1. From the main car park, with the Reservoir Café behind you, take the left-hand path towards Staunton Harold Sailing Club.

2. Continue through the wooded area, to a beach with a view across the reservoir to the visitor centre, playground, and café.

3. Carry on along the path until you join the main tarmac track, passing the sailing club. The path follows the edge of the reservoir through a large wildflower meadow.

4. At the end of the track, go through the wooden gate and turn right here and continue up the slope of Broadstone Lane for approximately 175m. 

On the left is a stile for a footpath signed Calke Walk & Oaks and Oaklands Walk. Go over the stile.

There may be livestock; usually sheep, in the field, so please keep dogs on leads.

5. Walk down the steep incline, until you reach a stiled bridge crossing a small stream. Cross the bridge and head up the hill, across an arable field.

6. When you reach a large ash tree by a stone wall, turn left along the perimeter of the field. Here you should have clear views of the reservoir to the left, and a private house to the right. 

7. When you reach the two stiles, either side of the private drive, continue straight across another arable field. This can be muddy in wet weather.

8. Over the stile at the far side of the field, and almost immediately right is a gate. Once through the gate, turn left, and walk for approximately 15m to a National Forest information board.

9. Next turn right and walk down the hill, with the deer park to the left. At the bottom of the hill, pass through the gate and go across the dam wall between China House Pond and Mere Pond.

10. Turn left by a set of large beech trees and head up the steps. At the top, you will find yourself in Calke Abbey’s main car park.

Reverse the route to return to Staunton Harold Reservoir Visitor Hub.