Linacre Park & 3 Reservoirs loop

Explore the Linacre Park & 3 Reservoirs loop, an easy 3.2-mile (5.2 km) hike with a gentle 195 feet (59 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 23 minutes. You will wander through ancient woodlands, where majestic oaks and beeches stand tall, and in spring, vibrant bluebells carpet the forest floor. The well-maintained paths, a mix of gravel, crushed stone, and red shale, lead you around three historic reservoirs, offering calming open water views.

This popular route is generally accessible, with some sections around the middle reservoir suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Be aware that the trail can get muddy after rain, and while the boardwalk around the Upper Reservoir has been replaced with a stone causeway, care is still advised, especially if you are with young children. You will find picnic areas and public toilets available, and sometimes an ice cream van during summer months.

The reservoirs, originally built between 1855 and 1904 to supply water to Chesterfield, are now managed as a thriving habitat for wildlife. Keep an eye out for nuthatches, kingfishers, and mandarin ducks, especially in the Upper Reservoir, which is a designated nature reserve where dogs must be kept on leads. Adding a unique touch to your walk, you will also discover intricately carved wooden sculptures and totem poles, depicting figures like the Green Man and an owl, hidden along the way.