Length: 7.25 km (4.5 miles) - Ascent: 53m (175ft)
Terrain: Sections of pavement, well-made tracks and bridleways, footpath, woodland.
Map: Explorer270
Address: Church Street, Edwinstowe, NG21 9QA.

My walk serves as a mostly-shaded woodland stroll for warm late-summer days, and as the ideal location once the autumnal colour emerges.

My warm, sunny evening walk took me to a quiet Sherwood Forest visitor centre before heading towards the Major Oak - but that was for later. First, I skirted the southern edge of the forest before turning north towards the Centre Tree. From here, the path goes north along a public bridleway. Along here, it wasn’t hard to imagine horse-driven coaches travelling along - perhaps carrying royalty - with Robin and his merry men hiding among the ferns which grow higher than your head at this time of year, waiting to ambush the unwary traveller. Along the path, I picked up the ‘Wildwood Trail’ that I followed for most of the rest of my walk. I turned east, passing tall, thin trees that looked like inverted tuning forks, and ancient twisted, hollow oaks. The path then turned south, eventually taking me to the famous Major Oak. From here, I continued east along a winding path that eventually brought me back to the cricket pitch I had passed close to the start. I had hardly passed a soul along the way!

The Forest Lodge Hotel was a former coaching inn, thought to have been built in 1774, and stands opposite St. Mary’s Church, where it is believed Robin Hood and Maid Marion were wed. Enter from Church Street into the dog-friendly bar to be greeted by a cosy space, with clad walls and wooden floors, which give it an olde-worlde charm. There are many photos of local interest and Cask Marque certificates displayed, and the largest ‘Pub of the Season’ display I’ve seen, above the bar. The pub serves up to five real ales, though on my (early weekday) visit, only two of the five that were chalked up at the side of the bar were on. I suspect that had I been there over the weekend, I might have had the choice of all five. I had half each of Ossett ‘White Rat’ and Abbeydale ‘Moonshine’, which were both very good and just the job after my walk; Duggie was brought a large bowl of water, which he quickly emptied! The food sounded stunning, especially the 'House of Bukhara' Indian menu, though traditional fare is also available. I don’t think I’ll leave it too long before I’m back to give it a try.

The pub has a car park, but it’s always best to check in with them first if you plan to go for a walk. Sherwood Forest car park has all-day parking for £5, or free for RSPB members, but closes at 5pm. There is also parking along the High Street, but it is limited to one hour until after 6pm. The 14, 15 and 15A Stagecoach services run 7 days a week from Mansfield bus station - see the Bus Routes page of our website for more information.

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Route

From the Forest Lodge, head north along Church Street, keeping to the pavement on the right-hand side. After approx. 200m, cross at the zebra crossing (1) and proceed west along Forest Corner until you reach Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre (2). Walk down to the lower level and continue northwest following signs to the Major Oak. After 400m, take the left fork, then left again at the ‘Did You Know’ sign onto the smaller path (3). Continue west for approx. 600m, ignoring the first path on the right, then taking the second northwest (4). Follow the meandering path for approx. 800m, past the metal gate and onto Broad Drive. Turn left and follow the path for 80m, going through another metal gate and arriving at the Centre Tree (5). Immediately turn right and follow the path marked ‘Public Bridleway’ northward for 1km. Arriving at the junction of paths, go through the metal gate and follow the path east, then take the left fork marked ‘Wildwood Trail’ (6). Continue along the path for 1.5km, ignoring any branches, until you arrive at a signposted junction (7). Turn right and follow the broad path south, noting the large stump on your left. The path descends slightly before climbing again, taking a wide semi-circle around a tree on the left. After approx. 450m, turn right following the signpost for ‘Wildwood Trail’ and Major Oak (8), continue 150m, then turn left into the clearing where the Major Oak stands (9). Follow the fence line around the Major Oak and then continue east, following signs for the ‘Wildwood Trail’ again. Follow the fenced track, passing the bridleway crossing, then for approx. another 400m. This time, ignore the ‘Wildwood Trail’ sign pointing right, and continue straight on (10), following the winding path for approx. another 400m. On arrival at a junction (11), turn left following the sign for ‘Edwinstowe’ and continue south, passing the cricket pitch on the right. At the end of the path, arrive back at the zebra crossing at the top end of Church Street (1), where you can continue along the road back to the Forest Lodge.