Discover the Robin Hood Way: An Iconic Hiking Trail in Nottinghamshire

Passing through quaint villages, rolling hills and wild forests, this long-distance walking route is the perfect way to experience the beautiful British countryside and discover the land that gave birth to a legend. The Robin Hood Way is a historic walking trail in the East Midlands, from Nottingham to Edwinstowe, connecting picturesque sights linked to Robin's heroic tales. Pick a section of the route for a scenic day out, or tackle the whole ten-day trip for an epic hiking adventure.

Robin Hood is an iconic figure in British folklore. Tales of his altruistic thievery have been told in England for centuries, cemented into the cultural identity of the entire Nottingham region. If you believe the stories, Robin of Loxley was a medieval highwayman, a master archer and a dashing outlaw known for stealing from the rich to give to the poor, evading the evil Sheriff of Nottingham and the corrupt Prince John, and wooing the beautiful Maid Marian.

As his legend grew, appearing in literature throughout the ages, from Shakespeare and Sir Walter Scott to countless film depictions, Robin Hood became a symbol of defiance against the ruling classes. He was the people's champion, a noble thief fighting against the wealthy aristocracy. Like the infamous Blackbeard or the mystical tales of King Arthur, the line between history and myth have blurred to create the Robin we know today. The bow-wielding, green-clad outlaw who ruled the Sherwood Forest with his outcast band of Merry Men continues to capture hearts and inspire travellers to this historic region.

The Robin Hood Way is a 110-mile (177 km) walking route, starting in Nottingham Castle and ending at Edwinstowe church. The original path, created in 1982 by the Nottingham Wayfarers Rambling Club, links iconic landmarks associated with this British folk hero, such as Sherwood Forest and Major Oak, and was later expanded in 1995 into the route we know today.

The entire route typically takes 8-10 days. The wide track is well maintained and easy to follow, with bow and arrow markers pointing your way. The trail is easily accessible from central Nottingham hotels and is considered an easy-to-moderate grade walk suitable for the whole family.

The trail is full of picturesque scenery and folklore legend. Here are some iconic highlights you'll see along the Way.

The official start of your adventure is the newly reopened Nottingham Castle. Journey back to 14th-century Nottingham with the Robin Hood Adventures interactive exhibit, where you can try your hand at digital archery or practise your quarterstaff technique with Little John. Find the infamous Robin statue nestled in the castle grounds, and look out for the relief of King Richard the Lionheart marrying Robin and Maid Marian. From here, the walking track heads south along the Nottingham Canal, past the stately Elizabethan mansion of Wollaton Hall. Watch for kestrels, deer and kingfishers as you wander the water's edge, feeling miles away from the bustle of the city after only a few minutes' walk. 

Nottingham Castle

• Open 10am–5pm daily
• Adults £12, kids under 15yrs free
• Includes museum, gallery, castle grounds, café and gift shop
• Cave tours and adventure play area on-site

As the ominous name suggests, the Thieves Wood was a historically dangerous path through the ancient Sherwood Forest, connecting Nottingham to Mansfield along the aptly named Robbers Road. Nowadays, the forest offers beautifully landscaped trails and is the perfect place for a quick detour to St Mary's Church in Blidworth, where Will Scarlett is said to be buried. 

On the next leg of your journey, you pass through rolling farmland and sprawling country parks, past the striking estates of Newstead Abbey, Archway House and Welbeck Abbey, to name a few, before reaching the top of Robin Hood's Hill, where you can watch for travellers on the roads below as our dashing highwayman surely did. Dip into Sherwood Pines for a short 4.5-mile (7 km) looping section of the trail, the Maid Marion cycle route and the Robin Hood Adventure Cycle Trail. 

Wander through beautifully untamed landscapes of wildflowers, open fields and country lanes before exploring Creswell Crags, an ancient archaeological park and one of Britain's oldest-known inhabited sites. Enjoy the museum, gorge and walking trails of this world heritage site, and tour the ancient cave system named after our infamous bandit and admire their prehistoric witch marks.

Creswell Craggs 

• Walking trails and caves are free year-round 
• Visitor Centre & Museum open February to October
• Open 10am–4.30pm
• Museum entrance £3 Adult, Children are free

This 4-hour looping route is the perfect day trip for those looking to experience the magic of this historic trail without tackling the entire route. This 8-mile (13 km) circular walk traverses Clumber Park's woodlands, heathland, manicured gardens and picturesque lakes. Marvel at the stately Lime Tree Avenue and 18th-century ornamental bridge, crumbling ruins and immense Gothic chapel. 

Clumber Park

• Open daily from 8am–6pm
• Adult £5, child £2.50, under-5's free
• Options for family tickets
• Bookshop, plant shop, café and car park on-site

At the centre of our adventure and the heart of Robin's legend lies the fabled Sherwood Forest. Once covering over 100,000 acres of rural Nottinghamshire, this National Trust nature reserve is free to explore and a highlight of the route. Take a guided nature walk with a costumed member of Robin's crew, or try your hand at archery and axe throwing like a real yeoman outlaw. Discover the secrets of the Major Oak, one of the oldest oak trees in England, and the renowned hideout and forest sanctuary of our famous Prince of Thieves. 

In August, experience the Robin Hood Festival, showcasing live re-enactments, medieval jousting, outdoor cinema, local craft fair and more. And, as a fitting end to your journey, stop at the picturesque Church of Saint Mary in Edwinstowe, where, legend says, Robin and Maid Marian were married.

Sherwood Forest

• Entrance to the park is free
• Visitor centre open year-round
• Open 10am–5pm (4.30pm in winter)
• Annual Robin Hood Festival in August, free for all ages

The Robin Hood Way combines wild countryside vistas with easy-to-reach amenities. Compared to other hiking trails in the UK, it's easy to navigate, well maintained, and a great introduction to hiking in England. Here are some top tips for experiencing this spectacular outdoor adventure:

• The trail is accessible all year, but summer is the best time to visit.
• In winter, bring a sturdy pair of Wellies and watch out for the mud.
• Pack rain gear and warm layers no matter the season, as the British weather is notoriously unpredictable.
• Carry snacks and water, and stop at small town pubs and cafés for lunch and refreshments.
• Download or print an official route map, or pick up an official Robin Hood Way Association guidebook.
• Public transport is a great way to access the trail, with buses and trains connecting the trailheads and local accommodations.
• Common places to stay along the route are Kimberly, Blidworth, Southwell and Edwinstowe, but book in advance, as these places fill up quickly.
• Nottingham offers more options for accommodation, such as Mercure Nottingham Sherwood Hotel and Ibis Nottingham Centre, and provides an easy central point to explore the Way.
• If you're pressed for time, consider one of the Way's circular walks, such as the Clumber Park loop or Sherwood Pines.

Whether you're planning a 10-day adventure or a quick day trip to the Greenwood, this historic walking route is an immersive experience of history and folklore, told through natural landscapes, rolling hills and inspiring British legend.