The best walks and hikes around Cottam
4.5
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Hikes around Cottam explore the flat, rural landscape of Nottinghamshire, primarily following paths along the River Trent. The region is characterized by riverside walking, open fields, and views of historical landmarks. The terrain is generally level, making it suitable for gentle to moderate hikes that take in local heritage sites like the Torksey Viaduct and Torksey Castle.
Best hiking trails around Cottam
- The most popular hiking route is Torksey Viaduct – View of Torksey Castle loop from Torksey, a 10.1 mile (16.3 km) trail that takes about 4 hours to complete. This moderate walk follows the river and offers perspectives of the area's key historic structures.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is View of Torksey Castle – View of the River Trent loop from Rampton, a moderate 7.8 mile (12.6 km) path. The route provides extended sections along the banks of the River Trent.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the St Margaret's Church, Knaith – Littleborough Roman Crossing loop from Marton, a 2.9 mile (4.7 km) trail leading through fields and past historic church sites, often completed in about 1 hour 10 minutes.
- Hiking around Cottam is defined by level riverside paths, agricultural landscapes, and routes connecting local heritage sites. The network of public footpaths provides options for both short, easy walks and longer moderate hikes.
- The routes in Cottam are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 200 hikers have used komoot to explore Cottam's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
4.5
(6)
23
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
4
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.28km
00:50
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
I believe this used to be a coal power station that was decommissioned in 2019. The cooling towers are quite impressive, and the wide gravel track passes very close to them.
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Torksey Viaduct is closed. I was there on Friday 7th March 2025 and I ended up cycling south on A road to Dunham Bridge and back north to rejoin the route (Lincoln Gravel Imp). The viaduct may reopen in the future if a new leaseholder is found. Here is some info I found about the closure railwaypaths.org.uk/category/latest-news
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Torksey Viaduct is closed. I was there on Friday 7th March 2025 and I ended up cycling south on A road to Dunham Bridge and back north to rejoin the route (Lincoln Gravel Imp). The viaduct may reopen in the future if a new leaseholder is found. Here is some info I found about the closure https://www.railwaypaths.org.uk/category/latest-news/
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The viaduct creates a link between Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. The structure offers fantastic views of the ruined Torksey Castle.
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Torksey Castle was a country house built in 1560 by Sir Robert Jermyn. It was destroyed during the English Civil War in 1645. Today, only the west facade and part of the rear wall remain. Though the Jermyn family retained control of the estate after the Civil War, the property was not restored, but continued to deteriorate. The remains of the buildings were scavenged for usable building supplies by residents of the area. Also, the hall was built quite close to the flood-prone River Trent, which may have stood the family in good stead as a source of transportation and commerce (as the Lords of Torksey had been permitted to levy tolls on the river's travellers), but which also contributed to the damage of the building through flooding. In 1961, the Trent River Board buried part of the ruins when raising the river bank.
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St Peter's dates from the 12th century with later extensions, have an interesting font with a Spode font basin that was installed in 1814 and the front of the altar is formed from the tomb stone of the last abbess of Torksey. In the 7th century St Paulinus baptised a great multitude of people in the river near Torksey, in the presence of King Edwin. At the time of the Domesday Book there were 3000 people living here and of all the settlements in Lincolnshire, only Lincoln and Stamford were larger. In the Middle Ages as well as St Peter's, there were two other parish churches in Torksey, All Saints & St Mary's and two monasteries, a house of Augustinian Canons and the priory of Foss for Cistercian nuns. The settlement has shrunk to a quarter of its former size and all that is now left of this rich ecclesiastical heritage is St Peter's church.
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In the centre of the village stands the church of St Margaret. The building is essentially of the Norman Conquest period, built using a mixture of Anglo-Saxon and Norman styles. Much of the work of these periods is still retained. It has an 11th-century tower of herringbone masonry, a Saxon cross shaft set in an outer wall and an ancient carved crucifix within. The tall cross in the churchyard is used as a war memorial and it is thought to be a former Medieval market buttercross.
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Rumour has it that before its demolition, the crossing was used by King Harold, William the Conqueror and Dick Turpin - not all at once! 😅 Part of a Heritage Trail created by the local school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of scenery can I expect on a hike around Cottam?
The landscape around Cottam is defined by its flat, rural character. Most hikes follow paths along the River Trent, offering peaceful riverside scenery, open agricultural fields, and views of the surrounding Nottinghamshire countryside. The terrain is generally level, making for a relaxing walking experience.
Are the hiking trails around Cottam suitable for families and children?
Yes, many trails are great for families. The terrain is mostly flat, which is ideal for walkers of all ages. For a shorter, manageable outing, consider the View of the River Trent – View of Torksey Castle loop from Torksey, which is an easy walk of about 2.4 miles (3.9 km).
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
The open landscape and public footpaths are generally well-suited for dog walking. However, you will be passing through agricultural land, so it's essential to keep your dog on a lead, especially when livestock are present. Always be mindful of local signage and respect the countryside code.
Are there any circular or loop walks available?
Absolutely. Most of the recommended routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. For a good example of a moderate loop, the Torksey Viaduct – View of Torksey Castle loop from Marton offers a varied 6.5-mile (10.5 km) circuit.
Are there any particularly challenging or difficult hikes?
The hiking around Cottam is predominantly easy to moderate due to the flat terrain. While there is one trail rated as difficult, the vast majority of routes involve very little elevation gain. If you're looking for a longer, more substantial walk rather than a steep climb, the 10.1-mile (16.3 km) Torksey Viaduct – View of Torksey Castle loop from Torksey provides a good half-day challenge.
What are the trail conditions like?
The trails primarily consist of public footpaths along the riverbank and across open fields. Paths can become muddy, especially after rain, so waterproof footwear is highly recommended. The routes are generally well-defined but may be uneven in places.
Are there any historical sites to see along the trails?
Yes, the region is rich in history. Many routes offer excellent views of local landmarks. Key sites include the impressive 19th-century Torksey Viaduct and the ruins of Torksey Castle, a 16th-century fortified manor house. The St Margaret's Church, Knaith – Littleborough Roman Crossing loop from Marton also takes you past historic churches and the site of a Roman crossing.
Is parking available near the start of the hikes?
Parking is typically available in the villages where the hikes begin, such as Torksey, Marton, and Rampton. This is usually on-street parking, so please park considerately, ensuring you do not block access for local residents. It's best to arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Cottam?
The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the peaceful riverside paths and the interesting historical landmarks visible from the trails. The flat terrain is frequently mentioned as a plus for easy, relaxing walks.
What is the best time of year for hiking in this region?
Hiking is possible year-round. Spring and summer offer lush green landscapes and pleasant weather for longer walks. Autumn provides beautiful colours along the riverbanks. Winter can be crisp and quiet, but be prepared for muddier conditions on the paths.
Are there any opportunities for bird watching?
The River Trent and the surrounding wetlands and fields provide a good habitat for various bird species. While walking along the river, keep an eye out for waterfowl and wading birds. The quiet, rural nature of the trails means you're likely to spot a variety of farmland birds as well.
How many hiking trails are there to choose from?
There are over 30 curated hiking routes to explore around Cottam. These range from short, easy strolls to longer, moderate-day hikes, offering plenty of options for different fitness levels and time commitments.
Most popular routes around Cottam
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