Ripley Greenway to Butterley Reservoir

Ripley Greenway found in the heart of Ripley is an enjoyable and peaceful walk away from the noise of the street traffic. The area is diverse with wildlife, architecture and includes a children's play area. The Greenway is perfect for a Sunday stroll and some exploring.

The trial starts as an open pathway through tunnels and under bridges, which are well lit.

 This path leads to a woodland area, which makes one feel close to nature. When travelling through the trees prepare to climb over a large tree which lies suspended on the path. This area of the walk is lovely and reminds me of the setting of 'The Lord of The Rings.'

If you decide to walk from Ripley Greenway to Butterley Reservoir, a short walk through the small village of Hammersmith is a quick alternative to the main roads.

Butterley Reservoir is a scenic and peaceful area to go fishing or go exploring. I explored the woodland surrounding the reservoir and came across wooden steps leading to a door....

I was too frightened to open this door, however if you are very brave you may check it out and get back to me about it!

The view over the reservoir is interesting, as the Midlands Railway Centre is beside it.

The reservoir was built in 1794 and remains in great condition. If you want to enjoy the view from all sides you can climb over the rocks below the railway tracks, however they stop aburptly and you must turn back to reach the railway station or get back on the main path.

Although I did not go into the station, the trains were visable from across the reservoir and one can walk to it on the trail over the reservoir.

I crossed the track and walked along the side of the station, through the Midlands Railway car park and onto main road to go home after.

Pennytown Ponds, Somercotes

I visited Pennytown Ponds on Sunday for a relaxing walk and found a lovely area of natural beauty.
The ponds are hidden among Cotes Park Industrial Estate and can be quite hard to find from the main B600 road. The walking trial leading to the ponds is located behind a housing estate of the main road. The trial is covered with overgrown plants, so do not be disencouraged about the destination. Continue down this trial where you will probably be met by horses and their riders, who are frequent passers on this path.
The factories surrounding the ponds can be distracting when walking towards the ponds, however when you reach the nature reserve, all memories of the urbanised estate evaporate.

The main pond is surrounded by people fishing or people sitting on a bench reading a book. The area is peaceful and the view is very scenic. If you walk to the end of the main pond you will come to a bridge connecting the other ponds. I took these pictures on Sunday, when one river was frozen over.

Conservation groups maintain the beautiful native plants and animals, making the area a lovely place to relax and enjoy nature.
Birds and native plants surround the ponds and we came upon some colouful friends in one pond.

If you plan to explore every area of the reserve, I would advice you to bring boots as the path does not continue on both sides of the pond.
Overall the walk was relaxing and scenic, free and enjoyable.