The best walks and hikes around Nottingham
4.5
(3543)
25,495
hikers
235
hikes
Hikes around Nottingham navigate a landscape of gentle hills, river valleys, and historic woodlands. The region is characterized by paths along the River Trent and Nottingham Canal, as well as extensive trail networks within large country parks and ancient forests like Sherwood Forest. The terrain is generally low-lying, offering accessible walks through a mix of natural and managed environments.
Best hiking trails around Nottingham
- The most popular hiking route is Colwick Country Park loop — Nottingham, a 2.7 mile (4.4 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 5 minutes to complete. This route circles two lakes within the park on surfaced paths.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Victoria Embankment & Trent bridge loop from Queen's Drive Park and Ride — Nottingham, an easy 4.8 mile (7.8 km) path. The trail follows the River Trent and passes several of the city's bridges.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Wollaton Hall & Parkland loop — Nottingham, a 2.6 mile (4.2 km) trail leading through the historic estate's parkland, often completed in about 1 hour 5 minutes.
- Hiking around Nottingham is defined by waterside walks along canals and rivers, trails through ancient woodlands, and paths within expansive country parks. The network provides a variety of routes suitable for different fitness levels, from short park loops to longer countryside hikes.
- The routes in Nottingham are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 400 reviews. More than 3,700 hikers have used komoot to explore Nottingham's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
4.6
(18)
234
hikers
4.40km
01:07
10m
10m
Hike the easy 2.7-mile Colwick Parkrun route in Colwick Country Park, enjoying picturesque lakeside views and wooded paths.
4.4
(9)
158
hikers
7.77km
01:59
30m
30m
Hike The Big Track, an easy 4.8-mile (7.8 km) loop in Nottingham, offering riverside views and historical sites in under two hours.
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4.5
(8)
148
hikers
4.21km
01:07
40m
40m
An easy 2.6-mile hike around Wollaton Hall & Parkland, featuring a historic mansion, deer park, and picturesque lake.
4.7
(14)
91
hikers
16.0km
04:04
50m
50m
Hike The Big Track in Nottingham, a moderate 9.9-mile route along canals and the River Trent, passing locks and green embankments.
4.8
(10)
74
hikers
13.8km
03:30
40m
40m
Hike The Big Track, an 8.6-mile (13.8 km) route in Nottingham, offering waterside paths and views of canals and the River Trent.
4.9
(9)
47
hikers
5.78km
01:32
50m
50m
Hike an easy 3.6-mile loop through Wollaton Park, past the historic Wollaton Hall, a deer park, and a picturesque lake.
4.5
(8)
32
hikers
8.03km
02:03
20m
30m
Hike The Big Track, a moderate 5.0-mile loop along Nottingham Canal and River Trent, exploring city waterways and landmarks in 2 hours.
4.7
(3)
28
hikers
15.3km
04:40
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(4)
49
hikers
2.14km
00:33
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
5
hikers
26.3km
06:56
230m
230m
Hike the difficult 16.4-mile Robin Hood Way: Nottingham Loop, gaining 756 feet through diverse landscapes and historical landmarks.
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Tips from the Community
The Domesday Book records a church and priest at Colwick in 1086. The church that now stands in ruins was largely built by Sir John Byron in the 16th Century but incorporates 14th and 15th Century sections from an earlier church. The building at that time probably had a spire not a plain tower. By 1912 the roof of the church was in a poor state. Although repairs made the building serviceable again for a few years, the condition of the church continued to deteriorate and by 1920 some of the services were being held in the Schoolrooms in wintertime and later in a newly built Parish Hall. From 1923 some marriages were conducted in the Parish Hall. In Mar 1924, the down-pipes were repaired and the walls pointed. The roof was again repaired but its condition continued to give concern and in 1933 the church was abandoned as dangerous. It was finally closed as being unsafe in March 1936, and in November 1936, the principal beam of the roof gave way.
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The Canal side Heritage Centre also has a nice tea room with a garden and nice clean toilets. Over the canal next to the Marina Chandlery is another cafe and a licensed bar. On street parking is available behind the Marina. Beeston Railway Station is only a couple of minutes bike ride away.
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just a short detour off the route but worth the stop. quite stunning - and very noisy 😁
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Waterfall and stepping stones... Scenic enough that a family of little egrets have moved into the tree opposite. 👍
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A lovely place for a gentle cycle or stroll. It's a popular spot!
