From the historic, ancient canopy of Bestwood Country Park to the sweeping panoramic views atop transformed colliery trails, the colder months bring a unique, quiet magic to our local countryside.
So lace up your boots, wrap up warm, and head outside. This is your ultimate guide to Hucknall and Bulwell’s best autumn and winter walks.
9. Bulwell Forest Recreation Ground
Holding a prestigious Green Flag Award, it offers an excellent blend of vast playing fields, dedicated walking paths, and fantastic community amenities. Because it is largely flat and features surfaced perimeter paths, it holds up much better against winter mud than the nearby rural woodlands. Photo: Google
10. Merlin Park
Managed by The Land Trust, this 35-acre green space sits behind a newer residential development off Watnall Road. It is one of the best spots in town for a clean, accessible autumn or winter walk because its core infrastructure relies on smooth, paved paths that completely bypass the worst of the seasonal mud. Photo: Google
11. Portland Park
If you want to lose yourself under a blazing canopy of gold and orange, this is the place to be. A former limestone quarry turned Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), located in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, it features ancient woodland paths dating back to 1600 Photo: Google
12. Sutton Lawn
Once part of a grand private estate, this park, based in Sutton-in-Ashfield, sits around a large, historic 2.4-hectare fishing lake. It serves as a fantastic, clean option when you want a crisp winter walk without ruining your shoes in the mud. Photo: Google