Ticknall, Carvers Rocks and Tramway Trail

This is a circular walk through the varied landscape of the northern edge of the National Forest, passing Foremark Reservoir, with it’s woodland and nature conservation area, returning via the Ticknall Tramway heritage trail.

Starting from Ticknall Village Hall, we pass through the grounds of the 19th century St.George’s church, and the ruins of it’s13th century predecessor, then take the country lane behind the cricket ground into the countryside to the north. At Hangman’s Stone, there are fine views towards Ashbourne, and the cooling towers of the former Willington power station.

Turning westwards, the path takes us past Bendalls Farm to cross the busy Repton road to enter Foremark Reservoir. We’ll enjoy our morning break here, where toilets and refreshments are available.

Thereafter, we follow an undulating, but well-maintained path through woodland, before entering Carvers Rocks SSSI. The path includes some boardwalk, also two series of long, stepped descents (27 and 30 steps each), and an 8 step ascent.

After viewing the gritstone outcrop of Carvers Rocks, we rejoin the path and shortly afterwards, follow a gentle incline towards our picnic lunch stop at the edge of Hartshorne Wood.  Please note, there are very limited seating opportunities here.

After lunch, we cross the busy A514 road, then ascend along the pavement, before entering into a path adjoining a private plantation. Crossing a field of sheep, then a well-marked path through a cropped field, a stile leads directly to the busy A5006 road from Ashby to Ticknall.

Crossing the road and after a few hundred meters, we arrive at the Ticknall Tramway trail, the remains of a once extensive early industrial horse-drawn tram network, connecting the local limeyards, coal workings and brickyards to the Ashby canal and beyond. The surrounding land once formed part of the Calke Abbey estate, now run by the National Trust. Along this trail are two Grade II listed tunnels, which we will pass through. Torches are useful for your safety here, the ground can be uneven, with potential debris. For those who prefer not to enter the second tunnel (134 yards long), the leader can take you overground to the other side.

We then pass through the remains of the Ticknall Limeyards, before reaching a path that takes us to the A514 leading to Ticknall village via the Tramway Arch. Bearing right at the entrance to Calke Abbey, we walk through Chapel Street to reach the car park once more.

Post-walk refreshments will be at the Staff of Life pub, a four minute walk from the car park.