Best spring walks near Nottingham: Stunning National Trust site has spectacular sunset views over a lake

After what has felt like a decade-long winter, we’re now about to (finally) emerge out the other side. 

This Friday (March 1) marks the start of meteorological spring, which means that longer, warmer days are just around the corner. 

In fact, on Friday the sun won’t set in Nottingham until 5.44pm, which indicates that the pendulum is slowly swinging from winter to spring. 

With those bright, sunny spring days nearly here, the time to start planning how to make the most of the improving weather is now. 

Read more: Things to do in Nottingham

Longer days present the opportunity to spend more time outdoors - and walking is a great way to do so. 

According to the NHS, walking for as little as 10 minutes a day has lots of health benefits. 

There are so many idyllic places here in Nottinghamshire to go for a stroll, but there are few more scenic places than the stunning Clumber Park. 

The National Trust-managed country park is visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year, and it’s easy to see why. 

Clumber’s 3,800 acres of parkland provide the perfect backdrop for relaxing and exploring, with several walking routes designed so that visitors can see the best of the area. 

The ‘Clumber’s Walk for all seasons’ is a great way to explore the parkland at this time of year as daffodils, crocuses, and snowdrops all add dazzling colours to the countryside. 

The two-mile, dog-friendly walk offers breathtaking views over Clumber Lake at sunset. 

You can find the full route below or view the map here. 

Step-by-step walking guide:

1. Leave the main car park and follow the signs for the café and toilets. This will take you past the shop and plant sales and through the Turning Yard with the Clock Tower on your left.

2. Go past the toilets and at the signpost follow the path to the left towards the lakeside. (If the Turning Yard is closed, return to the road and turn left to follow the road towards the lakeside).

3. Follow the path as it bears right and becomes a road which is car-free (except the odd estate vehicle). The lake is now on your left.

4. In about 0.25 miles (0.4km), continue past the wide path on your left until you get to the crossroads. Beware of cyclists from left and right as you go straight across the road and carry on in the same direction.

5. After approximately 400 yards (365 metres), take the first clear path/track on the right, immediately before the wooden barrier. Pass the metal gate on your left and follow the path for a short distance until you come to a second metal gate on your left.

6. Go through the metal gate and follow the obvious path straight ahead across heathland. After a short distance, at the cross roads of paths, turn left towards the pine trees. Continue on the path towards the metal gate.

7. Go through the metal gate and turn left following the fence.

8. Pass the wooden barrier and where the road splits, take the right fork. You're now walking towards Clumber Bridge which comes into view after approximately a third of a mile (480 metres).

9. Before reaching the bridge you come to another wooden barrier. Immediately after the wooden barrier, turn left for a short distance to reach a road junction. Beware of cyclists coming from both directions.

10. At the junction turn right and proceed until you reach a finger post indicating the Turning Yard. Turn left taking the path towards the wooden barrier. Pass by the wooden barrier and follow the path towards the lake and Clumber Grotto.

11. Follow the path through the trees and up the hill to the road.

12. Turn right and make your way back towards the visitor facilities and the café where you can grab a cup of tea and a snack. Take a look around the shop and the plant sales before heading back to the car park.

13. The walk ends at the Clumber Park car park.