Top 20 Lakes around Clay Cross
Best lakes around Clay Cross are found within the Derbyshire countryside, featuring a mix of natural and man-made water bodies. The region is characterized by its rolling hills and valleys, providing a scenic backdrop for various outdoor pursuits. Clay Cross area natural attractions include large reservoirs, smaller fishing ponds, and country parks with lakes. These sites function as local water sources, wildlife habitats, and recreational areas for walking and other activities.
Best lakes around Clay Cross
- The most popular lakes…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Southeast corner of Linacre Middle Reservoir
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Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve
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Mill Pond
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Ogston Reservoir
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Brick Sphere Sculpture, Holmebrook Valley Park
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Tips from the Community
"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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warm and friendly welcome but not that the prices are due to increase shortly
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes near Clay Cross?
The lakes around Clay Cross offer a variety of natural features. You can explore woodlands, such as those surrounding Linacre Middle Reservoir, which are known for oak, beech, and alder trees, and bluebells in spring. Other areas, like Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve, feature ponds and diverse wildlife. Ogston Reservoir, a large body of water, is a significant birdwatching site.
Are there family-friendly lakes and activities near Clay Cross?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Linacre Middle Reservoir offers a network of trails through woods with trunk carvings, which are popular with children. Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve also has family-friendly gravel trails and a cafe. Holmebrook Valley Park, featuring the Brick Sphere Sculpture, is a large country park with a lake and cycle paths suitable for all ages.
Which lakes are suitable for dog walking around Clay Cross?
Many of the lake areas are dog-friendly. Linacre Middle Reservoir is a popular choice for dog walkers, offering extensive trails. Barlow Country Club, though further afield, also welcomes dogs and features seven fishing lakes within 50 acres of woodland.
What historical sites or unique monuments can be found near the lakes?
You can visit Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve, which preserves historical mining structures and offers a glimpse into the area's industrial past, complete with a museum and cafe. The Brick Sphere Sculpture at Holmebrook Valley Park is a notable man-made monument within a recreational area.
Are there good walking or hiking trails around the lakes near Clay Cross?
Absolutely. Linacre Middle Reservoir has well-surfaced tracks and footpaths through woodlands. Ogston Reservoir also has popular footpaths, though direct access to the reservoir is limited due to its conservation status. For more hiking options, you can explore routes like the 'Ogston Reservoir – River Amber Stone Bridge loop' which is a moderate hike. Find more hiking trails in the Hiking around Clay Cross guide.
What kind of outdoor activities, besides walking, can I do near these lakes?
Beyond walking, you can enjoy various activities. Ogston Reservoir is popular for birdwatching and sailing. Holmebrook Valley Park offers cycle paths suitable for mountain biking. Fishing is a major activity, with Specimen Lake Higham Fisheries and a pond off Furnace Hill Road directly in Clay Cross, as well as Barlow Country Club's seven lakes. For cycling, explore routes like the 'View of Ogston Reservoir – Ogston Reservoir loop' for road cycling or the 'Five Pits Trail' for MTB. Discover more options in the MTB Trails around Clay Cross and Road Cycling Routes around Clay Cross guides.
Where can I find parking when visiting the lakes?
Parking is generally available at popular lake destinations. Linacre Middle Reservoir has a public car park on the northern edge of the woods. Ogston Reservoir offers free parking with benches. Holmebrook Valley Park, home to the Brick Sphere Sculpture, also provides parking facilities. For the fishing pond off Furnace Hill Road, there's a dedicated car park with a gated entrance.
Are there cafes or other facilities available at the lake sites?
Yes, some locations offer facilities. Ogston Reservoir has picnic facilities and public toilets at two of its three car parks. Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve has a cafe on site. Barlow Country Club, while a bit further out, also features a cafe.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Clay Cross?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but spring is particularly beautiful when bluebells carpet the woodlands around Linacre Middle Reservoir. Summer offers pleasant conditions for walking and outdoor activities. Autumn brings vibrant foliage, and even in winter, the trails can be scenic, though some paths may be muddy.
Can I go fishing at the lakes near Clay Cross?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Specimen Lake Higham Fisheries in Clay Cross is a well-stocked carp lake offering day and night fishing. There's also a smaller fishing pond off Furnace Hill Road. Ogston Reservoir is known for trout fishing, and Barlow Country Club boasts seven fishing lakes set within 50 acres of woodland.
Are there any easy walks around the lakes for those seeking a gentle outing?
Yes, there are several easy options. The trails around Linacre Middle Reservoir are mostly flat and well-suited for a gentle outing. Holmebrook Valley Park also offers wide gravel fire roads around its lake, ideal for an easy stroll or cycle. Many of the hiking routes listed in the Hiking around Clay Cross guide are rated as 'easy', such as the 'Stretton Hall Farm Shop – Kenning Park Lagoon loop'.
What wildlife can I observe at the lakes?
The lakes are rich in wildlife. Ogston Reservoir is a significant conservation site and a popular spot for birdwatching, with the Ogston Bird Club conducting guided walks. Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve also provides opportunities to observe various wildlife around its ponds and natural areas.
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