Ashover
10 May 2026
It’s a challenging walk of 11 miles starting and finishing at Ashover Village Hall and Cricket Ground. There are public toilets a short walk from our starting point.
We will be walking NE directly uphill to the amazing viewpoint at Ashover Rocks, also known as The Fabrick. This walk uphill includes the “Plebs” path which is the deep cut path presumably to hide the plebs from Eastwood Grange built by the wealthy Sheffield steel manufacturer, W. E. Chesterton in 1881. It is now a school.
We will be walking NE directly uphill to the amazing viewpoint at Ashover Rocks, also known as The Fabrick. This walk uphill includes the “Plebs” path which is the deep cut path presumably to hide the plebs from Eastwood Grange built by the wealthy Sheffield steel manufacturer, W. E. Chesterton in 1881. It is now a school.
After taking in the views from Ashover Rocks we descend through the village of Littlemore and take a lovely wooded trail continuing southwards. Extra care is needed along the short section of ‘B’ road but then take minor roads and paths to cross the River Amber (a stream at this point) just west of Dale bank. Uphill, but not for long as we are parallel to the river towards Ogston Reservoir. Missing out the road by the reservoir, we head uphill and through the middle of Top Farm then more wooded scenery and pleasant pastures of Ogston Carr to reach Brackenfield. The historic Green, at 13 acres, is the largest village green in Derbyshire having originally been common pasture but badly misused in the 1900s with surface coal digging, ‘bell pits’ and even as a rubbish tip. It was transformed in the late 1960s back to grass and woodland so a picnic here could well be a delight. However, we intend to continue on to Wessington with a possible visit to the Horse and Jockey pub.
We shall return to The Green to pass through Brackenfield and Sycamore Farm for more delightful views especially as we go uphill to the ruins of Trinity Chapel. This dates back to the thirteenth century, thought to have been rebuilt in the 1500s only to have its bells stolen by Oliver Cromwell. It was well served until 1857 when it fell into disrepair following the investiture of Brackenfield church.
Back to the route with views from Highoredish we descend via Ashover Hay and a ridge known locally as the Whale’s Back into Milltown. The short stretch back to Ashover village (about a mile and a half) takes us passed unexpected delights – the stream, the woods, beautiful gardens and even the ‘blue lagoon’, part of disused quarries.
Back to the delightful village of Ashover with the tall church spire, choice of pubs, lovely little tea room and perhaps the best of English traditions – the village cricket match.
We should be able to get back on the bus at half past five. (Text by Richard Walton).
Back to the route with views from Highoredish we descend via Ashover Hay and a ridge known locally as the Whale’s Back into Milltown. The short stretch back to Ashover village (about a mile and a half) takes us passed unexpected delights – the stream, the woods, beautiful gardens and even the ‘blue lagoon’, part of disused quarries.
Back to the delightful village of Ashover with the tall church spire, choice of pubs, lovely little tea room and perhaps the best of English traditions – the village cricket match.
We should be able to get back on the bus at half past five. (Text by Richard Walton).
We welcome new walkers. If it’s your first walk with us the coach fare is free. No need to book, just go to your most convenient location, listed below for travel with Skill’s coaches.
Coach Departure
The coach picks up at the following points.
(With the agreement of the leader other pick-up points
on the bus route may be available).
| “Staff of Life” pub, Hack Lane | Sutton-in-Ashfield | 9.15am |
| Priestic Road, opp McDonald’s | Sutton-in-Ashfield | 9.20am |
| Eastfield Side, (Blue Bell) | Sutton-in-Ashfield | 9.22am |
| Hermitage Lane stop, Sutton Road | Mansfield | 9.25am |
| ASDA bus stop. Stockwell Gate. | Mansfield | 9.30am |
