The bluebell woods of Clumber
Starting in Hardwick village, this circular route takes you through several woodland areas carpeted with bluebells during the spring. You'll also pass historic buildings of the former ducal estate, cross heathland and farmland and walk alongside Clumber Lake.
Total steps: 9
Total steps: 9
Start point
Hardwick village main car park, grid ref: SK637755
Step 1
Leaving the car park, with the farm on your right, walk up through the village, which was originally built for the workers on the estate during the time Clumber was owned by the Dukes of Newcastle. A short distance after the second speed ramp you'll see the War Memorial on the right.
Step 2
Shortly after the War Memorial, take a right turn at a metal public footpath sign, which is pointing in the direction you need to walk, pass by a wooden barrier. In the spring, this fragment of ancient woodland is a carpet of bluebells. If you time it just right, at the height of the flowering season, their wonderful scent fills the air.
Step 3
Leaving the fragment of old oak woodland, you'll find yourself in an area of much younger native trees. Continue along this path towards the open field in the distance.
Step 4
At the boundary of the woodland, pass through a metal gate onto a path that goes across a field. Just before you reach the field, take a quick glance to the left and you'll see a strip of bluebells running along the field edge. The coppiced trees here almost form a tunnel over them. Head towards the School House that you will see in the distance, following the yellow waymarks as the path goes around the line of the fence and then across the field. The path eventually meets up with a limestone farm track. Turn left here, going through the metal gate.
Step 5
Watch out for farm traffic on this section of the walk. Continue along the farm track for around 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km) until you come to a tarmac road. At this junction, carefully cross the road and head downhill. After 200yd (182m), take the clear path that forks to the right, just before a wooden barrier . Follow this path downhill through Scots pine woodland to a gate. G through the gate and continue to a junction of paths and turn towards the bench on your right.
Step 6
Continue along this track, passing through double wooden gates and you'll see Lime Tree Avenue ahead. Turn left to walk between the double row of trees. The path goes uphill and as it levels, take the first obvious path on the left (at brow of incline).
Step 7
When you come to a road, cross carefully and head straight into the next woodland. The area on your left has a good show of bluebells in spring. The shade cast by the young beech trees helps to restrict the growth of bracken and brambles so the flowers can be seen. When you reach a fence, turn right and follow it to a road. Carefully cross the road and turn left. Take the first track on the right going uphill.
Step 8
At a crossroads of tracks, turn left and walk down towards the lake. Carry straight on over a raised causeway to a road. Follow the road round with the lake on your right. Follow a path to a seating area and Lake Brew.
Step 9
This is the last section of the walk, with good views up the lake towards the Chapel or downstream towards farmland and woodland in the distance. If you have a pair of binoculars, look out for buzzards soaring above the farmland. To return to the car park, turn left after Lake Brew onto a path towards the toilet block. Follow the path past the toilets back towards the car park.
End point
Hardwick village main car park, grid ref: SK637755
Trail map
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