Walk Derbyshire – Ashover & Littlemoor via Ashover Rock
Such a pretty little village with stone cottages, lovely country pubs and stunning walks which feature water and hills with awesome views. Ashover is definitely a walkers paradise and offers nice places for a drink or meal after.
This month’s walk features a beautiful view through the heather which should hopefully be out in full beauty about now, a small amount of walking on the road, a walk past Ashover Family Farm which was full of tulips when we did the walk but this changes throughout the year so it’ll be sunflowers in the summer and pumpkins in the autumn. When you get to the top of the hill, where the rock is, here is a lovely opportunity for a picnic and seems a reasonably popular place to watch the sunset. There is one quite steep incline up the road so take your time but it isn’t too far and definitely worth making the extra effort to reach.
THE WALK :: THE WALK :: THE WALK
You can park on Hockley Lane near the Old Poet’s pub. The village is awkward to park in as it is small. If you struggle to park here then you can use the Village Hall and just walk down to the start of the walk.
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We start the walk just down the little lane to the left of the Old Poet’s pub. If it has been raining this can be a tricky little start to the walk as there are a few rocks and dips so be careful. If it is dry – still be careful but this is only for about 5 minutes.
Follow the bridle path all the way down the lane, over the little bridge with the stream and up the steep incline to the top of the hill. No need to rush, take your time and enjoy the view behind you.
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At the top of the hill head straight ahead and follow the track to the road at the bottom. From here we cross straight over to where you will see a footpath. This takes you into the woods for a little while. Hopefully rhododendrons will be out – if they are enjoy!
Carry on until you exit the woods and you will be in the old quarry now. From here you need to head to the path which will take you downwards. You will notice a large disused chimney so you will know if you are going in the right direction.
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Again, if it has been really raining, this section of the walk will be very muddy and quite slippery underfoot so be careful.
You will come out to a farm house on the right hand side. Carry on straight left down the road. You will usually see the beautiful belted Galloway here in the fields. We now walk onto Gin Lane and from here we are just a stones throw away from Milltown. If you are in desperate need of a drink at this point then from here head right to the pub which is open 12-3pm most days.
We now walk past the side of the river. Have a little paddle if it’s hot. When you come to the end of the path, there is a bridge over the river and we end up on the road for a short distance. Turn left and head along the road until you see a little path slightly to the left which starts to head up in-between peoples gardens.
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When we reach the top of this path we head across Hockley Lane – be careful as it is a fast road but not particularly busy! Just past the couple of houses on your left you will see a footpath sign on the opposite side of the road up a couple of steps.
Head up here and you will go past the quarry on your left hand side. From here follow the lane all the way for a few minutes. You will come out onto a road. Keep to the side as this again is a fast road but we literally need to walk 100 yards or so and you will see Eastwood Lane to your right.
This is where Ashover Family Farm have the huge field to the left so hopefully you will see something beautiful growing here. We past a field with a herd of gorgeous sheep on the right which were really friendly. We start to climb up now, so again, take your time.
We head all the way up to the top of the lane. This now takes you through the village of Littlemoor. What a sweet village. You can from here see views of Ogston Reservoir in the distance.
Carry on along the lane and you will see the road eventually goes off to the right. Here we head straight ahead which is now Milken Lane. ///waxing.proceeds.scorpions From here you will find a footpath to the right which is going into the trees and moorland. This is now Fabrick Wood where another beautiful viewing point awaits.
Head to the top for yet again another beautiful picnic spot. Enjoy!
Just past the rock you will be able to see the village of Ashover down to your left. You will see a path heading down, this is the one we are taking.
You will end up on a lane again and will then turn right and head down through a tunnel ///renews.credible.cleanest and into a field. Cross the field to the right hand side. You will come out at the Black Swan in Ashover. Grab yourself a swift pint and some pork scratchings!
Then head down through the village to where you parked your car. There is a really cute little village shop here selling ice cream, lovely home made cakes and other items. I still believe it is cash only so please support local businesses and take some cash with you.
INFORMATION
Parking: Roadside along from the Poets Corner (///obviously.conclude.looms) or a little further along the walk you can park at the Ashover Parish Hall carpark.(///spellings.beaten.boosted)
Pubs: 3 to choose from in Ashover, the Poets Corner, The Black Swan and The Crispin Inn
Distance: 4.1 miles and approximately 2hrs, but you will need to stop and enjoy the breathtaking views, so take your time!
Terrain: A couple of good climbs, but nothing too strenuous.
