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A 5.1 km circuit of Colwick’s two lakes, with open water, wooded shorelines and a quieter stretch beside the River Trent. Allow around two hours at a relaxed pace, including time to watch the waterbirds. The route uses established park paths and stays outside the private marina and Colwick Hall’s hotel grounds.
Start at the free Colwick Country Park car park at the end of Racecourse Road, reached by driving past Nottingham Racecourse and Colwick Hall Hotel. Use the park car park, rather than hotel or event parking. Follow the park paths east to the link between the lakes, then turn north along the western shore of the larger trout lake. Continue round its northern and eastern sides, passing the River Road entrance, and follow the public southern shore path back towards West Lake. Circle West Lake beside the Trent and return through the park to Racecourse Road.
The walking is mostly level, with a mixture of surfaced and gravel paths. Expect puddles and muddy edges after rain; follow on-site closures if flooding affects the riverside section. Lake and river edges are unguarded, so keep children close, give anglers room and keep dogs under control around wildlife. These paths are shared with cyclists and other visitors. No swimming is included.
Park entry and the Racecourse Road car park are free. Nottingham City Council currently reports that the main toilet block is closed because of a pipeline fault, with portable toilets available instead. The River Road car park has separate charges and is not the start point for this walk. Check the council’s visitor information and signs before travelling, particularly after heavy rain.
Route planning and visitor information: Nottingham City Council’s Colwick Country Park page (https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/colwickcp), its park map, and the Colwick Park self-guided walk published by Nottinghamshire Guided Walks (https://nottsguidedwalks.co.uk/self-guided-walks/colwick-park-self-guided-walk/). This circuit uses the main park paths rather than the optional narrow Wardens Walk.
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