South Tunnel Lodge

This walk follows the Robin Hood Way from The Harley Gallery and through the Welbeck estate and ends at South Tunnel Lodge. The lodge sits at the entrance to one of Welbeck's famous tunnels, built by the 5th Duke of Portland in the late 1800s.

The walk includes a range of walking surfaces, with some slight inclines, along with concrete paths and unpaved, uneven stretches. 

 


Distance: 4.2 miles (7.6 km)(round trip)

Time: 2 hours (round trip)

Difficulty: Easy / Moderate

OS Map:  Explorer 270, Sherwood Forest  


 

Directions

1. Start from the main car park, adjacent to The Courtyard at Welbeck. (GPS 53.261234,-1.179231). Walk from the car park to the woodland path, accessible via the gate in The Courtyard at Welbeck. Be careful when crossing the road. 

The car park is open Monday - Saturday, 8am - 5pm. Sunday, 8am - 4pm. Closed Easter Sunday and over the Christmas period. Free parking.  Please note the car park is locked at close of business. (Times may vary).

2. Follow the woodland path, passing the road crossing until you get to the Robin Hood Way. (GPS 53.263743,-1.166484).

3. Turn right and walk along the tree-lined footpath until you reach a small lodge. Continue on the path through the field until you reach the large oak tree. 

4. Go straight past the tree until you reach a large wooden gate.

5. Turn left along the grass path.

4. Follow the path along for 0.4 miles (600 meters), skirting a woodland, open field and a further woodland, to a private road. (GPS 53.267395,-1.16128)

5. Turn right onto the road and follow the marker for the Robin Hood Way. Continue to follow the road, veering to the left to cross between the two lakes. (GPS 53.26699,-1.157986)

6. Follow the footpath straight across the field for 0.5 miles (1km).

7. Walk through the two gates marked for the Robin Hood Way.

7. End - South Tunnel Lodge. (GPS 53.272517,-1.149354).  

From South Tunnel Lodge, additional footpaths are available to Clumber Park and Worksop if you wish to continue your walk. Otherwise, please retrace your steps back to the car park at The Courtyard at Welbeck.

 

Dogs are welcome on the public rights of way across Welbeck, but to help us protect our wildlife, livestock, and crops, please keep them on the lead and under close control. 

 

See more walks at Welbeck...

 


The Fifth Duke of Portland 

 

The Victorian 5th Duke of Portland is famous for being the ‘burrowing duke.’ The 5th Duke spent his time and wealth at Welbeck, commissioning an impressive range of buildings that included a maze of underground tunnels. His picturesque lodges and stables are scattered across the local landscape. They were designed to reference his ancestor’s style at Bolsover Castle.

The 5th Duke of Portland built his Gas Works in about 1860, to light his underground structures. This building is now home to The Harley Gallery.

 

Find out more about the history of the Portland family.


 

Stay with us

We have a selection of holiday accommodation here on the Welbeck estate that will make your visit extra special. Stay in the heart of the Welbeck Village in The Winnings or select a stay in a nearby village at Holbeck Farm Barns or Stable Cottage in Belph.