A Walk in Byron Country

Famed for its association with the poet Lord Byron, the grounds of Newstead Abbey contains a picturesque country park and with the nearby villages of Papplewick and Linby, it’s the perfect walking route. One of the Visit Nottinghamshire team recently put on their walking shoes to experience it for themselves and check if it’s really as good as people say.

The forecast was good so off we trotted for a planned 3 hour walk. Whilst I’ve always thought Papplewick was an attractive village, I didn’t fully expect the beautiful countryside that we experienced along the way. Tree lined country paths and hidden areas of stunning scenery set the tone for a truly magical rural walk. At Papplewick, we passed the church which is famed for yew trees that were supposedly used by outlaws to create longbows. On the day we passed it was being lovingly set for a wedding with homemade bunting. Very quickly after the church we discovered a beautiful lake behind open fields and on the edge of woodland. The route continued on into Linby where the Horse and Groom pub was an enticing site in the summer sun. I resisted temptation to stop for a beer and we ventured on back towards the Abbey grounds.

On route back to the grounds, a raised view point in Freckland Wood was the perfect place to stop and have a picnic overlooking scenic countryside. From here we were quickly able to get back into Newstead from the private road entrance. When we arrived back to the Abbey, swans were swimming in the lake, people lazed in the sun with the Sunday papers, the peacocks chirped and cricket was being played. Our route had passed through some quintessential English villages and countryside to return to a very British setting and all was good in the world. I was very pleasantly surprised by just how scenic this route is and I would strongly recommend it to anyone wanting a walk in England’s countryside. Give it a go and explore the outdoors. I’ll do it again only next time be sure to stop off at the pub!

2024 marks 200 years since Lord Byron’s passing. Here in Nottingham and　Nottinghamshire we are celebrating his life and legacy with a host of events and activities taking place throughout the year. Please click here for more details.