A circular route of about 7 miles from Vicar Water Country Park across to the Maun Valley, then to Kings Clipstone before returning to the Country Park along Bog Lane.

Starting at Vicar Water Country Park

1.  Facing the hill turn right and continue on the track until you reach Newlands Farm. Here the path detours round the B&B. Turn right and follow the track straight up the shallow hill to the main road.

2.  Turn right to reach the road, cross it and resume your journey in the same direction. You should now be on Newlands Drive.

3.  Ahead of you are the playing fields on Clipstone Drive. Head for the right hand back corner of the playing field and with the field on your right follow the path down the hill to the Spa Ponds.

4.  Take one of the paths to the other side of the Spa ponds and turn right down the hill to Packmans Bridge. The Spar ponds are fed by one of the few remaining springs on the bunter sandstone, they are a Notts Wildlife Nature Reserve. The site of the pele and Bestwood Lodge (no remains visible now) is on the hill above.

5.  Cross the bridge and ascend the hill turning right along the Flood Dyke path at the top. This path affords excellent views over the forest and valley.

6.  At the next junction turn right down the hill. At the bottom the track turns left along the river and lakes.

7.  Follow this track until the second bridge, then make a right turn and ascend the hill.

8.  At the fork in the track.

Walkers keep left, the beech wood should be on your right. Where the next track joins take the footpath into Cavendish Wood. Under no circumstances go left as the farmyard is not a right of way.

Cyclists keep right with the beech wood on the left. Where the next track joins keep right, then take the next left when you have the field in front of you.

 9.   Both routes lead to Clipstone Drive where a left turn is made, this is part of the 'straight mile'. 

10.  The track runs almost straight past Cavendish Lodge. Follow the road round to the right on to Squires Lane. As you go down the hill the ruins of palace can be seen just above the houses. About half way down the lane are Old Barn Cottages, these were probably converted from the barn and may contain parts that date back to 1730 when Clipstone Hall occupied the site next door.

11.   At the bottom of Squires Lane continue straight on until you reach the B6030 – Main Street and turn left -  see the village history trail.

12.   Follow the B6030 through the village, at the Dog & Duck turn right and take Bog Lane towards Vicar Water Country Park. This is the site of the Great Pond of Clipstone and the water meadow. The remains of King John’s Palace (but really a palace used and added to by all the Plantagenet kings - Henry II, Richard I, John, Henry III, Edward I, Edward II, Edward III & Richard II) can be seen on the hill to the right.

13.   The next part of the  track passes through some interesting forest edge habitat – this is an important piece of habitat for wildlife with the scrub grazing you can see, together with the scrub and heath decolonising the site of the railway sidings behind.

At the country park you need to bear right but the lake makes a pleasant diversion and there are very good views from the top of the hill if you are feeling energetic. The shortest route up the hill is to go clockwise round the lake to where you can see the path rising up the hill. Alternatively follow the route to site 1 were a track winds up the hill at a shallower gradient. Whichever way you got up the hill take the winding track down. The visitors centre which can be seen as you descend serves refreshments should you feel in need to recovery time.  

 Kings Clipstone walks & rides    Route 3-VWCP       December 2006