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Love this place. On both sides! Beeston side offers a café on the lock (+ Marina Club a little further down). Clifton side offers beautiful woodlands nearby.
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More Information
FAQs about hikes in Nottingham
- What types of landscapes can I expect on hikes around Nottingham?
Nottingham offers a diverse range of landscapes for hiking, including country parks, tranquil river paths along the River Trent, scenic canal routes, ancient forests like Sherwood Forest, and secluded estates. You'll find everything from low hills and the Trent valley to vibrant nature reserves and serene lakes. - Are there any easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Nottingham has a great selection of easy trails perfect for all fitness levels and families. Routes like the Colwick Country Park loop (approx. 4.4 km, 1 hour 7 minutes) are popular for their easily accessible paths. Shipley Country Park is also noted for its gentle, family-friendly routes and play areas. - Are there more challenging hikes for experienced hikers in the Nottingham area?
For those seeking a greater challenge, options like The Big Track loop from the station (approx. 16.0 km, 4 hours 4 minutes) offer a moderate experience, requiring good fitness. The Robin Hood Way loop from Nottingham (approx. 26.3 km, 6 hours 56 minutes) is classified as difficult, demanding very good fitness and sure-footedness. - Can I explore Robin Hood's legendary Sherwood Forest on a hike near Nottingham?
Absolutely! Sherwood Forest, less than 20 miles north of Nottingham, offers exquisite woodland walks where you can discover ancient oak trees, including the magnificent Major Oak, which has been growing for around 1,000 years. - What historic sites can I discover while hiking around Nottingham?
Nottingham's surroundings are rich in history. You can find stately homes and estates like Wollaton Hall & Parkland, explore ancient caves, civil war sites, and even follow the Nottingham Canal to see historic castle views and areas like Newstead Abbey. - Are there any waterways to explore on foot around Nottingham?
The River Trent and Nottingham Canal both provide extensive walking trails. You can enjoy serene river paths, walk the length of the canal through the city, or stop at places like Beeston Lock where the canal and river meet. - Is Attenborough Nature Reserve suitable for hiking?
Yes, Attenborough Nature Reserve is a great place to walk amongst wetlands and observe a wide variety of birds. It's an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts to explore. - What is the shortest recommended hike in Nottingham?
The shortest hike listed in the guide is the Highfields Park loop — Nottingham, which is approximately 2.14 km and takes about 33 minutes, making it an excellent option for a quick stroll. - What should I expect regarding trail surfaces around Nottingham?
Trail surfaces around Nottingham are varied, often including asphalt, paved paths, gravel, unpaved sections, and natural terrain, particularly in country parks and nature reserves. This offers diverse walking experiences.
Exploring country parks
Walks near Nottingham can take you north to Bestwood Country Park, a 650-acre (263-ha) area of stunning woodland and meadow. This is a fantastic place for a day’s stroll and you’ll not only get to enjoy vibrant trails but learn about the Victorian history of the area.
Once a busy coal mine, you can still see the Winding Engine House and stroll through the mine area, now reclaimed by nature. Head to the Mill Lakes to catch sight of the resident ducks and grebes.
Shipley Country Park to the west of the city is another great spot for hikes in the Nottingham area. This 700-acre (283-ha) greenspace has so many trails to explore that you’ll need more than a day to feel like you’ve got to know it. It’s a wonderful place for family walks as well as solo hikes thanks to its play area and gentle routes. You’ll find nature reserves, sleepy ponds and hay meadows here.
For some of the best hiking trails near Nottingham, it’s Sherwood Forest that will truly reward you. Less than 20 miles (32 km) to the north, this infamous forest is well known for being the home of legendary Robin Hood. You won’t find any green-hatted thieves here (hopefully) but you will get to wander in exquisite woodland and see the magnificent Major Oak.
The Major Oak has been busily growing in Sherwood Forest for around 1,000 years and has the 36-foot (11 m) circumference to prove it. Its old boughs are so heavy they have supports to keep them up. This tree doesn’t stand alone either. Sherwood has hundreds of other ancient oaks to admire.
Walking the waterways
Nottingham has some outstanding woodlands within easy reach but it’s also a city of water. The River Trent provides a huge array of walking trails to start exploring and the Nottingham Canal has even more.
Walking the entire length of the canal will give you an unrivalled tour of the city itself and you’ll start and end on the Trent. Beeston Lock, where the canal and the river meet, is a great place to stop for a packed lunch before continuing along the river itself. You can walk amongst the wetlands at Attenborough Nature Reserve and spot the huge amount of birds that call this their home.
