Colwick Country Park Lakes and River Trent Circular
Nottinghamshire
Colwick Country Park lies on the east side of Nottingham between the racecourse and a loop of the River Trent, and is built around two large lakes: the 65 acre Main Lake and the 24 acre West Lake, with the smaller Old Trout Lake beside them. The lakes, dotted with small islands such as Tern Island and Martin Island, are popular with anglers, water birds and dogs with a good recall let off the lead on the open grass. This circuit of about 5km skirts Trout Lake and West Lake out towards Colwick Hall and back, passing Colwick Hall Pool nature reserve and the ruined St John's Church, with views across the Trent along the way. The walk is flat with only the odd slight gradient, and the main paths are well maintained with surfaces suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.
This is a dog friendly park where dogs are welcome, and with no livestock and plenty of open grass, a dog with good recall can have some freedom away from the busiest paths. Anglers line the lakes, so keep your dog close past fishing pegs and away from lines and bait, and on a lead near the nature reserve and the play area. The level paths suit older dogs, though there is little shade in summer. Free parking is at the end of Racecourse Road beyond Colwick Hall, with a small paid car park by the fishing lodge on River Road, and there are toilets in the park.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.0 km (3.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 20 min
- Walk Type
- Lake, River, Park
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Toilets in the park (portable toilets while the main block is repaired); fishing lodge information point; no cafe confirmed on site.
- Parking
- Free car park at the end of Racecourse Road (Nottingham City Council); small paid car park by the fishing lodge on River Road.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Colwick Country Park Lakes and River Trent Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Honies Farm Barns - The Barley Store
Sleeps 4 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £581 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in NottinghamshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Colwick Country Park Lakes and River Trent Circular dog friendly?
Yes, Colwick Country Park is a dog-friendly space with plenty of open grass, no livestock, and flat, well-maintained paths that suit dogs of all ages. It earns a 7/10 on our dog-friendly rating, making it a solid choice for a lakeside walk with your dog near Nottingham.
Can dogs be off lead at Colwick Country Park Lakes and River Trent Circular?
Dogs with a reliable recall can enjoy some freedom on the open grass away from the busier paths. That said, you'll want to keep your dog on the lead near the nature reserve and the play area, and close by your side when passing fishing pegs to avoid lines and bait.
What should I know before visiting Colwick Country Park Lakes and River Trent Circular with my dog?
The 5km circuit is flat with well-surfaced paths, so it works well for older or less mobile dogs, though be aware there's little shade in summer. Toilets are available in the park (currently portable while the main block is repaired), and parking is free at the end of Racecourse Road, with a small paid option by the fishing lodge on River Road. There's no confirmed café on site, so it's worth bringing your own water and snacks for you and your dog.
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Racecourse Road Car Park, Colwick Country Park, Colwick, Nottingham NG2 4BH
52.9472, -1.1033
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