From the ancient, limestone gorge and ice-age caves of Creswell Crags to the vast, wintery expanse of the National Trust’s Clumber Park, Bassetlaw offers a diverse landscape for every type of explorer.
Whether you prefer a gentle stroll along the Chesterfield Canal or a more vigorous hike through the remnants of Sherwood Forest, 2025 is the perfect year to step outside, reconnect with family, and find a moment of peace amidst the holiday bustle.
Take a look at these walks we’ve put together for those just wanting a stroll, to those wanting a hike.
1. Best places to go for a Boxing Day stroll
Take a look at where you can walk off those Christmas calories this Boxing Day. Photo: gray-clary-9eU9t4vxQVk-unsplash
2. Chesterfield Canal - Shireoaks section
The towpath along the Shireoaks section of the Chesterfield Canal is a public right of way known as the Cuckoo Way, and it is generally open 24 hours a day, year-round, including on Boxing Day, for self-guided walks. Shireoaks. Chesterfield Canal and Rhodesia Circular: This easy 6.4 km (about 2-2.5 hours) circular route is a pleasant option suitable for families and is dog-friendly (dogs must be on a lead). It starts near the Shireoaks Marina and follows the canal and the nearby River Ryton area. Photo: Google Maps
3. Langold Country Park
This an excellent location for a Boxing Day walk as it is open all year round for public access to its grounds and walking routes. The park itself is freely accessible and offers a variety of paths for different fitness levels. Langold Lake and Woods Circular: This is an easy, family-friendly trail that is approximately 5.5 km (around 1 hour 10 minutes at a leisurely pace). The paths are well-maintained and suitable for all fitness levels, including wheelchairs and pushchairs. Photo: Google Maps
4. Hodsock
Public Footpaths around Hodsock: You can use public rights of way and established routes like those found on walking apps (e.g., AllTrails or Ramblers) that traverse the countryside near Hodsock, such as the "Local Hodsock Bike Ride" or "Carlton-in-Lindrick, Hodsock Priory, Blyth" routes. These are public paths and generally open year-roun Photo: Google Maps