For me, one of the best walks I have had the pleasure to be on this year, the perfect weather conditions and the vast array of wild flowers, all now seemingly to be flowering at the same time, a riot of colour. We were given the chance of seeing, from the roadside, a gathering of Herons on the edges of Ogston Reservoir, seven youngsters, no doubt from the recognised Heronry across the road, not visible now because of foliage growth. Herons are normally quite solitary creatures, as we have observed over the years of Heron spotting. We were also treated to regular stops at several historic sites, a little bit of information imparted, by those of local knowledge.

The route, we followed our leader on a circular clockwise route, leaving Brackenfield Green going west to pass by Sycamore Farm, then to follow good field-side paths, to climb up to the remains of Holy Trinity Chapel. The chapel is mentioned in the Doomsday Book as a place of worship, later in the 15c. it was rebuilt and served as a place of worship until the present parish church was built closer to the village in mid 19c. Near to the chapel we passed by a water trough, fed by a spring, which at one time served the village as its main water supply during the 1930’s when the well on the green (pictured) ran dr. Soon after, mains water was brought to the village. We then walked on to gain, the open access land at Highoredish, a onetime picnic site and viewpoint, vistas over Ashover and Ogston. We paused to take in the wonderful view and then proceeded down steep steps into the former quarry section of the walk. About half way down we stopped for our morning break, still with wonderful views before us. Onward now to walk along Berridge Lane, near the end of which the old paved road was more akin to a ford, with water from Carr Brook flowing along and across it. A sharp hill followed and soon we were walking by the grade two listed Clattercotes Farm house, pictured is an out-house/barn circa mid 17c. We passed between house and barn, making our way east, above Clattercotes Wood and continued ahead, crossing arable fields of spring sown Wheat and forage grass, eventually arriving at Woolley at the edge of Ogston Reservoir. We, regrouped, to now walk south, alongside the road, with good views over the reservoir and Herons! We reached Brackenfield parish church, resplendent in the sunshine shining through the trees surrounding the churchyard. We now walked a loop, on a path opposite the south door of the church and continued south, gradually bending our way past Green Farm, with its ancient roadside well, the inscription in the stone above reads Told Lane Well, I could find no reference to it. We walked the last half mile on a lovely woodland path, eventually entering onto the village green, which we crossed to our waiting cars. Great day enjoyed, every minute, well done and thank you Alison for providing this walk at quite short notice. d.