The best walks and hikes around Clumber And Hardwick

Yes, dogs are welcome in most outdoor areas of both Clumber Park and Hardwick Hall, making it a great region to explore with your four-legged friend. Dogs should be kept on a lead, especially around livestock and wildlife. Many of the parkland and woodland trails are suitable for dogs.

The region is ideal for families, with many gentle and accessible paths. In Hardwick, the 'Miller's Walk' around the ponds is suitable for pushchairs. In Clumber Park, the Laundry Yard – Chapel of St Mary the Virgin loop is a short, easy walk of about 2.8 miles (4.5 km) that explores some of the park's central features.

Yes, the vast majority of trails in both Clumber Park and Hardwick Hall are circular routes. They are designed to lead you back to your starting point, allowing you to explore different parts of the estates, from lakeside paths to ancient woodlands, without having to retrace your steps.

The terrain is generally gentle and well-maintained, characterized by parkland paths, woodland tracks, and lakeside trails. Most routes have minimal elevation change, making them accessible for most fitness levels. Some routes in Hardwick Hall, like the 'Welly Walk', may have some steeper sections.

The area offers year-round appeal. Spring is fantastic for seeing bluebells carpeting the woodlands. Late summer, particularly August, brings a sea of pink and purple heather to the heathlands in Clumber Park. Autumn provides stunning colours across the park and around the lake.

While most trails are gentle, you can find longer walks. For a more substantial hike, consider the Stone Bridge over the River Poulter – Grecian Temple, Clumber Park loop from Bothamsall. This 7.4-mile (11.9 km) route offers a more extensive exploration of the estate's varied landscapes.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful scenery around Clumber Lake, and the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient woodlands.

There are over 90 different hiking routes to explore around Clumber and Hardwick on komoot. These range from short, accessible strolls to longer parkland circuits, with more than half of them rated as easy.

Walks in Clumber Park often feature the impressive 83-acre Clumber Lake, the historic St Mary the Virgin Chapel, and the two-mile-long Lime Tree Avenue. At Hardwick, many trails offer fantastic views of the Elizabethan Hardwick Hall and pass by historic ponds and medieval farming ridges.

Yes, both Clumber Park and Hardwick Hall are National Trust properties with large, official car parks available for visitors. These are the most convenient places to start your walk. Note that parking charges may apply for non-members.

Both National Trust sites have cafes providing refreshments. Additionally, the area around Hardwick Hall is known for several traditional pubs, such as the Hardwick Inn, which is a popular starting point for several local walks and a great place for a post-hike meal.

While both offer fantastic woodland walking, they have distinct characters. Clumber Park is defined by its grand, open parkland, manicured landscapes, and large serpentine lake. Sherwood Forest and Sherwood Pines offer a more rustic, dense woodland experience, famous for its ancient oaks and the legend of Robin Hood.