Top 20 Lakes around Peak Forest

The Peak Forest area, within the wider Peak District, offers several visually striking reservoirs. Ladybower Reservoir Overflow is famous for its iconic 'plughole' spillway and the stunning View of Ladybower Reservoir from Bamford Edge. Derwent Reservoir, located upstream from Ladybower, also provides beautiful scenery. For a peaceful escape, Dovestone Reservoir is celebrated for its serene atmosphere and scenic beauty.

Yes, several lakes hold historical importance. Derwent Dam and its reservoir were used as a practice site for the 'Dambusters' during World War II due to their resemblance to German dams. Ladybower Reservoir was created by flooding the villages of Derwent and Ashopton, whose remains can sometimes be seen when water levels are low. Errwood Reservoir, in the Goyt Valley, features the ghostly ruins of Errwood Hall along its trails.

Carsington Water is particularly popular with families, offering an interactive visitor centre, a café, play areas, and exhibitions. Derwent Reservoir also has a play park for children and a visitor centre. Many of the reservoirs, including Ladybower and Kinder Reservoir, offer easy walking trails that are suitable for family outings.

The lakes provide a diverse range of activities. You can enjoy walking and cycling around most reservoirs, with specific routes like the 4-mile circular path at Fernilee Reservoir or the 5-mile trail at Errwood Reservoir. Carsington Water is a hub for water sports such as canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. For hiking, explore routes like those found in the Easy hikes around Peak Forest guide. Cycling enthusiasts can find routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Peak Forest and Gravel biking around Peak Forest guides.

While many reservoirs are primarily for drinking water and may have restrictions, Mermaid's Pool on Kinder Scout is a mystical natural pool where wild swimming is an option for the brave. Its icy waters offer a rugged, facilities-free experience.

Mermaid's Pool on Kinder Scout offers a unique, rugged experience away from the larger reservoirs. Rudyard Lake, just outside the Peak District's southwestern border, is a hidden gem geared towards boat enthusiasts, offering a sailing club and various water sports, along with a miniature steam railway.

The lakes are beautiful year-round. Autumn is particularly recommended for visiting Kinder Reservoir, as the surrounding hills display vibrant multi-coloured trees. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking and water sports, while winter can provide dramatic, often frozen, landscapes, especially around Kinder Downfall.

While specific accessibility details vary by location, many of the larger reservoirs, such as Carsington Water, have visitor centres and paved paths that may offer better accessibility. It's advisable to check specific site information for detailed accessibility features before visiting.

Several larger reservoirs offer on-site facilities. Derwent Reservoir has a café and visitor centre. Carsington Water features an interactive visitor centre, a café, and a restaurant. Rudyard Lake also provides a visitor centre and café. For other locations, nearby villages often have pubs and cafes.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning scenery, the variety of walking and cycling trails, and the historical significance of sites like Derwent Dam. The iconic 'plughole' at Ladybower Reservoir Overflow is a popular spot for photographers, and the panoramic views from Bamford Edge are highly rated. The peaceful atmosphere and opportunities for outdoor recreation are also key attractions.

Many trails around the reservoirs are dog-friendly, but it's important to keep dogs under control, especially near livestock or wildlife. Some areas may require dogs to be on a lead. Always check local signage for specific rules and regulations at each lake or reservoir.

Fernilee Reservoir offers a pleasant 4-mile circular route, with a western path following a disused railway line. Errwood Reservoir provides a 5-mile trail. Many of the larger reservoirs like Ladybower and Derwent also have extensive networks of paths that can be combined for circular walks of varying lengths and difficulties.