From the historic, ancient canopy of Clumber Park and Sherwood Forest to the sweeping panoramic views atop transformed colliery trails like Bevercotes and Daneshill, the colder months bring a unique, quiet magic to our local Bassetlaw countryside.
5. Whitwell Wood
Whitwell Wood is one of the largest ancient woodlands in Europe. It offers a beautifully quiet winter escape where you can listen to winter birds while walking beneath bare canopies. It features gravel paths that keep you relatively clear of mud, but if you want a longer hike, there are plenty of narrow, unpaved offshoot tracks to explore. Photo: Google
6. Daneshill Lakes
Tucked away near Lound, this former gravel pit has been beautifully reclaimed by nature as a local nature reserve. It has a quiet, peaceful vibe, with broad paths winding around open water and through light woodland. Photo: Google
7. Langold Country Park
A 300-acre park offering a lovely escape. You can follow the easy circular path right around the large fishing lake or wander into the adjacent Dyscarr Wood, an ancient limestone woodland. The Green Lady Trail was recently launched here, marked out with blue posts and orange discs, taking its name from a local myth about a spirit said to wander near the water. Photo: Google
8. Bevercotes Pit Wood
Bevercotes Pit Wood is one of Bassetlaw's finest hidden gems for a crisp winter stroll. Located just off the B6387 between Bothamsall and Retford, this former colliery site has been masterfully reclaimed by nature into a peaceful haven of young woodlands, open glades, and winding rivers. Photo: Google