The best walks and hikes around Gamston
4.5
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10,185
hikers
482
hikes
Walking routes around Gamston offer a mix of waterside and parkland trails. The area is characterized by generally flat terrain, with paths following the Grantham Canal and passing through several country parks and nature reserves. The network of footpaths around Gamston Notts provides accessible options for a variety of hikes.
Best hiking trails around Gamston
- The most popular hiking route is the Holme Pierrepont Country Park and Skylarks Nature Reserve loop, a 6.7 mile (10.7 km) trail that takes around 2 hours 40 minutes to complete. This route combines paths within the country park with trails in the adjacent nature reserve.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is the Colwick Country Park loop — Nottingham, an easy 2.7 mile (4.4 km) path. The trail circles the park's lakes on surfaced paths.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love The Hook Local Nature Reserve – Willow Tree on Grantham Canal loop from West Bridgford, a 3.2 mile (5.2 km) trail leading through a nature reserve and along the canal, often completed in about 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Hiking around Gamston is defined by its canal towpaths, lakeside trails, and routes through local nature reserves. The trail network offers many easy and moderate options suitable for different fitness levels.
- The routes in Gamston are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 870 reviews. More than 10,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Gamston's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
4.6
(18)
234
hikers
4.40km
01:07
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(17)
40
hikers
10.7km
02:43
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
22
hikers
5.40km
01:39
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(1)
61
hikers
12.5km
03:10
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
18
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Domesday Book records a church and priest at Colwick in 1086. The church that now stands in ruins was largely built by Sir John Byron in the 16th Century but incorporates 14th and 15th Century sections from an earlier church. The building at that time probably had a spire not a plain tower. By 1912 the roof of the church was in a poor state. Although repairs made the building serviceable again for a few years, the condition of the church continued to deteriorate and by 1920 some of the services were being held in the Schoolrooms in wintertime and later in a newly built Parish Hall. From 1923 some marriages were conducted in the Parish Hall. In Mar 1924, the down-pipes were repaired and the walls pointed. The roof was again repaired but its condition continued to give concern and in 1933 the church was abandoned as dangerous. It was finally closed as being unsafe in March 1936, and in November 1936, the principal beam of the roof gave way.
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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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Narrow section of mostly natural woodland path through the trees alongside the stream.
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Formerly the run-off collection pond for the colliery spoil tips, now a picturesque fishing lake run by Cotgrave Welfare Diamond Angling Club.
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The colliery closed in 1993 and the park opened in 2000. The gates are no longer in use as the canal has become overgrown at this point, although they look to be in working condition.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many circular walks available around Gamston?
Yes, the area is well-suited for circular hikes. Many routes combine sections of the Grantham Canal with paths through local nature reserves and country parks. For example, the Colwick Country Park loop is a popular choice that circles the park's lakes on well-maintained paths.
What are the trails like? Is it hilly?
The terrain around Gamston is generally flat, making it very accessible. Most hikes follow level canal towpaths, riverside paths, and trails through local parks. You won't encounter any significant hills, so the walking is typically easy-going.
Can I take my dog on the walking routes?
Most of the walking routes around Gamston are great for dogs. The wide, open spaces of Colwick Country Park and Holme Pierrepont Country Park are particularly popular with dog walkers. As always, it's best to keep your dog on a lead, especially near wildlife in nature reserves and around other park users.
Are there any good family-friendly walks in the Gamston area?
Definitely. The flat terrain and surfaced paths make many routes suitable for all ages. A great option is the The Hook Local Nature Reserve – Willow Tree on Grantham Canal loop from West Bridgford. It's a relatively short and easy walk that combines a nature reserve with a peaceful canal-side path.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Gamston?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the peaceful waterside sections along the Grantham Canal and the well-maintained paths within the various country parks.
Where are the best places for a walk with good scenery?
For scenic walks, the paths along the Grantham Canal offer peaceful waterside views. For a mix of lakes, woodland, and open parkland, Holme Pierrepont Country Park is a fantastic choice. The adjacent Skylarks Nature Reserve on the Holme Pierrepont and Skylarks loop is also excellent for spotting birds and other wildlife.
Are there any long-distance hiking options near Gamston?
Yes, for a more challenging, long-distance hike, you can tackle a section of the Rushcliffe 100. This 100km circular walk explores the entire borough, passing through varied landscapes. You can find more information on the official Rushcliffe 100k walk page.
Where can I park to start a hike?
The country parks in the area offer the most convenient parking. Both Colwick Country Park and Holme Pierrepont Country Park have dedicated car parks, making them excellent starting points for many of the local routes. Some on-street parking may be available in residential areas like West Bridgford for other trailheads, but be sure to check local restrictions.
How many hiking trails are there to choose from around Gamston?
There is a wide variety of options, with over 500 routes to explore in the area. The majority of these are rated as easy, with a good number of moderate trails also available, ensuring there's a walk to suit almost every fitness level.
Are there any walks that go through nature reserves?
Yes, several routes incorporate local nature reserves. You can explore The Hook Local Nature Reserve near Lady Bay or the Wilford Claypit Nature Reserve. For a longer walk that combines parkland with a dedicated wildlife area, consider the Holme Pierrepont Country Park loop, which is right next to the Skylarks Nature Reserve.
Can I get to the trails using public transport?
Yes, the area is well-served by Nottingham's bus network. Many services run from the city centre to West Bridgford and the areas surrounding Gamston, putting you within easy walking distance of trailheads for the Grantham Canal, The Hook, and Holme Pierrepont Country Park.
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