The ambitious reservoirs construction plan, conceived to supply all Chesterfield's water needs, was undertaken in the typically bold spirit which epitomised so many Victorian endeavours. Work began in 1855 with the construction of the smallest upper reservoir. This was followed in 1863 by the largest reservoir. The middle reservoir was built in 1904. Although widely admired as feats of engineering, the reservoirs and their surrounding woodland remained mysterious and little visited until Severn Trent Water Board took over the valley in the 1970's. Since then the area has been opened to the public and car parks and picnic facilities have been provided.

Although artificial in origin, the reservoirs have become a natural home to all kinds of waterfowl; mallards, little grebe, moorhens and coots are common. After walking around the reservoirs the walk climbs away from them by following North Lane and negotiating the Forty Steps leading to the historic village of Old Brampton, one of the prettiest villages in the region. The village was listed in the Domesday Book as Brantune. The blunt spired parish church was rebuilt in the 13th century but original Norman work can still be seen on the outer wall near the south doorway. A remarkable feature of the church is the 63 minute hour clock on the tower, the result of a workers inaccuracy many years ago.

Old Brampton Hall stands under tall trees opposite the church. Its low west wing contains medieval cruck (curved) timbers, which indicate that this fine house must have exited for at least five centuries. Heading north out of the village, the path branches right to the impounding wall of the lower reservoir, then back past the picnic site to the start of the walk.