Sherwood Pines Ranger's Path
Nottinghamshire
Sherwood Pines is a working forest run by Forestry England between Kings Clipstone and Edwinstowe, planted largely with pine and cut through with miles of tracks where dogs can run off the lead under close control. The Ranger's Path is the longest of its three waymarked walking trails, a 7.2km loop from the main car park that follows brown waymarkers out into the quieter edges of the forest. It passes through mature pine, broadleaf woodland and patches of lowland heath, with a real chance of woodland solitude away from the busy centre. A First World War trench display sits near the forest centre. The ground is almost flat, with perhaps 40 metres of gentle rise and fall, but the trail is unsurfaced and rough in places, so it is not suitable for pushchairs.
This is a dog friendly walk with plenty of room to roam: dogs are welcome off lead at Sherwood Pines as long as they are kept under close control, and there is no livestock in the forest. The pine canopy gives shade on warm days, though there is no reliable stream for a drink, so carry water for your dog. Cycle trails cross the walking routes at several points and the forest is busy with bikes, so call your dog in at crossings. Parking is charged by length of stay, and the cafe beside the car park has outdoor seating where dogs can join you.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.2 km (4.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr
- Walk Type
- Forest, Heathland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Cafe with outdoor seating (dogs welcome outside) and toilets by the main car park; visitor centre, play areas and Go Ape.
- Parking
- Sherwood Pines main car park, Forestry England, pay by length of stay (ANPR), free for Forestry England members.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Sherwood Pines Ranger's Path, 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
Green Farm Holiday Cottages - The Pig Sty
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £523 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in NottinghamshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Sherwood Pines Ranger's Path dog friendly?
Yes, Sherwood Pines Ranger's Path is a great choice for dog owners, earning a solid 8 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. The 7.2km Ranger's Path loop takes you through mature pine, broadleaf woodland and open heath, with plenty of space to roam away from the busier forest centre. After your walk, the cafe beside the main car park has outdoor seating where dogs are welcome to join you.
Can dogs be off lead at Sherwood Pines Ranger's Path?
Dogs are welcome off lead throughout Sherwood Pines, including on the Ranger's Path, as long as they are kept under close control. There is no livestock in the forest, which makes it a relaxed off-lead environment for most dogs. The one thing to watch is the cycle trails, which cross the walking routes at several points — it's worth calling your dog in whenever you approach a crossing, as the forest sees a lot of bike traffic.
What should I know before visiting Sherwood Pines Ranger's Path with my dog?
A few things are worth knowing before you set off: there is no reliable stream along the route, so bring enough water for your dog, particularly on warmer days when the pine canopy offers shade but little else. The trail is unsurfaced and rough underfoot in places, so good footwear is a good idea. Parking at the main car park is charged by length of stay using an ANPR system, though Forestry England members park free.
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Sherwood Pines Forest Park car park, off the B6030, Kings Clipstone, Mansfield NG21 9JL
53.1675, -1.0874
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