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A longer circuit of Cotgrave Country Park, combining the Grantham Canal, Heron Lake and the wooded paths around Windmill Hill. The saved route is about 6 km. Allow 2¼ hours at a relaxed pace, with time to pause at the water and viewpoints.
Start at the public car park off Hollygate Lane. Follow the pedestrian link west into the park, then head north alongside the canal. Continue past the lock and bridge near Dragonfly Lake and follow the park paths towards its north-west corner. Turn east along the northern boundary path, staying inside the park rather than walking on Stragglethorpe Road. Take Colliers Mount south past Heron Lake and follow the paths towards the canal footbridge near Kingfisher Pond. Cross into the western part of the park, walk around Windmill Hill and descend to Bluebell Spinney. The southern path leads back across the canal on the Hollygate Lane bridge’s pedestrian route, then to the car park.
The park occupies reclaimed colliery land, with lakes, woodland and open slopes. Most of the circuit follows established gravel or surfaced paths, but the woodland slopes and steps make it unsuitable as a guaranteed step-free walk. Expect puddles and slippery patches after rain. Keep back from unguarded water edges and give cyclists and horse riders room on shared paths. Use the bridges, not the lock gates, to cross the canal, and keep dogs under close control near wildlife and other visitors.
Nottinghamshire County Council lists free admission and parking at Hollygate Lane, near NG12 3HE. There are no toilets or refreshment facilities in the park, so bring water and plan accordingly. Use the signed public car park rather than the nearby private sports-ground parking. Follow any local closure notices and walk in daylight.
This circuit uses the park paths shown on Nottinghamshire County Council’s Cotgrave map, with the current pedestrian link from Hollygate Lane. Park information: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/culture-leisure/country-parks . Council map: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/media/1395/cotgrave-country-parkmap.pdf
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