Easy hikes and walks around Ogston Reservoir

There are over 400 easy hiking trails around Ogston Reservoir. The area offers a wide selection of routes suitable for various preferences, from waterside paths to gentle climbs through farmland and woodlands.

Yes, many of the easy trails around Ogston Reservoir are circular. For example, the Ogston Reservoir West Car Park – Ogston Sailing Club loop from Stretton CP is an easy 2.9-mile path offering reservoir views. Another option is the Stone Bridge and Stream View loop from Stretton CP, which is 2.6 miles long.

Yes, the easy trails are generally well-suited for families. The terrain often includes waterside paths, open farmland, and woodlands, with gentle ascents. Routes like the River Amber Stone Bridge – River Amber Footbridge loop from Brackenfield CP offer varied scenery over 3.1 miles, making them engaging for younger hikers.

Many trails around Ogston Reservoir are dog-friendly, but it's important to keep dogs under control, especially when passing through farmland where livestock may be present. Always follow local signage and keep your dog on a lead where required, particularly in areas designated for wildlife protection.

The easy trails offer diverse and picturesque scenery. You can expect to walk along waterside paths, through open farmland, and into tranquil woodlands like Carr Wood. Gentle ascents lead to rolling hills, providing varied perspectives of the 200-acre reservoir and the surrounding Amber Valley.

While direct access to the reservoir's immediate edge can be limited due to its conservation status, many footpaths ascend from the reservoir through surrounding fields, offering excellent panoramic viewpoints of the water and the Amber Valley. The rolling hills provide different perspectives as you hike.

Parking is available at various points around the reservoir. The Ogston Reservoir West Car Park is a common starting point for many routes, including the Ogston Reservoir West Car Park – Ogston Sailing Club loop. Other routes may start from areas like Stretton CP or Brackenfield CP, as indicated in the route descriptions.

Ogston Reservoir is beautiful year-round for easy walks. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather, while autumn brings vibrant foliage. Winter provides a different, often serene, landscape and is particularly good for birdwatching. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

The easy trails around Ogston Reservoir are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 3,300 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied landscapes, including the serene waterside paths, open farmland, and quiet woodlands. The well-marked paths and the opportunity to spot diverse birdlife are also frequently highlighted.

Ogston Reservoir is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a premier birdwatching site, especially in winter, with over 200 species recorded. You might spot rare migrants, and a public hide is available at the West Bank Car Park for observation. The woodlands and diverse habitats also support various other wildlife.

Yes, the area has historical significance. The reservoir was created in 1958 by flooding a valley, submerging the former village of Woolley and parts of the Ashover Light Railway. Remnants of this history can be found along some routes, adding an interesting layer to your walk.

While the immediate reservoir area is focused on nature and conservation, there are often local pubs and cafes in nearby villages. It's advisable to check for specific establishments and their opening times before your visit. For more general information about the area, you can visit Visit Peak District.

While there are many paths that follow the reservoir's perimeter and offer extensive views, direct access to the immediate edge can be limited in some areas due to its conservation status. However, routes like the Ogston Reservoir – River Amber Footbridge loop provide a substantial 4.5-mile circuit that explores much of the reservoir's surroundings.