Foremarke Circular

View from Fairview Farm, Foremarke

Here's a new walk which I have just written up. I have done it three times over the past 2 years and still enjoy it - especially in the fine crispy weather just before Christmas Day.

There are various other versions of this walk including one by peahen (see her blog right). She starts from the Reservoir Car Park but being someone who can't stand paying parking fees and also wanting a public transport link, I have started this near Coal Lane.

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Start: SK334220
Route: Coal Lane – Foremarke Reservoir – Repton Shrubs – Fairview – Milton Road – Foremarke Reservoir – Coal Lane
Distance: 8.3 km
Terrain: easy.

Park the car at the “lay by” at the junction with Coal Lane on the A514 near Hartshorne.

The Derby to Swadlincote bus also stops here. Cross the main road and take the restricted byway to Buildings Farm. After 200 metres you will find a gap in the fence on your right. (It’s the second gap in this fence).

Follow this path straight ahead (do not veer off to the left). The path dips down into a small valley descending to the left. Take the pronounced path in front of you which runs to the right of a small ride of trees that follow a stream. The path leads into a large open field. Look out for a gap in the opposite hedge. The track leads down to a foot bridge and boardwalk. (Carver Rocks is to your right and is worth an investigation). Follow the boardwalk to your right. Before long you will reach the south end of the reservoir and another bridge. Cross the bridge and follow some steps up hill through woodland.

After 100 metres watch out for a path on your right that leads down to another foot bridge. From the bridge the path leads up to a notice board about Carver Rocks and a stile. The path leaves the wooded area and climbs almost straight ahead (slight left) to a stile at the top of the field. Here you meet a racing horse training track and pass through a small hinged gate. The path from here heads towards a small wood in front of you; aim to the right of it. You cross the race track again and follow a path with a wooden fence on your right. The fence separates you from the any race horses that might be training. After crossing a field you hit a metalled road where you turn right.

Walk past the Bondwood farm drive on your right and a large communications pylon on your left until you reach a gate at the point where the track starts to descend towards Repton. Do not follow this route but take the track on your right. The views over the Trent Valley at this point can be quite splendid. Just before Fairview farm take the bridleway on your left, heading downhill towards the reservoir. The track descends very pleasantly through open country. After 800 metres it starts to sink and become tree lined. Soon you reach a metal farm gate and some properties on your left. On reaching the Ticknall to Milton road, turn right. There is now 1.2 kilometres of road walking but the road is generally not too busy and after 5 minutes you can walk on the wide verge on the left. Ignore the turn to the Burton Sailing Club. It’s the next main track on the right that you want.

Enter the Reservoir area just beyond Bendalls Farm. To avoid the traffic you will find a path that runs parallel to the road on the left. The path soon reaches a wide gate which leads down the cycle path. Follow this very enjoyable undulating track for 2 kilometres. There are good views over the reservoir on your right.

The track eventually meets a “T” junction where you turn left. Follow the road around to your right to a set of gates on the Ticknall to Hartshorne road where you will probably find some cars parked. You should see your car (or bus stop) from here on the left downhill several 300 metres ahead.