Walking, Cycling and Horse Riding

We have produced a booklet entitled 'Heels, Wheels and Hooves' that provides detailed maps for all levels of walks, cycle routes and bridle paths around the borough. For more information, please download the leaflet below:

For more information, please browse the walking, cycling and Horse Riding sections below.

Walking

There are many walks within the borough and the surrounding areas. We are crossed by four 'major routes,' these are long distance footpaths which form part of a larger network. The different routes are:

We have many rights of way for walkers, horse and cycle riders. Various other self guided walks have been planned with the aid of the Ramblers Association.

Get Going in Gedling is our free healthy walking scheme that helps people increase their levels of physical activity, with more information available on our Get Going in Gedling page.

Greenwood Community Forest have also produced a series of booklets promoting healthy walking in and around Greenwood Community Forest and Sherwood Forest for able bodied and disabled people. You can find out more by contacting 01623 827 322 or emailing greenwood@nottscc.gov.uk

Cycling

Rural Rides is a programme of guided cycle rides in Nottinghamshire, following quiet lanes and off road routes at a leisurely pace. The rides include frequent stops allowing you to take in points of interest or just simply admire the view.

The routes are designed for the casual rider, and are suitable for all shapes and sizes of cycle and cyclist alike! Simply select the ride of your choice from the programme and turn up at the start point stated. All rides are free of charge although there may be charges for car parking at some start points.

Most of the leaders act in a purely voluntary capacity. They are however experts on the rides and will lead and offer a wealth of local knowledge along the way.

For more information about the Rural Rides scheme, please visit Nottinghamshire County Council's Rural Rides page. (External site)

How Long, How Far?

Duration of the rides are stated in the ride programme. Although all rides are broken by regular stops to take in the views, you should be reasonably fit to join the longer rides. Rides are categorized as follows:

If you would like more information or would like to request a programme of the rides, please contact Nottinghamshire County Council Communities on 0115 977 2166 or email countrysideaccess@nottscc.gov.uk

Horse Riding

A number of woods and bridle paths are open to horse riders. Some allow free range over an area and others offer a network of marked riding routes. Blidworth Woods, once known as "Assart Woods" and Ravenshead Woods off Longdale Lane are popular recreation spots with a network of waymarked walks and a separate set of horse riding trails. A permit is required for all horse riding.

The Forestry Commission, through its Forest Enterprise Division, will licence riders therefore allowing them to use their land. The locations listed below are closest to the Borough of Gedling:-

For further information please contact the Forestry Commission on 01623 812 2447.

Existing Rides available close to the Borough of Gedling are:-

A leaflet detailing bridleways within Bestwood Country Park can be obtained from the Park Office, Bestwood Lodge Drive, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 8PD, telephone 01159 670 042.

For more information and route maps, please visit Nottinghamshire County Council's Countryside Access page. (External site)

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