Top 9 Lakes around Gratton
Lakes around Gratton are located in the Derbyshire Dales, a region within the Peak District known for its natural features and historical industrial sites. This area offers a landscape characterized by limestone valleys and rolling hills. Visitors can explore various ponds and mere that reflect the region's past and natural beauty. The waterways often have historical significance, having been used for industrial power or as water sources for local communities.
Best lakes around Gratton
- The most popular lakes is Mill…
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Mill Pond
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Whitworth Park Pond
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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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Ring Pond
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Heathcote Mere
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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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Water from the Ring Pond flows over the Sowter Stone and down to the Aqueduct, which was constructed by Paxton in the late 1830’s and early 1840’s as part of his improvements to Stand Wood. The water continues down through Stand Wood and enters the garden above the Cascade Pond.
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Rush covered mere which used to supply the village with water and provided a convenient watering stop for packhorse trains transporting salt or coal across the Peak District.
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The Whitworth building and park are steeped in Victorian industrial history. Lady Louisa Whitworth, wife of the industrialist Sir Joseph Whitworth, had a vision of creating a place where people could meet for leisure, recreational and educational purposes. The Whitworth is unique in that it is the only surviving Whitworth foundation that continues to operate under the terms of its original endowment. Once a Victorian boating lake the ponds are now home to an abundance of wildlife all year round.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes and water bodies can I explore around Gratton?
The area around Gratton, located in the Derbyshire Dales, features a variety of water bodies including man-made lakes, natural ponds, and mere. Many of these have historical significance, having been used for industrial power or as water sources for local communities.
Are there any lakes around Gratton with historical significance?
Yes, several lakes have rich histories. For instance, Mill Pond was originally a quarry converted into a reservoir in 1850 for industrial power. The Upper Pond at Bentley Brook was constructed in the 1780s to supply a cotton mill and is now a nature reserve. Ring Pond is part of a historical water system designed by Paxton in the 1830s and 1840s.
What natural features and wildlife can I observe near the lakes?
The Derbyshire Dales offer a landscape of limestone valleys and rolling hills. Lakes like Bentley Brook and Upper Pond are designated nature reserves, indicating a focus on preserving natural habitats. Whitworth Park Pond is also home to an abundance of wildlife year-round. The region's natural beauty attracts diverse flora and fauna.
Are there family-friendly lakes or walks suitable for children?
Many of the lakes are considered family-friendly. Mill Pond, Whitworth Park Pond, Bentley Brook and Upper Pond, Ring Pond, and Heathcote Mere are all categorized as family-friendly, offering pleasant spots for outings.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Gratton?
The area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, mountain biking, and gravel biking. For example, there are moderate road cycling routes like the 'Alport Village and River – River Derwent at Cromford loop from Youlgreave' and easy MTB trails such as the 'Longcliffe Descent – View of Harboro Rocks loop from Minninglow Hill'. You can explore more options in the Road Cycling Routes around Gratton, MTB Trails around Gratton, and Gravel biking around Gratton guides.
Are there hiking or walking trails around the lakes?
Yes, the lakes are often integrated into walking routes. For instance, the White Peak Loop trail goes through Whitworth Park Pond. Many of the lakes offer pleasant lakeside walks, and the wider Derbyshire Dales region is known for its extensive network of trails.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Gratton?
While specific seasonal tips for Gratton lakes aren't detailed, the Peak District generally offers beautiful scenery year-round. Spring brings new growth and wildlife, summer is ideal for longer walks, autumn showcases vibrant foliage, and winter can offer serene, frosty landscapes. Consider checking local conditions before your visit, especially in winter.
Are there any accessible trails or facilities near the lakes for visitors with mobility considerations?
While specific accessibility details for each lake are not provided, many parks and popular natural areas in the Peak District are working towards improving accessibility. It's advisable to check individual lake or park websites for the most up-to-date information on accessible paths and facilities before your visit.
Can I find places to eat or drink near the lakes?
The guide mentions that Heathcote Mere is close to Hartington, where you can buy drinks and snacks. The nearby villages of Elton and Youlgreave are also known to have cafes and pubs, providing options for refreshments after exploring the lakes.
Are the lakes around Gratton dog-friendly?
While specific dog-friendly policies for each lake are not explicitly stated, many outdoor areas and walking trails in the Peak District are generally welcoming to dogs, often requiring them to be on a lead. It's always best to check for any specific signage or local regulations at each location to ensure a pleasant visit for everyone.
What makes Heathcote Mere a notable spot?
Heathcote Mere is a peaceful, rush-covered mere that historically supplied the village with water and served as a convenient watering stop for packhorse trains. It's considered a great spot to stop for a picnic and is close to Hartington for snacks.
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