Farnsfield

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 9.38 miles

A Circular Escape Through the Nottinghamshire Countryside: Farnsfield, Bilsthorpe, and Kirklington

The Nottinghamshire countryside is renowned for its network of former railway lines and ancient footpaths, and this circular route starting from Farnsfield is one of the best ways to experience it. By combining the well-loved Southwell Trail with local farm tracks, this walk offers a diverse landscape that transitions from sheltered trails to wide-open views across the county's rolling fields.

Setting Off from Farnsfield

The journey begins in the heart of Farnsfield village, where a small, convenient car park serves as the gateway to the Southwell Trail. Heading out from the village, you join the trail as it stretches toward Bilsthorpe. This initial leg of the journey follows the old railway bed, providing a level and straightforward path that is perfect for warming up. For those walking with four-legged companions, this section offers excellent dog-friendly opportunities with plenty of space for pets to enjoy some off-lead exercise.

Navigating Toward Bilsthorpe and the Rural Footpaths

As the route approaches Bilsthorpe, the terrain shifts from the maintained trail onto a network of traditional local footpaths. This is where the walk truly enters the rural heart of the area. It is important to note that these field paths can become quite muddy, particularly during the wetter months of the year. To navigate these stretches comfortably, sensible footwear like waterproof hiking boots is an absolute must. From Bilsthorpe, the path leads you away from the village and deep into the quiet, scenic farmland that characterises this part of the East Midlands.

The Return Loop via Kirklington

The next milestone on this circular trek is the charming village of Kirklington. This segment of the walk offers some of the most impressive scenic views of the trip, as the path climbs and dips through active farmland. Walking through these fields provides a firsthand look at the beauty of the local landscape before the route begins its final leg back toward Farnsfield. The variety of scenery from the linear path of the Southwell Trail to the meandering farm tracks near Kirklington, ensures the walk remains engaging from start to finish.

Further Information

Farnsfield, Bilsthorpe, and Kirklington form a fascinating trio of villages in central Nottinghamshire, each representing a different thread of English history - from ancient Viking-era farmsteads to the industrial legacy of the coalfields.

Farnsfield: The "Field of Ferns"

Farnsfield is one of the oldest settlements in the area, first recorded in 956 AD. It sat within the boundary of Sherwood Forest for centuries, governed by strict "Forest Laws" until the 1700s.

The Blind Postman: One of the village’s most legendary figures was George Yates, who served as the postman for over 30 years in the mid-19th century despite being totally blind. He walked 12 miles every single day to Southwell and back, reportedly guided by the sound of the church bells.
The Halifax Bomber Memorial: On the hill just south of the village, a memorial stands at the site where a Halifax Bomber crashed in July 1944. Seven English oak trees and two Canadian maples were planted to honor the crew who lost their lives.
Quaker History: The village was an early stronghold for Quakerism; George Fox, the founder of the Quakers, is believed to have visited in 1646. You can still walk down Quaker Lane, where many original Quaker houses remain.

Bilsthorpe: A "Model" Mining Village

While Kirklington and Farnsfield remained largely agricultural, Bilsthorpe was transformed in the 1920s by the discovery of coal.

The Bilsthorpe Colliery: Sunk between 1925 and 1928, it was a major industrial site until its closure in 1997. It is remembered for its resilience but also for tragedy; a major accident during the initial sinking of the shafts in 1927 killed 14 men. A memorial lamp in the village commemorates those lost.
Bilsthorpe Heritage Museum: This is a hidden gem for local history, housing a massive collection of mining memorabilia, including original banners and equipment that tell the story of the village's "Model Village" design.
The CLASP Library: The village library is an architectural curiosity - built using the "CLASP" system, a type of modular building designed specifically to withstand the ground movement and subsidence common in mining areas.

Kirklington: The Quiet Crossing

Kirklington is a peaceful, smaller village that serves as a gateway between the busier towns of Newark and Mansfield.

St. Swithun’s Church: The village church is unique for its 17th-century brick tower—an unusual feature for that period, as very few churches were being built or significantly altered during that time.
The Southwell Trail: The village sits on this scenic 7.5-mile path, which follows the route of the old Midland Railway. It’s a brilliant corridor for wildlife, where you can spot birds of prey like sparrowhawks and kestrels.

Surrounding Area & Nature

The landscape here is geologically "split," which creates a unique variety of nature:

The North (Farnsfield/Bilsthorpe): Sits on Sherwood Sandstone, which is acidic and supports scrubland and acid grasslands.
The South (Kirklington/Southwell): Sits on Mercia Mudstone, which is much richer and creates lush, species-rich meadows and thick woodlands.

Local Tip: If you enjoy walking, the Southwell Trail links all three areas. It's flat, easy to navigate, and passes through the old Kirklington station platform, which is still visible today.