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FREE RIDE SUNDAY: winter walking guide

get into the habit of making the most of your Sundays

Are you holding back from making those new years resolutions? Not wanting to commit to a gym membership where the machine that would get the most attention is the vending machine? But, you still want to blow off the cobwebs? We have the perfect answer for you. Check out our guide for walks you can do across trentbarton land as part of our FREE RIDE SUNDAY offer.


1. Cotgrave Canal & Country Park, Nottinghamshire:

If you fancy stretching your legs another half a mile and seeing a different part of Nottinghamshire, we suggest taking a circular stroll from the centre of Cotgrave to the Grantham canal and through parts of the Cotgrave Country Park. This one is a little more difficult as it is walking along mixed surfaces but still doesn't have any steep gradients to climb. (not too hard on the old knees) There are great places along the route to enjoy a picnic. This walk will take you around 2 and a half hours and allow you to take in some stunning countryside views as well as rural life.

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cotgrave connection


2. A stroll above the Trent, Nottinghamshire:


Described by the AA as "a pleasant rural stretch of Nottinghamshire's premier river" this walk really will be a bit more of a stretch. It can take up to 3 hours, depending on how fast you walk, and is probably as stereotypical of a countryside walk as you will find. Throughout the 5 and a half mile (8.8km) walk you will take in sights including meadows, field tracks, livestock and not forgetting the River Trent. Also, 10 stiles, just for good measure. If you want to stop for a bite to eat along the way (let's face it, why wouldn't you?) there are plenty of options to get a good meal. The Reindeer Inn just outside East Bridgford, The Unicorn Hotel and The Anchor Inn are also along the route and serve meals daily.

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cotgrave connectionkeyworth connectionrushcliffe mainline


3. In the footsteps of DH Lawrence, Eastwood, Nottinghamshire:


If you like your challenging walks with a side of history, then this 5.7 miles (9.2km) treck through the Nottinghamshire town that provided much inspiration for the writers work is tailor-made for you. Despite the length of the walk, it should only take you around 2 hours and 30 minutes. Passing through rough field and woodland tracks, this walk can be a little tricky if it's been raining hard. As you tackle this route, you will pass through farmland and woods as well as red-brick towns and villages (something for everyone) you can even take the dog(s) along, so long as you clean up after them! To reward yourselves after this challenging walk, take your pick of Minton's Tea Rooms or The Horse & Groom. If you are a literary rambler, we recommend you check out The Durban House Brasserie at the Heritage Centre along the way.

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amberlinerainbow one


4. Trent Lock & Attenborough Reserve, Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire:


Let's be honest, any thing with the name Attenborough in it has to be a lot of fun, doesn't it? This is along old walk that will test your stamina with a distance of just over 9 miles (15km) bare with us on this one... there is only a negligible gradient so it should be to taxing on you body. The walk takes you along the canal towpath, paths and tracks that run by the riverside and a few stiles. Dogs can run free along the canal but when in the nature reserve must be on a lead. So if you think your dog needs the excercise then take them along! Various methods of reward for conquering this mamoth walk are sreved up in the form of The navigation Inn at Trent Lock, The Steamboat Inn and just next door to that is The Lock House Tea Rooms. More Lock themed places than you can shake a (walking)stick at.

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skylink Derbyskylink Nottingham


5. Tutbury's Crystal Ball, Derbyshire:


A comfortable 2.7 miles (4.4km) walk that should take around 1 hour. Passing through towns, farmlands and riverside this is a very enjoyable stroll through an industrial little village. Starting out from a picnic site and passing St Mary's Church and Tutbury Castle you will find yourselves climbing a gradual 88ft (27m). Similar to the Derby City Walk, you will find the landscape change and feel shorter than you realise. Along the way, don't forget to stop and take in the sights of the west door of St Mary's Church (a great example of Norman craftsmanship) You can also witness Tutbury's own Georgian Crystal being crafted in the village factory shops. If you need to stop and re-fuel, you can do so at Tutbury Crystal Tea Rooms where they serve all manner of home-made snacks. Or if you want to really fill up, why not try Ye Old Dog & Partridge. It has two good restaurants to pick from and is one of England's oldest coaching Inns. (originating fom the 15th Cenury)

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villager V1


6. Derby City Walk, Derbyshire:

 

This 3 miles (4.8km) stretch will allow you to take in every aspect of Derbshire life. You will pass through the city centre as well as more rural areas including Alveston Park. You will pass the large lake inside the park. This is a grat place to rest and maybe feed the geese. There is no noticable gradients to climb so it should be quite easy going. The change in landscape will probably break up the walk a little without you really realising. For any Derby County fans, you will also be able to catch at least a glimpse of Pride Park Stadium. Throughout Derby, you are spoilt for choice with regards to places to eat. We recommend you head down to the Old Blacksmith's Yard off Sadler Gate. Here you can take your pick of eateries including Greek and Mexican. 

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allestreecometmickleoverninesred arrowsixesswiftvillager V1 & V2

 


7. Clay Cross 5 Pits Walk, Chesterfield, Derbyshire:

Heading north of the county, you can test yourselves with a 4 hour walk along good surfaced tracks across landscape which has been transformed by reclamation of old colliery land. You will travel a distance of just over 5 and a half miles (9km) and can take the dog(s) along for the trip. Back in the 70's & 80's, Derbyshire County Council reclaimed the derelict land and planted many trees and shrubs. As a result of this work, this walk is now a great way to catch sight of wildlife within it's natural habitat. The 5 pits walk links the pits of Tibshelf & Grassmoor and passes  through Pilsley, Holmewood and Williamthorpe. There are no places to eat on the route so we advise you take a picnic on this one. If you do fancy it however, you could take a detour to the Winsick Arms in Winsick. There you can fill up on a very tasty steak and kidney pie, amongst other things.

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comet


8. Codnor Castle, Codnor, Derbyshire:

If you fancy a stroll through the centre of Derbyshire complete with a history lesson included, then we recommend that you head to Codnor Castle. Not much of the 12th & 13th Century castle still remains but what does has been well preserved and is a fascinating experience. Home to one of the most powerful medieval families, Codnor Castle is only one of two remaining in the county.  The walk is along fairly level ground and unless diverted will be along 5.8 miles (9.5km). During this walk you will pass Codnor Monument & Hall, through Ironville and Cromford canal. Expect muddy conditions and there is nothing stopping walkers from taking their dogs.  Refreshments are availble on route from Jacksdale Garden Centre where you can grab various snacks.

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rainbow onerapid oneH1


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