Oxton and Epperstone
Another two very attractive villages that have managed to retain their rural charm and are really worth exploring on foot. Oxton has a very informative map on Main Street. Whilst in Oxton make sure you visit the listed petrol pump at the old forge on Forest Road.
Whilst not part of the sandlands Sherwood Forest they were part of the Royal Forest. Being on Keuper Marl(clay) this part of the Forest has a very different feel with its dumbles and bogs. Dumble is a local word this part of Nottinghamshire for the many small streams coming down from the hills above.
There are some fine walks on the ridge above the two villages, although they can get very sticky after rain. A walk to Robin Hoods Hills to look at the view and see the remains of the Bronze Age settlement is well worth it. .Look under ‘About Oxton’ tab of the Oxton Village website
Walks Clay soil so slippery in the winter
Epperstone walk 1 Moderate – 2.6 miles (4.2km). There is a steep hill. Some very fine views, wonderful range of wildflowers in June/July and many fine buildings including a wonderful dovecote on Main Street. Recommend for the early summer wild flowers
Epperstone walk 2 Leisurely – 1.8 miles (2.9km) or 2.1miles (3.4km) if at Village Hall. No serious hills on this one though there are some steps and stiles. Many fine buildings including a wonderful dovecote on Main Street plus a walk across the water meadow.
Oxton Village walks Easy – 1.3 miles (2.1km) – it is not every day you can see a Listed petrol pump! Leisurely if you walk all the way up Honeyknab Lane. This is a byway 1.3 miles(2.1km) long. It’s the only there and back walk we have included but it is very quiet, rough but firm surface, gently rising to give good views of the well wooded hills around.
Sherwood Forest Information 