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.
I am certain that the door you found is the one that opens on to a short tunnel / passageway to the valve that controls the sluice that allows water to flow from the reservoir to the Cromford Canal. The water flows down a vertical shaft and then through an adit into Butterley Tunnel. If you do a quick internet search, a lady did travel through a large part of the canal tunnel a few years ago and she has pictures of the shaft, adit and over the top of the gap above your door. Butterley Tunnel is interesting in itself: it had an underground wharf, direct connections to a coal mine and is one of the longest canal tunnels in the country. It has suffered at least one collapse and suffers from severe subsidence, so although there is talk of re-opening the tunnel, I am not convinced it will be done even though I like the idea that it will.
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