The Pools Loop walk
A gentle amble, with several seats along the way, around the first pond in New Pool Hollow.
Total stages: 5
Total stages: 5
Start point
Start from the map near the Chalet Pavilion. Grid reference - SO411949.
Stage 1
Follow the stream uphill, using the bridge to avoid the ford.
Stage 2
At the bollards continue up hill to the Old Pool area. This space was the original mill pool, then a bathing pool before being filled in for car parking. No cars now are allowed up here so visitors can enjoy the peace and tranquillity.
Stage 3
From Old Pool, cross the stream on the sturdy vehicle bridge opposite the map board. Ahead, the track curves around a spur of the hill, before opening out into a broad side valley. You are now walking along New Pool Hollow, named after two more mill pools, added later when the mill became a carding mill.
Stage 4
Below the small wooden stockade, double back on yourself to join the path through the vegetation then cross the small bridge over the stream.
Stage 5
Follow the boardwalk along the side of the pool before re-joining the tarmacked road and retracing your steps to the start point.
End point
Return to the Chalet Pavilion.
Trail map
More near here
The Pipe Walk at Carding Mill Valley
This walk is a great way to see some beautiful views and also to really get to the heart of 'those blue remembered hills', as mentioned in the poem by A E Housman.
Reservoir walk
This shorter walk through the valley ends with beautiful views of the reservoir and beyond.