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.
5. Creswell Crags - Gorge Walk
Although Creswell Crags is closed on Boxing Day, you can explore the natural beauty of the gorge on several self-guided routes: Gorge Walk: A short and level walk around the lake and through the gorge, passing the caves. Creswell Bridleway Loop: A short 2-mile (approx. 3.2 km) walk along the Bridle Way into Creswell village and back into the gorge. Photo: Google Maps
6. Sherwood Pines
Sherwood Pines is a popular choice for a Boxing Day walk in 2025, offering extensive trails and family activities. The forest features three main waymarked walking trails suitable for a winter stroll: Archer’s Stroll: A short, 1.2 km (0.75 mile) easy trail perfect for families and accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Castle Walk: A moderate 4.5 km (2.8 mile) circular route through various woodland landscapes. Ranger’s Path: The longest trail at 7.2 km (4.5 miles), which takes you into the quieter, more secluded areas of the pine and heathland. Photo: Google Maps
7. Anston Stones Wood
Anston Stones Wood is a natural woodland area and local nature reserve that is generally accessible to the public year-round, including on Boxing Day, for self-guided walks. Little Stones Loop: A popular, shorter loop trail (around 3.2 km or 2 miles) that takes you along Anston Brook and past Dead Man's Cave, offering a scenic walk rich with history and nature. Chesterfield Canal and Anston Brook Circular: A longer, moderate 9 km (5.6 miles) circular route that combines the canal towpath with the woodland paths for a varied walk. Shireoaks & Anston Stones Wood: A longer 8.5-mile moderate walk that often features as a Ramblers route in the general area, though not as an organised walk on Boxing Day specifically. Photo: Google Maps
8. Whitwell Wood
Whitwell Wood is an excellent option for a Boxing Day walk as the woodland area itself and its trails are open 365 days a year. As a natural woodland managed by Forestry England, it is freely accessible during daylight hours. The most comprehensive walk (2 miles or 3.2 km) that takes you around a larger section of the wood, offering a rich variety of flora and fauna year-round. For a longer excursion, a 3.3-mile (5.3 km) "Whitwell Wood Circular Walk" exists which takes in the surrounding area while keeping you away from busier roads Photo: Google Maps