itself is not directly on a large lake, the wider area offers routes near water features. For example, you can find highlights like Fountain Dale Ponds or Vicar Water Lake in the surrounding region, which can be incorporated into longer, easy walks or visited separately.
Farnsfield offers pleasant easy walks year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and fresh greenery, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Summer provides longer daylight hours, and even winter can be enjoyable with crisp air and unique frosty landscapes, especially on well-maintained paths like the Southwell Trail. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Yes, for a quicker option, consider the The Veg Stop – Woodberry Café loop from Farnsfield. This easy route is approximately 3.7 km (2.3 miles) and can be completed in under an hour, perfect for a short, refreshing stroll.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.