The best walks and hikes around Colwick
4.5
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9,742
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503
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Hikes around Colwick explore a landscape of expansive country parks, regenerated wetlands, and ancient woodlands. The terrain is predominantly flat, with routes following surfaced paths around lakes and through nature reserves. Many trails follow the course of the River Trent or loop through areas like Colwick Country Park and Colwick Woods.
Best hiking trails around Colwick
- The most popular hiking route is Colwick Country Park Lakes – Colwick Hall Ice House loop from Colwick, a 4.5 mile (7.2 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 55 minutes to complete. The route circles the two main lakes within the park on accessible paths.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Holme Pierrepont Country Park loop — Nottingham, a moderate 3.4 mile (5.4 km) path. This trail offers views of the National Water Sports Centre and the surrounding parkland.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the View of the Wetlands loop from Carlton, a 3.2 mile (5.2 km) trail leading through the local nature reserves, often completed in about 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Hiking around Colwick is defined by lakeside paths, riverside trails along the Trent, and quiet woodland tracks. The network of routes provides options for various fitness levels, from easy family walks to slightly longer hikes.
- The routes in Colwick are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 900 reviews. More than 10,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Colwick's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 28, 2026
5.0
(1)
23
hikers
5.40km
01:39
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(6)
71
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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34
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
116
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(19)
82
hikers
11.6km
02:56
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Good access from A52 via Adbolton Lane, with a couple of large car parks (monitored by ANPR) pay via "ParkPCM" Parking app. Peaceful area to the South East of the National Watersports Centre, the area is awash with Wild Rabbits, some nice natural woodland paths to explore.
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This is a lovely country park with walking and cycling paths, a number of lakes, woodlands, meadows, and wetlands to get lost in. It's also home to an adventure centre with high ropes and a climbing wall.
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The Holme Pierrepont Country Park is home to the national water sports centre. There is a long boating lake used for water sport racing and swimming/triathlon events. There is also a multi-user trail around the lake and footpaths exploring the 270-acre country park away from the lake shores. The lakeside trail gets busy with events or families and bikes at weekends, but the footpaths are never too busy for a nice walk.
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The café in the national water sports centre serves sandwiches, light meals, snacks and drinks with a great view of the lake. It's open on weekends and school holidays.
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Part of Colwick Country Park, the stretch of land between the lakes and the River Trent is an interesting place to walk. You can see the boast in the mariners and the peaceful lake.
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Colwick Country Park is a public park owned by Nottingham City Council. The Colwick estate which the park is based on is the gardens of Colwick Hall. There are a couple of lakes and areas of woodland and wetland habitat. The river Trent runs to the south and the racecourse and busy A612 run to the north.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the walking trails in Colwick suitable for dogs?
Yes, Colwick is very dog-friendly. Many of the parks, including the popular Colwick Country Park, feature wide, surfaced paths perfect for walking with dogs. The woodlands and lakeside trails offer plenty of space for them to explore. As always, please keep dogs under control, especially around wildlife and other park users.
What are the best easy hikes for families around Colwick?
The area is ideal for family walks due to its mostly flat terrain and accessible paths. For a great experience with varied scenery, consider the Skylarks Nature Reserve – Skylarks Nature Reserve loop from Holme Pierrepont. It's a relatively short walk with boardwalks and viewing screens, making it engaging for children to spot birds and other wildlife.
Where can I find walking trails through Colwick Woods?
Colwick Woods Local Nature Reserve offers a more rustic hiking experience with trails winding through ancient woodland. You can explore its varied terrain, which includes peaceful woodland paths and remnants of local history like an old ice house. The woods are particularly beautiful in spring when the bluebells are in bloom.
Are there any longer walks that start from the Colwick area?
Yes, you can easily find longer routes. For a hike that combines wetlands, riverside paths, and woodlands, the View of the Wetlands – Stoke Lock and Woods loop from Carlton is a great option. At nearly 9 km, it provides a more substantial walk while still being on relatively flat terrain.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see while hiking in Colwick?
The parks and nature reserves around Colwick are rich in biodiversity. Skylarks Nature Reserve is a hotspot for birdwatching, with over 200 species recorded. In Colwick Country Park and along the River Trent, you can spot numerous butterflies, dragonflies, and migratory wildfowl, especially during the winter months.
Is it possible to swim in the lakes at Colwick Country Park?
Yes, open water swimming is a popular activity at Colwick Country Park. However, it is managed by an external organization and is only permitted during supervised sessions for safety. You should check the official Colwick Country Park website for information on session times, costs, and safety requirements before you go.
Where are the best places to see wetlands near Colwick?
The area is known for its regenerated wetlands, which were created from former gravel pits. Skylarks Nature Reserve is a prime example, offering a fantastic trail with viewing platforms over lakes and reed beds. The nearby Holme Pierrepont Country Park also features extensive open water and parkland to explore.
How many hiking trails are there around Colwick?
There is a vast network of trails to explore, with over 500 routes mapped on komoot around Colwick. These range from easy, family-friendly loops to more moderate, longer hikes, covering lakeside paths, riverside trails, and woodland tracks.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Colwick?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained, accessible paths around the lakes in Colwick Country Park and the peaceful, natural feel of the trails through Colwick Woods and the surrounding nature reserves.
Are there any walking routes that follow the River Trent?
Yes, many trails in the area run alongside or cross the River Trent. You can enjoy scenic walks along the riverbank, often connecting different parks and nature reserves. Routes starting from Colwick or Holme Pierrepont frequently incorporate sections of the riverside path.
Where can I park to go hiking in Colwick Country Park?
Colwick Country Park has dedicated car parks available for visitors. There are charges for parking, which are used to maintain the park's facilities. It's a popular spot, so arriving earlier in the day is a good idea, especially on weekends and holidays.
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