Top 15 Lakes around Cromford
Best lakes around Cromford are situated in Derbyshire, a historic village known for its industrial heritage and natural beauty. The region features a mix of man-made reservoirs, historic ponds, and nature reserves, providing varied outdoor experiences. These water bodies are integral to the area's character, supporting local wildlife and offering opportunities for recreation. The terrain around Cromford includes gentle paths suitable for family walks and more extensive routes for longer explorations.
Best lakes around Cromford
- The most popular lakes is…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Carsington Water
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Mill Pond
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Ogston Reservoir
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Wyver Lane Nature Reserve
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It's an important wetland …
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Bentley Brook and Upper Pond
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The Upper Pond was constructed in the 1780s by Watts, Lowe and Co to supply water for their cotton mill. …
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"Spring has arrived – and the sun has melted the ice on the mill pond. Its rays reach to the bottom of the pond – and tickle awake the little water sprite, who has been hibernating with his mermaid parents. And what's the first thing a curious little water sprite does? Spring cleaning with his mother? Repairing the broken roof of the water sprite's house? Wrong! Of course, the little water sprite's first priority is to meet his old friend, Cyprinus the carp... The little water sprite isn't quite as cheeky here as in the 1955 original – but Daniel Napp's little spring story has been enchantingly illustrated. A magical, endearing, and ageless reading experience for children ages 4 and up." The Stiftung Lesen (Reading Foundation) reviews a four-volume sequel to the popular "The Little Water Sprite" by Otfried Preußler (1923 to 2013), which guides children through the seasons in this children's book series.
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Not great to walk around unless you want to walk on the road a lot. There is no direct access to the reservoir because it is a conservation site. The car park is free and there are benches to sit on to watch the birds. Ognaston Bird Club conducts a guided bird walk on the first Saturday of each month and everyone is welcome. With them, you can access the reservoir surrounding areas to watch birds. If you want great views of the reservoir however you can combine a visit with a footpath walk up from the reservoir through fields and these are quite well signposted and accessible except from a slim squeeze with a holly hedge on one side and part of a footpath which is quite nettly - but will probably be okay by Autumn.
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Bentley Brook runs through Lumsdale Valley into the River Derwent. The Upper Pond was constructed in the 1780s by Watts, Lowe and Co to supply water for their cotton mill. It has silted up since the dam wall broke in 1947 and is now a designated nature reserve. The Middle Pond was also from the 1780s and was restored in 2014 (funded by the Heritage Lottery) after being dry and overgrown. The Lower Pond was originally a quarry but was converted into a reservoir in 1850.
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The Mill Pond (aka Lower Pond) was originally a quarry but was converted into a reservoir in 1850 to supply a continuous flow of water to power machinery.
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Ogston Reservoir was created by flooding the local valley in 1958. The flooding covered the village of Woolley as well as a pub, farmland and a section of the Ashover Light Railway. The reservoir provides drinking water to the local area and is also used as a holding reservoir for Carsington Water. Today it's managed as a water source and leisure ground. The footpaths around the reservoir are popular locally. The Ogston sailing club is known for starting off Ellen MacArthur and it's also a popular trout fishing lake.
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The strong winds are very powerful across the dam wall. Those who cycle with children may want to use the road for the dam wall section on these occasions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for walking near Cromford?
For extensive walking, Carsington Water offers an 8-mile circular trail. Ogston Reservoir also has popular footpaths, though direct access to the water's edge can be limited due to its conservation status. For a more accessible option, Whitworth Park Lake provides wide, paved pathways suitable for various mobility needs.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Cromford?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Whitworth Park Lake in Darley Dale is ideal, with 10 acres of parkland, a children's play area, and accessible paths. Mill Pond in Cromford village is a peaceful spot to watch waterfowl, and Wyver Lane Nature Reserve offers wildlife observation from a bird hide, which is also wheelchair accessible.
What kind of wildlife can I see at the lakes near Cromford?
The lakes are rich in wildlife, especially birds. Ogston Reservoir is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a premier birdwatching site, recording over 200 species. Wyver Lane Nature Reserve is a haven for birds like Canada geese, tufted ducks, and little grebes, with otters also sighted. Mill Pond is home to various waterfowl, and Whitworth Park Lake also supports abundant wildlife.
Are there accessible trails for wheelchairs or pushchairs around Cromford's lakes?
Yes, accessibility is a key feature in some areas. Whitworth Park Lake in Darley Dale has wide, paved pathways, making it accessible for wheelchairs, pushchairs, and mobility scooters. The lane and bird hide at Wyver Lane Nature Reserve are also wheelchair accessible, offering opportunities for wildlife observation.
What historical significance do the lakes around Cromford hold?
The lakes are deeply connected to Cromford's industrial heritage. Mill Pond (Greyhound Pond) was originally a quarry converted in 1850 to provide continuous water flow for Sir Richard Arkwright's pioneering cotton mills, making it an integral part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Ogston Reservoir, while more recent, was created in 1958 by flooding a valley, submerging a village and parts of the Ashover Light Railway.
Can I go cycling around the lakes near Cromford?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. Carsington Water is a major hub for cycling, featuring an 8-mile circular trail. Additionally, the nearby Cromford Canal towpath is popular for cycling, and you can find various cycling routes in the area, including those on the High Peak Trail. For more cycling options, explore the cycling guide for Cromford.
What water sports are available at the lakes?
Carsington Water is a hub for various water sports, including sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Ogston Reservoir also offers sailing, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and trout fishing, and is notably where yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur began her training.
Are there hiking routes near the lakes around Cromford?
Absolutely. The area around Cromford offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can find routes that incorporate the Cromford Canal towpath, Black Rocks, and the High Peak Trail. For detailed hiking routes and their difficulties, refer to the hiking guide for Cromford.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Cromford?
The lakes offer beauty year-round. Autumn provides stunning foliage for walks, while winter is excellent for birdwatching at sites like Ogston Reservoir and Wyver Lane Nature Reserve, as large numbers of gulls and other wildfowl visit. Spring and summer are ideal for watersports and enjoying the lush greenery.
Are there cafes or pubs near the lakes and Cromford Canal?
Yes, you'll find amenities nearby. Carsington Water has a visitor center with shops and cafés. In Cromford village, near Mill Pond and the Cromford Canal, there are local cafes and pubs. The famous Scarthin Bookshop is also located opposite the Mill Pond.
Is the Cromford Canal worth visiting, even though it's not a lake?
Definitely. While not a lake, the Cromford Canal is a significant water feature and a picturesque place for walks. It's a haven for wildlife, designated as a Biological Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Local Nature Reserve. You can enjoy boat trips on the historic Birdswood canal boat and walk the towpath from Cromford to Ambergate.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Cromford?
Visitors frequently praise the beautiful views, the tranquil atmosphere, and the abundance of wildlife. Many enjoy the well-maintained paths for walking and cycling, especially the gravel path around Carsington Water. The historical context of sites like Mill Pond also adds to the appeal, offering a glimpse into the region's past.
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