This super walk around Thoresby Vale Country Park and Edwinstowe, offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, local history, and festive charm. Starting at Thoresby Vale, the former site of Thoresby Colliery, you are greeted by an expansive landscape that once held one of the last deep coal mines in Nottinghamshire.
Thoresby Colliery was operational from 1925 until its closure in 2015. Once the lifeblood of the area, it now provides a poignant contrast having been transformed into a scenic park where nature has reclaimed the land, with wildflowers, woodland, and winding footpaths ideal for a winter stroll.
Regeneration of the area marks a new chapter in the site's history, shifting from industry to recreation, symbolic of renewal and remembrance of the regions past.
The colliery once supported a thriving mining community, and while the sounds of coal trucks are gone, echoes of this history remain in the landscape. The trail leads you to magnificent rolling views over forest canopies, and the stately mansion Thoresby Hall, with its grand architecture, can be seen towering the trees on the horizon.
The park is also a home to a diverse array of wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers. Since the reclamation of the land, the area has been carefully nurtured to encourage a rich ecological environment. The mix of woodland, grassland and wetlands attracts a variety of species, and if you are lucky, you may spot kestrels, and barn owls hunting over the open fields.
For those of you who enjoy a spot of outdoor dining, there is a fabulous picnic area, offering a welcoming place to recharge and enjoy the views. There are a number of tables which are scattered across a grassy clearing, conveniently located near all of the walking trails.
Moving onward, you find yourself in the charming village of Edwinstowe. It has a cheerful atmosphere during the festive season, with local shops and cafés offering seasonal treats and a warm respite on a cold winter’s day.
Look out for St. Mary’s Church, a 12th century landmark situated in the heart of the village, where legend has it, Robin Hood and Maid Marian were married.
A short detour from Edwinstowe, is Sherwood Forest, where ancient oak trees stand in quiet grandeur. Sherwood was once a royal hunting forest and is deeply tied to the Robin Hood legend, adding a mythical touch to your journey.
From the historical echoes of Thoresby Colliery to the enchanting lore of Edwinstowe, this super winter walk intertwines history and festivity, offering an exhilarating experience that lingers long after you have hung up your coat, and taken off your boots.
Hope you enjoy!
The Basics
Distance: 4.20 km – 2.6 miles (approximate as trail can be tailored to your choice).
Severity: Moderate, some steep inclines and descent.
Gradient: Slight incline and descent, mostly flat.
Approx time: 1 to 2 hours, allowing for stops. Add extra for exploring Edwinstowe.
Stiles/Gates: None.
Maps: OS 270 Sherwood Forest, Mansfield, Worksop & Edwinstowe.
Path: Marked stone track, grassy track, and pavement.
Start Point: NG21 9PS – Thoresby Vale Park (sat nav for Thoresby Colliery)
Parking: Road side – NG21 9PS
Dog friendly: Yes, preferably on the lead, there are plenty of waste bins along the route. Be mindful of wildlife and ground nesting birds.
Refreshments: There is a lovely picnic area in the park, with tables provided. Edwinstowe offers a fantastic selection of places to eat and drink, whether you are looking for a hearty meal or a quick bite.
Directions
- Start from the roadside at postcode NG21 9PS. Access this via the housing development and follow the attractive tree-lined road until you see the signpost for ‘Thoresby Park’ on the left. You will notice a wooden fence and the entrance to the park.
- Pass the carved wooden bench on your left, continue along the track, bearing left until you reach the metal gateway commemorating Thoresby Colliery.
- Follow the track around until you reach a T-junction. Directly in front of you is a large pond. Here, you have a choice. I chose to take the path to the right, ascending the steps. At the top, take a moment to look back and enjoy the far-reaching views over Edwinstowe and Sherwood Forest.
- Continue along the path until you come to an intersection of paths. To the right, there is a lovely picnic area with tables, perfect for enjoying the panoramic views over this historic part of the county.
- From here, there are several routes you can take. Some paths were still under construction during my visit. I chose to continue to the top of the hill, where the views are spectacular over the treetops of the ancient
- Sherwood Forest. You can even see the majestic Thoresby Hall in the distance.
At the top, you will find a telescopic viewpoint and a half pit wheel marking the highest point of the hill.
- The tracks from here lead you on the descent route. Again, the choice is yours. I took the track skirting the forest views, following it down to the intersection of paths opposite the picnic area, then retraced my steps back to the main park entrance.
- Edwinstowe Village is just a two-minute drive away, with plenty of parking available.
