Saturday 21st March 2026

Walk Leader: Mike B
Walk Report: Mike B
Walk Photos: Mike B & Mel H

Walk Report

A group of 8 set off on a lovely sunny spring morning from Holmebrook Valley Park. The fine warm weather remained throughout the walk, ideal conditions for the group to fully appreciate the verdant environs of Barlow and Cutthorpe.

Leaving the park via the Brockwell Lane exit we proceeded up Cutthorpe to pick up the footpath at the old Chapel. Venturing through woodland at ‘Engine Hollow’ and nice grasslands to come out on Wilkin Hill. Here we viewed the old stone built Pinfold on this lane. At Newgate we passed by the farm and through the lush fields on our way to Oxton Rakes. A coffee stop was taken here, allowing us to listen to a woodpecker tapping away in the distant trees plus the odd butterfly venturing into the spring sunshine.

Suitably refreshed we continued up the lane from Oxton Rakes to Overgreen and by the side of the closed Gate Inn (still sadly missed by the walk leader). Crossing the B6050 and dropping behind Cow Close Farm we followed the paths along the grassy fields. A group photo was taken here with restored ‘Bluster Castle’ farm in the background.

After negotiating a couple of iffy stiles we dropped down to Birley Brook and did the steady climb through Copy Wood to follow a path behind Wigley Hall Farm over a wobbly wall stile and onto Hollins House at Old Brampton. Walking along the road down to Hemming Green to pick up the footpath along the route of the ‘Round’ walk to stop for lunch at the fields overlooking the top reservoir at Linacre. This was a fabulous backdrop to rest and enjoy our well earned lunch break.

We did a walk around the perimeter of the top reservoir. Here we we were able to see Mallards and Moorhens moving about on this calm stretch of water. Following the paths through and along the reservoirs to stop at the toilets and then onto Kitchenflat Woods. Here, the group turned in a southerly direction to navigate through the woodlands,

The group proceeded along the bridleway going past Hall Farm and the environs of the country park to reach the car park and the end of the walk. A nice walk in great weather, with good views and all that nature can offer at Spring Time.

Mileage – 8.7 mile
Elevation – 1250 ft