Ogston and Brackenfield

OK, let’s start with an easy one. It’s less than six miles, fairly flat and a doddle to negotiate. Ogston Reservoir is nestled in the Amber Valley – not the borough (it’s actually in North East Derbyshire) but the valley of the river which was dammed in 1958. So what better way to mark the impending 60th anniversary of the place where Derbyshire sailing legend Dame Ellen MacArthur learned her craft than a walk taking in its attractions.

Highoredish from South Hill Lane

I’ve parked next to the sailing club on the western edge of the reservoir. From there walk back to the road and keep turning right. After a few hundred yards you’ll meet the B6014 which has a helpful walkway for most of the time you spend on it until you turn right again on South Hill Lane. When the walkway runs out, do yourself a favour and walk on the right hand side of the road facing the oncoming traffic unless you’re going round a right hand bend. In that case you’re best crossing over to avoid being inadvertently squashed into the road like a hedgehog by a vehicle which didn’t have time to see you.

Having hopefully avoided a grisly end, South Hill Lane provides an early highlight with excellent views across the reservoir to the Highoredish ridge. Or at least there would be if that weird ex-Hurricane Ophelia day hadn’t scuppered them (I popped back later to grab the above picture). The road eventually swings left. Turn sharp right when you see a sign advising that unauthorised vehicles are not permitted. You’ll continue past the water treatment works and cross the re-emerging River Amber before arriving at the eastern approach to Ogston Hall. You’ll struggle to catch a glimpse of this impressive pile as it hides in woods although a brief internet search suggests it’s not the place it used to be having been split up into flats. A gate leads you east across a meadow. When you again cross the river you’ll see six steps leading down to its eastern banks. Follow this clear path for a few hundred yards before crossing a footbridge across a stream, not the one over the railway. If you find yourself in the river or on the railway line you’ve gone wrong. Having crossed the bridge you’ll cross a couple of fields before joining a beautiful hedge-lined path which continues to arrow towards the edge of Brackenfield.

Turn right when you meet the road. This will take you to the church where you may wish to avail yourself of a rest on the bench having walked nearly four miles.  But if someone’s had the temerity to get there before you, carry on to the village green where there are plenty of other seating opportunities – you’re going that way after all. Turn right after Nether Farm (not marked on map) which is opposite the first left turn after the church and head slightly east of north for the edge of Ogston Carr. You’ll join another delightful hedge-lined path – I’m spoiling you.

The path continues in the same direction before we have our first encounter with livestock – a field full of Herefords. You have at least a couple of choices. Option one: follow in the footsteps of an ex colleague, a keen walker who would nevertheless find another route, possibly by clambering over barbed wire fences. Option two: take the advice of a former farming acquaintance and carry on regardless. If they run at you, stand your ground and hold your arms out wide. When they get too close for comfort, clap your hands loudly and they’ll scatter. If this doesn’t work you could try soiling yourself – involuntarily or otherwise – and hope that the smell might put them off but I wouldn’t bank on this working. Your life may be in grave peril. The story is obviously entirely different if you have a dog with you. You should know by now that dogs and cows don’t mix too well.

Brackenfield Church.

Having hopefully survived another near death experience or worse, the path gives you a very brief downhill glimpse of the inside of Ogston Carr before crossing a narrow field. Turn right at the junction and walk downhill to the stream (it’s a bit mucky in the bottom but there are a few stepping stones to help you on your way) before climbing up the hill. Keep to the right hand side of the field as you’ll see on your Explorer map. You’ll eventually spot a seductive squeezer stile where you should ignore the arrow which points straight ahead. Turn right for Top Farm but pause to take in the views of the reservoir and Ogston Carr in the foreground. If you look south east you’ll see the woods by Annesley near junction 27 of the M1 in the distance. But today I’ve been screwed over by Ophelia. Carry on straight through the farmyard and join the lane which will take you downhill to the reservoir car park. This last bit should be seriously plain sailing.

Start: Ogston Reservoir west car park DE55 6FN.

Highlight: Views from South Hill Lane or just west of Top Farm.

Song: Dame Ellen’s top selection on Desert Island Discs was OutKast’s most excellent Hey Ya! A very good choice your dameship.

Distance/map: 5.7 miles, OS Explorer 269 Chesterfield and Alfreton.

Lunch: Good benches outside Brackenfield Church, on the village green or back at the reservoir.

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