The best walks and hikes around Sherwood Forest

Walk in the footsteps of royalty

From 1066, the Normans set about creating royal forests, vast areas of land (not always wooded) reserved for the aristocracy to hunt. While much smaller than it originally was, your walks amongst Sherwood Forest’s beautiful, aged trees most certainly saw the hooves of royal horses as well. 

Not royal but perhaps more greatly loved, the legendary outlaw of Robin Hood is said to have lived and hidden within the forest as well. The first mentions of this loveable rogue appeared in 15th-century ballads and no historian has ever managed to work out whether the man himself existed or not. Either way, the forest whispers his legends and everyone from young children to the elderly will feel a little buzz of excitement walking where he is said to have walked. 

Discover ancient yet living history 

Aside from outlaws and royals, the best hiking trails in Sherwood Forest lead you past its phenomenal ancient oaks. Major Oak is by far the most famous with its extensive support system; its giant limbs have needed help since the Victorian era. This behemoth is a short walk from Edwinstowe and the visitor centre, so everyone can reach it regardless of ability. 

There are over 900 other examples within the forest, making it Europe’s largest group of ancient oaks. With birch, oak, and pines, the woods take on new colours each season, making it a magical place to explore throughout the year.

Seeking out the forest’s inhabitants

You’ll have plenty of company for spring and summer walks in Sherwood Forest in particular, thanks to the area’s abundance of birds and wildlife. Listen for the hollow knocks of woodpeckers, see nuthatches and treecreepers watching you from tree trunks and keep an ear out for chiffchaffs chortling. 

A nature reserve, you won’t be surprised to hear that the forest has many important habitats for a variety of creatures. Glow worms, cardinal beetles, foxes, bats, lizards and butterflies all have prime real estate here. 

Roe and red deer reside in the woodlands; for the best chance to see them, walk early in the morning when the car parks are empty and the forest is only just waking up. For a different landscape within Sherwood, hike to Budby South Forest, conveniently in the north of Sherwood. This is an open heathland with small pockets of trees and is a beautiful place to stroll.