The best walks and hikes around Cottingham
4.5
(287)
1,284
hikers
96
hikes
Hikes around Cottingham explore the landscape of East Yorkshire, which includes a mix of local nature reserves, gentle hills, and paths along waterways. The area features several woodlands, such as Nutwood and Dene Woodland, providing varied walking trails. The terrain is generally composed of public footpaths through open countryside and well-maintained trails within parks like the Humber Bridge Country Park.
Best hiking trails around Cottingham
- The most popular hiking route is East Carlton Country Park loop from Cottingham, a 5.0 mile (8.1 km) trail that takes around 2 hours 10 minutes to complete. This moderate route features a mix of parkland and countryside paths.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is East Carlton Country Park β The George at Ashley loop from East Carlton, a moderate 7.3 mile (11.8 km) path. The terrain includes ascents through fields and wooded areas, with a total elevation gain of 168 meters.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the East Carlton Country Park loop from East Carlton, a 4.1 mile (6.7 km) trail leading through the country park, often completed in about 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Hiking around Cottingham is defined by walks through country parks, pastoral fields, and quiet woodlands. The network of public footpaths offers both easy, shorter walks and more moderate Cottingham circular walks for different fitness levels.
- The routes in Cottingham are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 200 reviews. More than 1,200 hikers have used komoot to explore Cottingham's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
4.7
(3)
17
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
16
hikers
6.78km
01:47
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
24
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
16
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
13
hikers
11.8km
03:08
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This countryside park has ample car parking, open dawn-dusk and is free. Head to the left when entering the car park to avoid height restrictions if carrying bikes on the roof! We found this to be a great start/finish point for our Rutland ride.
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A lovely 102-acre (41 ha) country park, East Carlton is located near the town of Corby. It was once a deer park centred around a historic hall. The present iteration was built in 1870 in an Italianate style with French pavilion roofs. Today, the park contains beautiful woodland, small lakes, a dinosaur safari, a campsite, heritage centre and a cafe.
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Cafe with good coffee and food. Indoor and outdoor seating
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many hiking trails to choose from around Cottingham?
Yes, there are over 100 hiking routes to explore around Cottingham. These range from short, easy walks to more challenging day hikes, with the majority being of moderate difficulty.
What do other hikers think of the trails in the Cottingham area?
The trails are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the mix of quiet woodlands, open countryside, and well-maintained parkland paths.
Are there any good circular walks starting from Cottingham?
Absolutely. Many routes are designed as loops so you can end where you started. For a longer, more challenging circular hike through varied scenery, consider the Corby Lake β East Carlton Country Park loop from Corby, which covers over 18 km.
Can I take my dog on the hiking trails near Cottingham?
Many trails in the area are suitable for dogs, but one of the best spots is the Humber Bridge Country Park. This popular, dog-friendly nature reserve has 21 hectares of woodland and grassland trails to explore. Always check local signage for leash regulations.
Where can I find easy, family-friendly walks?
For a simple and accessible walk that's great for families, Dene Woodland offers a short, pleasant loop path. Another excellent choice is the Millbeck Wildlife Area, which provides a beautiful park setting for easy exploration.
Are there any local nature reserves with walking trails?
Yes, the area has several nature reserves perfect for walking. The Humber Bridge Country Park is a large, highly-regarded reserve with numerous trails and a bird-feeding station. For a quieter experience, the Millbeck Wildlife Area is another great option.
What are the best places for a woodland walk?
If you enjoy walking through the woods, Nutwood is a great choice, offering beautiful sights through a lovely wooded area with some hilly and uneven terrain. For a gentler woodland experience, Dene Woodland provides a very easy, short loop.
Where can I find good parking for a hike near Cottingham?
Many popular walking spots have nearby parking. For walks in the Humber Bridge Country Park, there is dedicated parking available. If you're heading to the Millbeck Wildlife Area, visitors often park near the adjacent sports centre.
Are there any trails with historical points of interest?
Yes, you can combine hiking with history in this region. The Nevill Holt Village β Nevill Holt Estate loop from Great Easton is a moderate walk that takes you through the scenic landscape surrounding the historic Nevill Holt Estate.
How can I get to the hiking trails using public transport?
Cottingham has a train station that provides good access to the town and the start of many local footpaths. From the town centre, you can connect to a network of public paths that lead into the surrounding countryside, including routes towards Skidby and the Yorkshire Wolds.
Are there any pub walks in the Cottingham area?
Yes, combining a good walk with a pub stop is a popular activity here. The East Carlton Country Park β The George at Ashley loop from East Carlton is a great example, as this moderate route is perfectly planned to include a stop at The George pub in Ashley.
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