Blidworth
Originally a farming community built on the highest part of the very large glacial terminal moraine. In mediaeval times it was a good site for a village as the soil was more fertile than the surrounding sand-lands of the Forest. Blidworth expanded rapidly when the mining village was constructed in the valley.
The current Church of St. Mary of the Purification dates from 1739. The first church on the site was wooden but the Saxons replaced that wooden structure with stone. It is the Saxon church, in the rear graveyard, that is associated with the legends of Robin Hood. Will Scarlet is said to be buried against the walls of the remains of this beautiful church.
Forestry Commission entry for Blidworth Woods.
Walks
Blidworth walk 1 Moderate – 4.6 miles (7.4km) Some arable field walking and hills. A walk with a number of Robin Hood connections. There is an interpretation installation at the Moat. Recommended
Blidworth walk 2 Leisurely – 1.6 miles (2.6km) Pleasant stroll round the older parts of the village with ups and downs though.
Blidworth walk 3 Leisurely – 2.8 miles (4.5km) Pleasant stroll along quiet by-way, through fields with nice pond and the old part of the village. Some ups and downs. There are some nettles on the narrowest part of the footpath.
Blidworth walk 4 Leisurely – 6.0 miles (9.6km) The Blidworth half-round. Forestry tracks or similar. Some hills to go up and down. Recommended
Blidworth walk 5 Leisurely – 7.6 miles (12.2km) The Blidworth three quarters-round. Same above but the last part through the old part of the village. Two stiles on the section along the footpath.
Blidworth walk 6 Moderate – 8.8 miles (14.1km) The Blidworth full-round. Similar to above but more of the footpaths to the west of the village more ups and downs and some nettles on narrowest part of the path but nice pond and views.
Sherwood Forest Information 