Best lakes around Ashover are found in a village in Derbyshire, situated near the Peak District. This area features several notable lakes and reservoirs, offering diverse attractions. The landscape includes picturesque reservoirs, charming woods, and extensive footpaths. Historically, some reservoirs were created for water supply or to power machinery, contributing to the region's unique character.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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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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Good foot paths around Linacre , very wet and muddy once you leave them . Good waterproof boots and gaiters recommend .
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There are three beautiful reservoirs at Linacre, aptly named Lower, Middle, and Upper, going from east to west. The reservoirs are surrounded by fields and woodland with a network of trails and footpaths. The woods are beautiful and include oak, beech, alder, larch, and pine, and in the springtime they are carpeted with bluebells. It is a scenic area, and there is a public car park on the northern edge of the woods of the Lower Reservoir.
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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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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 lakes around Ashover offer a variety of natural features. You'll find picturesque reservoirs, charming woods with unique trunk carvings, and extensive footpaths. Areas like the Linacre Middle Reservoir are surrounded by fields and woodlands, including oak, beech, alder, larch, and pine trees, with bluebells in springtime. Wyver Lane Nature Reserve features two pools, reed beds, and water meadows, making it an important wetland site.
Yes, several lakes have historical significance. Mill Pond, for instance, was originally a quarry before being converted into a reservoir in 1850 to power machinery. Ogston Reservoir was created in 1958 by flooding a valley, which covered the village of Woolley and a section of the Ashover Light Railway.
The Linacre Reservoirs, including the Southeast corner of Linacre Middle Reservoir, are popular for their three beautiful reservoirs, charming woods, and unique trunk carvings. The terrain is mostly flat, offering accessible and enjoyable walks for families and visitors of all activity levels. It's an excellent spot for getting out without intense effort.
The area around Ashover's lakes is great for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking, hiking, and cycling on well-surfaced tracks. Ogston Reservoir is known for its sailing club and trout fishing. Press Manor Fishing Lakes, located directly in Ashover, offer dedicated trout, carp, and coarse fishing. Birdwatching is also popular, especially at Wyver Lane Nature Reserve.
Absolutely. Many lakes, like the Linacre Reservoirs and Ogston Reservoir, feature extensive and popular footpaths. The Linacre area offers mostly flat, accessible walks. For more challenging hikes, you can explore routes like the Lumsdale Waterfall trails, which are part of the waterfall hikes around Ashover guide.
Yes, many lakes are very family-friendly. The Linacre Reservoirs, with their flat terrain, woods, and trunk carvings, are particularly great for kids. Mill Pond is also listed as family-friendly, offering a tranquil setting. Holmebrook Valley Park, which includes a lake, is another good option for families.
The Linacre Reservoirs are noted for their mostly flat terrain and well-surfaced tracks, making them a good option for accessible walks. While some paths can get muddy in wet weather, they generally offer an enjoyable experience for various activity levels.
Yes, fishing is a prominent activity in the area. Press Manor Fishing Lakes, located directly in Ashover, are a significant attraction for angling enthusiasts, featuring three distinct lakes for trout, carp, and coarse fishing. Ogston Reservoir is also a popular trout fishing lake.
Yes, Wyver Lane Nature Reserve is a superb spot for wildlife lovers. It features two pools surrounded by reed beds and water meadows, making it an important wetland site. It's home to Canada geese, tufted ducks, little grebes, and large numbers of gulls in winter. Otters have also been sighted there. There's even a public bird hide for observation.
Many of the trails and areas around the lakes are dog-friendly. For example, the Linacre Reservoirs are a popular choice for dog walkers, offering pleasant walks through woods and around the water. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially near wildlife or livestock.
The lakes around Ashover can be enjoyed year-round. Spring is particularly beautiful when the woodlands, such as those around the Linacre Reservoirs, are carpeted with bluebells. Autumn offers stunning foliage. While paths can get muddy in wet weather, well-surfaced tracks make many areas accessible even in winter for tranquil walks.
Public car parks are available at several locations. For instance, there is a public car park on the northern edge of the woods of the Lower Reservoir at Linacre. Ogston Reservoir also has free parking available. It's always a good idea to check specific location details before your visit.
Yes, there are cycling opportunities. The Linacre Reservoirs have well-surfaced tracks where you can cycle around the middle and lower reservoirs, and these can link up to the Linacre MTB routes. Holmebrook Valley Park also offers several cycle paths, including wide gravel fire roads suitable for getting into mountain biking. You can find more routes in the MTB Trails around Ashover guide.


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