Now that the festive season is nearly over our thoughts turn to being more healthy, and what better way to achieve this than walking? The Newark & Sherwood area has many country parks, woodlands and green spaces in which to wander and walk off the excesses of Christmas.
Sherwood Forest is probably the most famous forest in the world and is a great place to kick start your new healthy regime.There are over 400 acres of ancient woodland to explore following in the footsteps of Robin Hood. The main path takes you from the Visitor Centre on a 15 minute walk to the mighty Major Oak, the largest tree in this medieval hunting forest. If you want to walk further then there are many paths from which to choose. http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/sherwoodcp
Rufford Abbey Country Park is set around the ruins of a medieval monastery on the edge of Sherwood Forest. Here you will find woodland, open spaces and lakeside walks. http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ruffordcp
If you want to push yourself that little bit further then join the Nordic Walking Group which meets here on Thursdays http://www.holistichealthteam.com
Sherwood Pines Forest Park is the largest public park within the greater Sherwood Forest area. It is full of walking and cycling trails and if you are feeling really energetic you can have a go at Go Ape Tree Top Adventure. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/sherwoodpines
Vicar Water Country Park has been transformed from a former colliery site to a country park with heathland, woodland and grassland offering spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. Here you can explore the many footpaths and cycle ways. To get those thigh muscles working try walking up the reclaimed spoil tip, it has fantastic views from the top! http://www.vicarwaterpark.org
National Trust property Clumber Park is a beautiful expanse of parkland, heath and woods covering more than 3,800 acres. Here you can walk for miles or hire a bike and go even further.www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clumber-park
These are just a few examples of the many green spaces we have to offer. If you want to stay away from the crowds you can explore the Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) we have in the area such as Sherwood Heath, Eakring Meadows or Besthorpe Nature Reserve. Or why not explore the industrial archaeological trail around Duke’s Wood, the location of Britain’s first onshore oilfield? With so many places to explore there’s no excuse for staying indoors. http://www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org