Top 20 Lakes around Matlock Town
Best lakes around Matlock Town offer diverse aquatic environments for exploration. Matlock, a town in Derbyshire, features a mix of man-made water bodies and reservoirs that provide scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The area includes both accessible park lakes within the town and larger reservoirs further afield, popular for walking routes and wildlife spotting. These locations are suitable for various outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Matlock Town
- The most popular lakes is Southeast corner of Linacre Middle Reservoir, a lake area with a network of trails and footpaths. The three Linacre Reservoirs are surrounded by fields and woodlands, offering scenic views and diverse flora.
- Another must-see spot is Carsington Water, a large reservoir known for its cycling routes. It provides options for various ride difficulties and is a major site for outdoor leisure activities.
- Visitors also love Wyver Lane Nature Reserve, a wetland habitat comprising two pools. This reserve is important for local wildlife, including various bird species and otters, offering opportunities for wildlife observation.
- Matlock Town is known for man-made boating lakes, large reservoirs, and nature reserve pools. These water bodies provide a variety of settings for recreation and nature appreciation.
- The lakes around Matlock Town are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 240 upvotes and 70 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Southeast corner of Linacre Middle Reservoir
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Carsington Water
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Mill Pond
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Ogston Reservoir
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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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Wyver Lane Nature Reserve
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It's an important wetland site and home to Canada geese, tufted ducks, little grebes, while large numbers of gulls visit in winter. The reserve is also home to otters, a glorious sight.
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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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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 some popular lakes for walking near Matlock Town?
For walking, the Linacre Reservoirs offer a network of trails through fields and woodlands, particularly beautiful with bluebells in spring. Southeast corner of Linacre Middle Reservoir is a great starting point. Ogston Reservoir also has well-trodden footpaths around its perimeter, ideal for a refreshing stroll. Additionally, Carsington Water provides extensive routes suitable for longer walks.
Are there family-friendly lakes to visit around Matlock Town?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Hall Leys Park Boating Lake in Matlock Town offers motorboat rides and is part of a park with other activities. The Linacre Reservoirs are mostly flat, making them suitable for families with children, and feature trunk carvings in the woods. Carsington Water is also very family-friendly, with facilities and easier cycling routes. For wildlife spotting, Wyver Lane Nature Reserve is a peaceful option.
Can I go cycling around the lakes near Matlock?
Absolutely! Carsington Water is a major destination for cycling, offering routes of varying difficulty around its perimeter. The tips for Carsington Water suggest cycling anticlockwise for an easier finish. You can also cycle around the middle and lower Linacre Reservoirs, with well-surfaced tracks that can link up to local MTB routes. For more cycling options, check out the MTB Trails around Matlock Town or Gravel biking around Matlock Town guides.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes?
Wyver Lane Nature Reserve is a superb spot for wildlife enthusiasts, featuring two pools surrounded by reed beds and water meadows. It's home to various bird species like Canada geese, tufted ducks, and little grebes, with many gulls in winter. Otters are also known to inhabit the reserve. Ogston Reservoir is also a conservation site, popular for birdwatching, and the Ogston Bird Club conducts guided walks.
Are there any dog-friendly walking routes around the lakes?
Many of the walking routes around the lakes are dog-friendly. The Linacre Reservoirs, for example, are popular for walks with dogs, though it's always recommended to keep them under control, especially near wildlife or livestock. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, particularly in nature reserve areas.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Matlock Town?
Spring is particularly beautiful, especially around the Linacre Reservoirs, when the woodlands are carpeted with bluebells. The autumn months also offer stunning scenery with changing foliage. Generally, late spring to early autumn provides the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities, but the lakes offer beauty and recreational opportunities year-round.
Are there cafes or facilities near the lakes?
Yes, Carsington Water has facilities available, including cafes. For the Linacre Reservoirs, there is a public car park on the northern edge of the woods of the Lower Reservoir. In Matlock Town itself, Hall Leys Park, where the boating lake is located, has amenities within the park and the town center is easily accessible for cafes and other services.
What other outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Beyond walking and cycling, Ogston Reservoir is a popular spot for sailing, famously where Ellen MacArthur began her career, and also for trout fishing. The area around Matlock Town offers a variety of outdoor pursuits. You can find more ideas for activities like running in the Running Trails around Matlock Town guide.
Is there parking available at the lakes?
Yes, parking is generally available. For the Linacre Reservoirs, there is a public car park on the northern edge of the woods of the Lower Reservoir. Ogston Reservoir also has parking available. Carsington Water has dedicated parking facilities for visitors. In Matlock Town, parking is available for visitors to Hall Leys Park.
Are there any hidden gem lakes or lesser-known spots worth visiting?
While not a hidden gem in the traditional sense, the Mill Pond (also known as Lower Pond) is an interesting spot. Originally a quarry, it was converted into a reservoir in 1850. It's a peaceful location with a unique history, offering a different kind of experience compared to the larger reservoirs.
What kind of terrain can I expect on walks around the lakes?
The terrain varies. Around the Linacre Reservoirs, you'll find well-surfaced tracks, but paths off the main routes can be muddy, so waterproof boots are recommended. Carsington Water features a beautiful gravel path around its edge, with some inclines. Ogston Reservoir has footpaths, but some areas might require walking on roads, as direct access to the reservoir is limited due to its conservation status.
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