Nottinghamshire Named One of the UK’s Best Counties for Beginner-Friendly Walks
Nottinghamshire has been named one of the UK’s best counties for beginner-friendly walks in a new nationwide study.
Research conducted by Arctic Direct analysed 653 walks across the UK using factors including distance, estimated completion time and difficulty level to identify the country’s best walking routes for beginners.
The study found Nottinghamshire performed strongly thanks to its mix of accessible countryside trails, woodland routes and historic parkland walks, with 11 local routes featured in the national ranking.
Clumber Park among top-ranked routes
The rankings were specifically designed to highlight walks best suited to beginners and casual walkers, rewarding scenic routes that remain manageable for those without advanced hiking experience.
Among Nottinghamshire’s highest-ranked walks were:
46th: Clumber Park history walk, Worksop: 75.01
51st: Clumber’s walk for all seasons, Worksop: 74.80
89th: The bluebell woods of Clumber, Worksop: 73.18
91st: The Second World War walk at Clumber Park, Worksop: 73.13
116th: Clumber Park waymarked walk, Worksop: 70.90
A total of 11 Nottinghamshire walks featured in the wider national rankings.
Why Nottinghamshire scored highly
The research found that routes with moderate distances, easier terrain and clear walking paths tended to rank highest overall.
Charlotte Marshall from Arctic Direct said Nottinghamshire stood out because of how accessible many of its routes are for everyday walkers.
She said:
“Nottinghamshire offers some fantastic beginner-friendly walking opportunities because people can enjoy woodland, lakeside and countryside scenery without needing to tackle difficult terrain.
“Walks around Clumber Park are perfect for building confidence and encouraging more people to get outdoors.”
The findings come as more people seek affordable outdoor activities that support both physical and mental wellbeing.
With warmer weather encouraging staycations and day trips, the study reinforces Nottinghamshire’s reputation as one of Britain’s most accessible counties for scenic walking routes.