Top 20 Lakes in Derbyshire

Derbyshire's lakes offer a blend of natural beauty and intriguing history. Derwent Dam is famous as a practice site for the Dambusters during World War II, featuring an iconic dam wall and twin towers. Nearby, Ladybower Reservoir Overflow is known for its distinctive bellmouth overflows, often called "plugholes," which are a visual spectacle, especially after heavy rain. Its creation also involved the flooding of two villages, whose remains can sometimes be seen when water levels are low.

Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. Carsington Water is a hub for outdoor activities, offering sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and extensive walking and cycling routes, along with a visitor center, shops, and a play area. Derwent Reservoir also provides a café, visitor centre, and a play park, making it suitable for a family day out. The Linacre Reservoirs, particularly the Southeast corner of Linacre Middle Reservoir, are great for kids with mostly flat paths and trunk carvings in the woods.

Derbyshire's lakes are rich in wildlife. Mapperley Reservoir, surrounded by bluebell woodlands, is an excellent spot for bird watching, with frequent sightings of coots, moorhens, mallards, and kingfishers. In summer, you might hear the songs of chiffchaffs, willow warblers, and blackcaps. The Deer Park at Calke Abbey also offers opportunities for wildlife spotting near its lake.

Beyond walking, you can enjoy various activities. Carsington Water is popular for water sports like sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. For cycling, there are routes around Carsington Water, and the Upper Derwent Valley offers scenic cycling paths around Derwent and Ladybower Reservoirs. You can find more cycling routes in the region, including the 'Ladybower, Derwent and Howden Reservoirs loop', on the Cycling in Derbyshire guide.

Yes, many lakes offer accessible and easy walking options. The Linacre Reservoirs feature well-surfaced, mostly flat tracks, making them a good choice for gentle walks. Alvaston Park Lake has a concrete pathway all the way around. For more options, explore the Easy hikes in Derbyshire guide, which includes routes like the 'Linacre Park & 3 Reservoirs loop'.

For a tranquil escape, Errwood and Fernilee Reservoirs in the Goyt Valley are ideal. They are encircled by lush forest and woodland, offering peaceful country walks. Errwood Reservoir has a 5-mile circular walk with panoramic views, while Fernilee Reservoir offers a 3-mile circular walk, part of which follows a disused railway line. Mapperley Reservoir also provides a serene setting amidst woodlands and farmland, perfect for quiet reflection and bird watching.

Absolutely. Errwood Reservoir offers a beautiful 5-mile (8 km) circular walk with amazing panoramic views. Fernilee Reservoir has a lovely 3-mile (4.8 km) circular walk, and you can combine both for a longer trek. Carsington Water also features extensive circular routes around its perimeter for both walking and cycling. The Linacre Reservoirs provide easy circular walks around their lower and middle bodies of water.

For breathtaking vistas, View of Ladybower Reservoir from Bamford Edge offers incomparable views towards Ladybower Dam and the rolling countryside. The path along the top of Ladybower Dam itself provides a wonderful perspective of the reservoir. Errwood Reservoir also boasts amazing panoramic views from its circular walk.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity at several lakes. Derwent Reservoir offers fishing with one-day permits available. Alvaston Park Lake is primarily known for fishing, being well-stocked with carp up to 30 lbs, tench, bream, perch, and pike. Mapperley Reservoir is also a popular spot for freshwater fishing.

Many lakes are well-equipped for visitors. Carsington Water has a visitor center, shops, and a play area. Derwent Reservoir also features a café, visitor centre, and a play park. Alvaston Park Lake has a good car park and a cafe. For Mapperley Reservoir, a visitor centre is available in the nearby Shipley Country Park. The Linacre Reservoirs have a public car park on the northern edge of the woods of the Lower Reservoir.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Spring brings bluebells to woodlands around Mapperley Reservoir and the Linacre Reservoirs, while summer offers ideal conditions for water sports at Carsington Water and enjoying the songs of various birds. Autumn provides stunning foliage, and even in winter, the reservoirs like Ladybower can be impressive, especially when the 'plugholes' are active after heavy rain.

Many areas around Derbyshire's lakes are dog-friendly, especially for walks. The Linacre Reservoirs, for example, are noted as dog-friendly. However, it's always best to check specific signage at each location for any restrictions, especially regarding leads or access to certain areas, to ensure a pleasant visit for everyone.