LINACRE RESERVOIRS

APRIL 2018 WALK EVERY DAY FOR A WEEK CHALLENGE – DAY 2

Linacre reservoirs ( Lower, Middle and Upper) build between 1855 and 1904 and now managed by Severn Trent Water are based just outside Chesterfield, only about 25 min from Sheffield. They used to supply water to Chesterfield, but become non-operational in 1995 and nowadays they are managed for visitors and wildlife and provide a popular local amenity.

The reservoirs are surrounded by pleasant woodland and easily accessible via a network of well-maintained bridlepaths, cycle tracks and footpaths. The ambience is very peaceful, the quiet interrupted only by the trills of birds. Walking is easy (though can be muddy in places) and many areas are wheelchair accessible. Good car parking (although there is a charge the rates are very reasonable) and toilets by the ranger base.

There are some picnic areas and rustic seats throughout the area. All in all it’s a lovely place for a family stroll and picnic and a spot of bird watching but families with children should be aware that there is easy access to deep water. We had a great time.

We arrived at the car park (Sat Nav post code S42 7JW ) after midday and it just started raining. But luckily about half way through our walk it cleared up and became sunny and cheerful. Our son was happy that he could take his scooter. Although my husband carried it few times when it was slightly up hill, uneven surface or steps.

We have seen quite a lot of wildlife on our walk such as ducks, mandarin ducks, wood pigeon, butterflies, blue tits and a very beautiful robin who let me come very close to him to take a picture. 🙂 Apparently you can also see and hear nuthatches, flycatchers and woodpeckers as well as kingfishers there.

I love the beech trees with bright green leaves letting the sunlight in.

We also came across a few spring flowers such as buttercups, wood anemone, wild garlic and the woods were covered in blue bells. Trees and bushes were in bloom, birds were singing, just wonderful.