Bluebells under the trees in Linacre Wood near Chesterfield, Derbyshire

Where to go · Derbyshire

Forest bathing at Linacre Reservoirs

Three small reservoirs set in ancient woodland just west of Chesterfield, with bluebells in spring.

Linacre is a run of three reservoirs in a wooded valley at Cutthorpe, on the edge of Chesterfield. Severn Trent describe ancient woodland around the water, and you will hear nuthatches, woodpeckers and flycatchers in the canopy. It is small enough to walk round slowly in a morning, which suits forest bathing well: you never feel far from the car, but once among the trees the town falls away.

Start from the car park on Woodnook Lane. A path loops round the reservoirs, with stretches suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, and side paths climb into the woods. Bluebells fill parts of the wood in spring. Severn Trent is carrying out improvement works until spring 2027, so some paths may be closed for a while. Dogs must be on a lead.

Practical

Managed by
Severn Trent
Parking
Pay and display car park on Woodnook Lane (cash or app)
Terrain
Reservoir paths, some stretches suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs; rougher woodland paths
Nearest station
Chesterfield, about 15 minutes by car
Opening and entry
Open all year except Christmas Day; car park open in daylight hours
Official page
stwater.co.uk

Last updated 4 November 2026. Paths, parking and access can change, so check before you visit. Spotted something out of date? Please let us know.

Guides nearby

Two guides within 15 miles of Linacre Reservoirs

More woodlands in Derbyshire

All venues in Derbyshire
Parkland trees at Calke Park, DerbyshireCalke ParkAncient deer park of old oaks, lime and beech around Calke AbbeySmall waterfall on the River Lathkill in Lathkill Dale, DerbyshireLathkill DaleLimestone dale with valley woods, a clear river and a level track from Over HaddonOak trees and boulders beside Burbage Brook in Padley Gorge, DerbyshirePadley Gorge and the Longshaw EstateAncient oak woodland in a gritstone gorge, with Burbage Brook tumbling through it

Photos: Calke Park, Malcolm Neal (CC BY-SA 2.0); Lathkill Dale, Julian Herzog (Website) (CC BY 4.0); Padley Gorge and the Longshaw Estate, Stephen Burton (CC BY-SA 2.0).