Category: Long Walks

The walk on 2 June commenced from Staunton Harold Visitor Centre on a pleasant day, providing ideal conditions for exploring the varied landscapes around the reservoir and surrounding countryside.

Leaving the visitor centre, the group followed the path alongside Staunton Harold Reservoir, enjoying expansive views across the water before reaching White Leys. From there, the route continued through Calke Park Nature Reserve, where the rich mix of woodland and open habitats offered plenty of interest. A short distance further brought us to the tranquil setting of Betty’s Pond, a popular spot for wildlife.

The walk then passed through the Calke Abbey Grounds, skirting Deer’s Cote Spinney and continuing towards Standley’s Barn. The route followed the edge of Poker’s Ley’s before entering the village of Ticknall, where walkers enjoyed views of the historic village and surrounding countryside.

Leaving Ticknall, the group entered Staunton Woods, following well-maintained woodland paths beneath a canopy of mature trees. The route then crossed Gorsey Leys, an attractive area of open countryside offering excellent views across the estate.

The final section returned to Staunton Harold Visitor Centre, completing a varied and enjoyable circular walk featuring reservoirs, woodland, nature reserves, parkland, and village scenery throughout.

Mark

May 5^th Walk from Ashover

Our May walk set off from Ashover’s village hall under clear, sunny skies — perfect weather for exploring this beautiful corner of Derbyshire. We climbed steadily toward Appletree Knoll, rewarded with wide views across the hills, before continuing to Northedge Farm and the quiet Press Reservoirs.

The route then led us through the dappled shade of Sleigh Wood and past the Great Ponds of Stubbing, where the water was calm and bright in the afternoon sun. A gentle descent brought us to Bole Hill Quarry and through Alton, adding a touch of local history to the day. We finished back at the starting point and some local liquid refreshments

Our thanks to Steve Evens for once again leading this interesting 8-mile walk.

The rocky outcrop-the lunch stop with a view

On the trail

Silverhill Car Park to Pleasley Headstocks via the Teversal Trail. Returning via the Skegby Trail.

A 9 mile circular, undulating in parts but generally an easy-going walk on traffic-free trails, starting at Silverhill Car Park, passing the ‘Testing for Gas’ miners’ statue, continuing along the Teversal Trail to lunch at the Pleasley Headstocks and museum, then returning via the Skegby Trail — and the bonus was a nice sunny day.

The walk highlights included:

• Mining heritage landmarks, including the “Testing for Gas” statue.
• Long, traffic-free sections on the Teversal Trail and Skegby Trail.
• Pleasley Headstocks industrial heritage site and museum.
• Great in dry, bright weather with plenty of open views

5^th May Walk

An 8-mile walk is planned to start from Ashover

Meet at the Ashover Parish Hall free car park (please park at the far end)

Milken Lane S45 0AD at 9.45am for a 10am start

David Rose

Our March walk began at Calton Lees, near the magnificent Chatsworth House, on a crisp spring morning. From the car park we set off along a quiet lane towards the small hamlet of Calton, passing Calton Houses and the charming Russian Cottage as the countryside gradually opened around us. The route then led us into the picturesque village of Edensor, where we paused to visit St Peter’s Church. In the peaceful churchyard are the graves of Kathleen Cavendish, Marchioness of Hartington and sister of President John F. Kennedy, whose life was tragically cut short in 1948, and also at the resting place of Deborah Cavendish, one of the Mitford sisters, who married Andrew Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire.

Leaving the village, we walked back past the sweeping parkland surrounding Chatsworth House before tackling the steady climb of 163 steps to the Hunting Tower. The effort was rewarded with fine views over the estate, where we stopped for a well-earned lunch. Refreshed, we continued our route past the tranquil Emperor Lake, and then crossed the open landscape of Beeley Moor with its ancient Neolithic stone circle. Finally, the path curved back through rolling fields to Calton Lees, completing a memorable and varied countryside walk.

Mark Thornley

The February walk which started from The Nabb Inn was ably led by Angela Francis.

To avoid waterlogged fields and muddy footpaths we began an urban route to a footpath next to Eelhole Farm. From there the route was mainly through woodland and eventually returned via The Misk Hills and ‘Grannie’s Steps’.

Tuesday 3^rd March

Steve Evans will be leading a walk which starts at Calton Lees car park at the Chatsworth Estate Garden Centre

DE4 2NX

28 miles from Hucknall, about 50 minutes driving.

Meet at 9.45 for a 10.00am start

The walking distance is just over 8 miles, and the car park should be free (until Easter)

David Rose (on behalf of Mark Thornley Group Leader)