Hollinhill and Markland Grips

Dramatic scenery created by steep valley sides and exposed rock faces - it's a great place to see woodland wild flowers including bluebells and orchids.

Location

What3Words ///dabble.masks.stop
1 mile east of Clowne, off the A616

Clowne

Derbyshire

OS Map Reference

SK 512 7531

Know before you go

Size

20 hectares

Entry fee

Parking information

1 mile east of Clowne, off the A616 How to get there: Park in the layby on the A616 and follow the track through the farm gate onto the public footpath, through the eastern section of Markland Grips. Post code S80 4HP. Grid Reference SK512754.

Access

There are some steep slopes so care is needed.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

Spring for woodland bluebells and wood anemone

About the reserve

Steep, wooded valley sides and exposed cliff-like rock faces create dramatic scenery at Hollinhill and Markland Grips.

Several tree species grow here - from yew clinging to the cliff edge, to hazel coppice on the flat tops. Expect to see many familiar woodland flowers, including wood anemone, bluebell and dog's mercury.

Growing in the hazel coppice are colonies of bee orchid. The woodland is a popular haunt for birds, with many breeding here. They include tawny owl, great spotted woodpecker and treecreeper. In summer, Markland Grips is alive with wildflowers, with the grazed grassland supporting a rich variety of plants, including self heal, agrimony and bird's foot trefoil.

Alongside these are unmanaged areas of vegetation, ideal for hairy willowherb, cow parsley and bugle. The marker on the map below shows the entrance to Hollinhill Grips; for Markland Grips continue down the lane (from the A616) and turn on to a footpath before the farm.