Category: Long Walks

On 2nd September this year, we completed a pleasant circular walk beginning and ending in Brackenfield, taking in the villages of Woolley and Woolley Moor, before skirting the edge of Ogston Reservoir and returning, via Ogston. The route covered varied terrain, offering a mixture of village charm, open countryside, and scenic waterside paths.

Setting out from Brackenfield, the morning was bright but cool, with hints of autumn beginning to colour the hedgerows. The gentle ascent towards Woolleygave wide views over the Amber Valley, while the church and stone cottages provided a reminder of the area’s long history. Continuing to Woolley Moor, the path crossed rolling farmland, alive with late summer bird activity.

From here, the route dropped steadily towards the reservoir. Walking along its wooded edge was a highlight, with calm reflections across the water and occasional glimpses of sailing boats and noting sightings of herons and grebes.

The return to Brackenfield was gradual and easy, passing hedgerows heavy with blackberries. The full circuit took just under four hours at a steady pace. Overall, this circular walk combined rural tranquillity with rich scenery, making it a thoroughly rewarding route to mark the beginning of autumn.

Mark Thornley

On 5th August, a circular walk took place starting at Holmbrook Valley Country Park, a green space known for its meadows, ponds, and woodland paths. The morning began under mild summer skies, with participants setting out from the park’s visitor area. The route first followed winding trails through wildflower grasslands, offering views of butterflies and songbirds.

From Holmbrook, the walk continued towards Barlow Country Park, passing along shaded lanes and hedgerows. This section provided a mix of open fields and gentle climbs, with opportunities to spot waterfowl in the park’s wetlands. A short rest stop allowed walkers to enjoy the peaceful scenery and take photographs.

The route then led to Linacre Reservoir, a tranquil stretch of water surrounded by trees and reeds. Here, walkers paused to watch ducks and geese, while enjoying a cooling breeze across the water. The reservoir path looped back towards Holmbrook, linking up with woodland tracks that gradually descended into the country park.

In total, the walk covered approximately 8.5 miles, combining varied landscapes and habitats. The group returned in the afternoon, pleased with the relaxed pace, sociable atmosphere, and the chance to explore three distinct local nature areas in one rewarding circular route.

Mark Thornley

Cromford Canal to Crich Stand (Crich Memorial) – Tuesday 3rd June

On Tuesday, we enjoyed a scenic circular walk beginning at Cromford Canal in Derbyshire. The weather was mild and dry, making for pleasant walking conditions. Setting off from Ambergate, we followed the peaceful towpath northward, enjoying  glimpses of local wildlife, including ducks with ducklings, moorhens, and a pair of swans with cygnets. The canal was lined with lush greenery and occasional historical remnants of the area’s industrial heritage.

After a leisurely stretch along the water, we turned west and began the steady ascent toward Crich. The route took us through farmland and wooded paths, gradually climbing to the Crich Stand War Memorial, which offered panoramic views across the Derwent Valley and as far as the Peak District. The memorial itself, standing tall against the skyline, was a poignant highlight and provided a perfect rest spot.

After lunch we began our descent, which looped through quiet country lanes and open fields, eventually rejoining the canal path and returning to Ambergate. The round trip, of 8.40 miles, took around four hours at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time for photography and refreshment breaks. Overall, the walk was a rewarding blend of natural beauty, local history, and peaceful countryside.

Mark

On the 5th of May 2025, a guided circular walk commenced from the Creswell Crags visitor centre, exploring a variety of local landscapes. The walk began around the Crags themselves, providing an early opportunity to appreciate the dramatic limestone gorge and prehistoric caves. From there, the route passed through the nearby model village, offering a glimpse into the historic layout and charm of early 20th-century industrial housing.

Continuing onward, the path meandered through a stretch of peaceful wooded landscape, rich in spring foliage and birdsong. This section provided both shade and tranquillity, with opportunities to observe local wildlife and wildflowers. The walk then took us past a working quarry, a stark contrast to the woodland.

The circular route concluded with a return to Creswell Crags, where participants had the opportunity to explore the visitor centre and its exhibitions on Ice Age archaeology and local geology and a nice cup of tea. The walk covered a variety of terrains and environments, offering a rewarding blend of history, nature, and scenic views. It was both educational and refreshing, with excellent participation and engagement throughout.

The April walk started from Vicar Water Country Park – which is just to the south of Clipstone village. It has been created on the site of a former colliery, transforming this former industrial site into a heath land, woodland and grassland and offers spectacular views across to Derbyshire and Lincolnshire.

At the centre of the park is Vicar Pond, a large fishing lake created by the fifth Duke of Portland in the 1870s. In the past the lake has been used for boating and swimming. 

Vicar Water is actually the stream that flows through and we could see the work being carried out to restore its original meandering course to the River Maun.

Part of our walk was through Kings Clipstone then along the River Maun and another conservation area called Spa Ponds before returning to our starting point

The next long walk is on 6^th May

Mark Thornley