The Nottinghamshire walk that starts at a pub, passes a bizarre archway house and ends in Sherwood Forest

Walking is a great way to maintain both your physical and mental health, even more so at this time of year.

With the start of summer just over a week away, it’s time to get your hiking boots on and start exploring the many footpaths and bridleways that Nottinghamshire has to offer.

There aren’t many better ways to kick off summer than by taking in the natural beauty of Sherwood Forest.

Famous for its links to Robin Hood, the forest is home to more than 1,000 ancient oak trees that are more than 500 years old.

There are plenty of walking routes in and around Sherwood Forest, but we’ve found one which starts at a pub and takes you past a truly bizarre house that you may not have seen before.

Fuel-up at the Dog and Duck

The walk starts at the Dog and Duck pub in Kings Clipstone, just south of Sherwood Forest.

The pub offers a diverse menu, including hearty favourites such as pies and fish and chips.

However, don’t get too comfy because you’ve got an hour’s walk ahead of you!

The journey from Kings Clipstone to Archway House

After you’ve fueled-up at the Dog and Duck, cross over the B6030 and start walking north on Archway Road.

Walk along Archway Road (more of a dirt track) for about 10 minutes until you reach a level crossing.

Carefully cross over and continue walking north towards Sherwood Forest.

In rather short order you’ll find yourself walking past a rather strange archway house with a bit of a gothic vibe about it.

Archway House was built in 1842 upon the instruction of the Duke of Portland and has been turning the heads of passers-by ever since.

You can read more about Archway House and its history here, but for now we’ll focus on the walk itself.

It’s worth noting that, while a public footpath passes by Archway House, the house and its ground are private.

Please respect the house’s inhabitants by not trespassing.

Ok then, on we go.

Final stretch to the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest

After you’ve taken in the grandeur of Archway House, continue on the footpath until you reach the A6075 Mansfield Road.

Cross the road and take the footpath which takes you immediately right.

You’ll be officially in Sherwood Forest at this point, so keep your eyes peeled for any wildlife.

Keep walking north until you reach Broad Drive and then turn right.

This footpath will take you towards the Major Oak, where we’d recommend that you stop for a well-earned rest.

In total, the walk clocks in at 2.8 miles and should take you just over an hour.