Top 7 Lakes around Youlgreave
Best lakes around Youlgreave include a variety of water features, as the village itself does not contain large natural lakes. The area is characterized by the River Bradford, which features a popular wild swimming spot, and Youlgrave Dam, a pond primarily used for fishing. Youlgreave also has a historical reservoir, part of its independent water supply, though it is not a recreational lake. These water bodies offer diverse recreational opportunities within the Peak District landscape.
Best lakes around Youlgreave
- The…
Last updated: May 16, 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 water bodies can I find around Youlgreave?
Youlgreave doesn't feature large natural lakes in the traditional sense. Instead, you'll find a popular wild swimming spot in the River Bradford, a fishing pond known as Youlgrave Dam, and several historical ponds and reservoirs like Mill Pond, Bentley Brook and Upper Pond, and Ring Pond. These offer diverse recreational and historical interests.
Where can I go wild swimming near Youlgreave?
The most prominent wild swimming spot is in the River Bradford, just below Youlgreave. What appears almost like a swimming pool has been carved out of the rock, offering clear, cool, spring-fed water. It's easily accessible and beginner-friendly, though it can get busy on sunny days.
Are there any fishing opportunities around Youlgreave?
Yes, Youlgrave Dam is a pond primarily used for fishing. It contains various fish species, including young perch, bream, and roach. Fishing rights are managed by the Haddon Estate, and children can fish for free after obtaining a ticket from the Youlgrave Post Office.
Are there family-friendly lakes or ponds to visit?
Many of the water features are family-friendly. The River Bradford wild swimming spot has a ledge for easy entry, making it suitable for children. Highlights like Mill Pond, Whitworth Park Pond, Bentley Brook and Upper Pond, Ring Pond, and Heathcote Mere are all noted as family-friendly.
What historical significance do the water bodies around Youlgreave hold?
Youlgreave has a rich water history. The village has a historic stone reservoir from 1829, part of its independent water supply. Mill Pond was originally a quarry converted into a reservoir in 1850 to power machinery. Bentley Brook and Upper Pond was constructed in the 1780s for a cotton mill, and Whitworth Park Pond was once a Victorian boating lake.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see?
You can explore diverse natural features, from the clear waters of the River Bradford to the wildlife-rich Whitworth Park Pond, which is home to abundant wildlife. Bentley Brook and Upper Pond is now a designated nature reserve. Heathcote Mere is a peaceful, rush-covered mere.
Are there hiking trails near these lakes?
Yes, Youlgreave is a great base for hiking. You can find numerous easy hikes around the area, including routes along the River Lathkill and through Youlgreave village. For more details and specific routes, check out the Easy hikes around Youlgreave guide.
What other outdoor activities are available near the lakes?
Beyond hiking, you can enjoy mountain biking and running. There are various MTB trails, including longer routes like 'Bakewell to Beeley Hill & Birchover loop', and running trails such as 'Youlgreave village – Peak Feast loop'. Explore these options in the MTB Trails around Youlgreave and Running Trails around Youlgreave guides.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Youlgreave?
The area is beautiful year-round, but for wild swimming, warmer days are ideal. The River Bradford wild swimming spot can get very busy on sunny days, so visiting during off-peak times or early in the day is recommended for a more tranquil experience.
What do visitors enjoy most about the water features in Youlgreave?
Visitors appreciate the clear, refreshing waters of the River Bradford for wild swimming, the peaceful atmosphere of spots like Heathcote Mere for picnics, and the historical context of the various ponds and reservoirs. The area's natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities are highly valued.
Are there any hidden gems among the water bodies?
While not exactly 'hidden,' Bentley Brook and Upper Pond, now a designated nature reserve, offers a tranquil experience with its historical background as a cotton mill water supply. Heathcote Mere is also noted as a very peaceful spot.
Can I find information about the local wildlife near the ponds and rivers?
Yes, Whitworth Park Pond is known to be home to an abundance of wildlife all year round. Similarly, Bentley Brook and Upper Pond is a designated nature reserve, indicating a focus on preserving its natural habitat and wildlife.
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