Countryside walk near Nottingham that takes you past the site of a tragic WW2 disaster

If your New Year’s resolution is to become more active, walking is a great way to kick things off. 

Sure, going for a walk isn’t going to burn as many calories as running, but according to the NHS doing just 150 minutes of walking each week contributes to a healthy lifestyle. 

Here in Nottingham we’re lucky to have so many great places to stretch your legs - and even more if you’re able to explore the countryside outside the city centre. 

Read more: Lifestyle in Nottingham

If you’re a bit of a history buff, walking is the perfect way to combine exploring some interesting places with exercise. 

A walk that should be on your list for the New Year takes in the stunning countryside between Nottingham and Mansfield as well as the site of a tragic Second World War disaster. 

On July 6, 1944, Halifax bomber MZ519 LK-U was returning to RAF Burn, near Selby in Yorkshire, after a successful bombing mission in northern France. 

While over Nottinghamshire, the aircraft developed engine trouble and crashed into a field just outside the village of Farnsfield, a few miles north-east of the city.. 

The crew, seven men all in their early 20s, tragically lost their lives in the crash. 

On July 6, 1994, 50 years on from the disaster, a memorial was unveiled by Air Marshal Sir John Curtis, who had flown with the same Halifax squadron. 

The memorial is maintained by the Farnsfield Halifax Bomber Memorial Trust and members of the public are invited to pay their respects to the seven men who perished on that July day in 1944. 

Nottinghamshire County Council has created a recognised walking route which takes in Farnsfield, the memorial and surrounding countryside. 

The route can be found here.