The River Trent is exceptionally well-served by trails, so hike for as long as your feet will let you in either direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many circular walks available around Nottingham?
Yes, Nottinghamshire is excellent for circular walks. Many trails in the region are designed as loops, especially within the numerous country parks. For a longer, more challenging circular route that follows the historic Nottingham Canal, consider the Nottingham Canal & Trent Valley Way loop from Nottingham station. Most parks like Wollaton and Clumber also feature well-marked circular paths of varying lengths.
What are the best family-friendly walks in the Nottingham area?
There are many great options for families.
Sherwood Pines is a popular favourite, offering multiple play areas, a cafe, and easy-to-follow trails suitable for all ages. Another excellent choice is Gedling Country Park, which features a large play structure and a cafe alongside its walking and biking paths. For a very short and accessible walk, the Highfields Park loop — Nottingham is a gentle 1.3-mile (2.1 km) stroll around a lake.
Can I bring my dog on hikes in Nottinghamshire?
Absolutely, Nottingham is very dog-friendly. Most country parks and forest trails welcome dogs, though they usually need to be kept on a lead in areas with wildlife or livestock, such as the deer parks at Wollaton. Parks like Colwick Country Park and Bestwood Country Park are local favourites for dog walkers, offering plenty of space and varied paths to explore.
Are there any challenging or long-distance hikes near Nottingham?
Yes, while the immediate area is known for gentler terrain, there are several options for those seeking a challenge. The The Robin Hood Way loop from Nottingham is a demanding 16.4-mile (26.3 km) route that offers a significant challenge. For even more extensive treks, the full Robin Hood Way is a 105-mile long-distance path that winds through the heart of the county.
How can I get to hiking trails using public transport from Nottingham?
Many trails are accessible via public transport. Nottingham's extensive bus and tram network serves many of the city's parks, including Wollaton Hall and Highfields Park. For trails starting from the city centre, such as those along the canal and River Trent, Nottingham station is the perfect starting point. For access to the Peak District, train services run from Nottingham to towns like Matlock and Cromford, which serve as gateways to numerous trails.
What are some good pub walks in the area?
Many countryside walks in Nottinghamshire can be planned to start or end at a traditional pub. The areas around Linby and Hucknall are known for their charming villages and pubs that are popular with walkers. You can often find routes that pass through villages with highly-regarded local pubs, offering a perfect stop for lunch or a drink after your hike.
Where can I find good forest walks near Nottingham?
The region is famous for its forests. Sherwood Forest is the most iconic, with trails ranging from short, family-friendly loops around the Major Oak to longer treks through ancient woodland. For a large, well-equipped forest park, Sherwood Pines offers over 3,300 acres of woodland with extensive trail networks. A quieter but equally lovely option is Blidworth Woods, known for its peaceful atmosphere.
Are there any waterside or canal walks in Nottingham?
Yes, Nottingham offers fantastic waterside walking. The city is defined by the River Trent and the Nottingham Canal, which provide miles of flat, accessible towpaths. These routes are ideal for seeing the city from a different perspective. A great example is Nottingham Canal & the River Trent loop from the station, which combines both waterways into one scenic walk.
How many hiking trails are there around Nottingham?
There are over 230 hiking routes to explore around Nottingham on komoot. These range from very easy, short strolls in city parks to moderate countryside hikes and more difficult long-distance trails, ensuring there's a walk for every fitness level.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Nottingham?
The trails around Nottingham are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the variety of scenery, from the historic woodlands of Sherwood Forest to the peaceful paths along the River Trent and the well-maintained trails in the region's many country parks.
Are there any particularly long waterside routes?
Yes, if you're looking for a longer day out by the water, there are several substantial routes. The The Big Track loop from the station — Nottingham is a nearly 10-mile (16 km) route that follows the River Trent. For a similar distance, the Trent Bridge & Holme Pierrepoint loop from Nottingham station takes you past the National Water Sports Centre.
Where can I find information on the official trails within Sherwood Forest?
Sherwood Forest has several waymarked trails of different lengths. The main visitor centre provides maps and information. For a preview of the main routes, such as the 1.5-mile Major Oak Trail or the 4-mile Wildwood Trail, you can check the official trail guide online. You can find a map and details at the Visit Sherwood website.
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