Clumber Park

Clumber Park used to be the site of one of the huge stately homes that gave this area of Nottinghamshire the name 'The Dukeries'. Now though all that remains are a Gothic Revival chapel, various practical buildings which now provide visitor facilities, and a walled garden. The formal gardens are long gone too, but nothing has disturbed the wider estate. 

Clumber's situated at one of those awkward distances from home which seem a bit far for an afternoon out so we haven't visited for maybe thirty years! As a result we didn't know where paths led through the estate and the maps on display didn't seem overly helpful as there were no distances marked. I'd checked out routes on the NT website the day before and thought a couple of short walks looked good - but these didn't seem to be marked on the display boards or by signposts.

After a potter along the lakeside by the chapel, looking at the amazing number of swans, we thought we'd put off any decision making by having lunch, with a distant lake view through the gap in the hedge.

And then headed southwest roughly parallel to the lake.

My intention was to walk as far as the bridge which separates the two lakes. It's quite a famous (or infamous bridge) - used for years as part of the Lombard RAC Rally with high performance cars flying over its high point as a 'yump', and later smashed up my locals presumably attempting the same but smashing into the balustrade. 

By now I'd worked up some enthusiasm for walking, and, spurred on by spotting a sign which said it was only two miles to Hardwick village at the far end of the lake, we decided to continue.

The far side of the lake seemed wilder in comparison to the terraces of the former house site, and affords good views back to the chapel

Unfortunately, by roughly the halfway point, I started to find a problem with one knee - it's a small recurring thing not of much trouble usually but I'd upset it somehow this day and of course at a point where to return would be as long as carrying on forward. So I hobbled the rest of the way (and of course I didn't moan - a lot). Fortunately there were seats along the way, though each short rest was longer than the last.

The early sunset due to the clock change took me a bit by surprise, and by the time we reached Hardwick it was setting. The paths were still easy to see - broad and well surfaced - but if I'm to be out much as winter comes I must remember to check distance and daylight hours.