Vicar Water Country Park

Situated just behind the shops in Clipstone this  small but delightful country park comes as a surprise to most people.  Laid out around Vicar Pond, clever use has been made of the pit tips. The tipping raised the height of Ann Bowers Hill substantially and is now one of the best vantage points for looking across Sherwood Forest. Be warned – it can be a tough climb to the top if you are not fit. West Burton power station 19 miles away can be seen and it claimed that the spire of Lincoln Cathedral 25 miles away can be seen on the clearest days.   There is now a direction board at the top to help you identify the landmarks.

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There are car parks at the entrance and by the pond with a well surfaced almost level path around the pond. National Cycle Route 6 passes through the park connecting it to Kings Clipstone one way and Sherwood Pines the other. The Timberland Trail provides a connection to Mansfield.

Rumbles Cafe is in the Visitors Centre(toilets) with a  children’s play area outside. The small pond at this end of the site has ducks although these don’t hang around when the model boats are there.

Walks

Kings Clipstone walk 3 Leisurely – 7 miles (11.2km)  Starting at Vicar Water Country Park across to the Maun Valley, then to Kings Clipstone returning along the Vicar Water Valley. Recommended

Kings Clipstone walk 4 Leisurely – 6 miles (8.4km)   A fairly flat walk starting from Vicar Water Country Park across to Clipstone Drive, then along Squires Lane to Kings Clipstone before returning up Bog Lane. Recommended

Kings Clipstone walk 6 Leisurely – 7 miles (11.2km)   Starts at Vicar Water Country Park. Then follows by an attractive route through Sherwood Pines. The route uses the wide verge on the B6030 to get to Kings Clipstone and finally returns up the Vicar Water valley. Recommended

Five Parks walk  Moderate but beware the length – 14 miles (22.5km). Mostly on good tracks or grass. A lot to see if you do your research first. Good spacing of tea rooms/pubs along the way. Recommended but long