Best lakes around Beeley are primarily found within the nearby Chatsworth Estate, featuring significant water bodies like the Emperor Lake and Canal Pond. Beeley, a village in the Derbyshire Dales, provides access to these historic water features and other natural attractions. The area also includes the waterfalls in Hell Bank Plantation and the River Derwent, offering diverse aquatic landscapes. These locations are integral to the region's natural and historical appeal.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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Wooden Boardwalk now mostly replaced by a "Rubble Mound" crushed stone walkway, similar to a breakwater in a sea harbour. With plastic (imitation wood) handrail/fence
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"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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Always a favourite place to walk or ride. Beautiful scenery and unusual boardwalk around the reservoir
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Near Beeley, you'll find significant water features primarily within the Chatsworth Estate, including the historic Emperor Lake and Canal Pond. Other popular spots include the three reservoirs at Linacre, such as the Southeast corner of Linacre Middle Reservoir, known for its scenic beauty and varied trails. Ogston Reservoir is also a popular leisure ground.
Yes, the Chatsworth Estate is home to historically significant water features. The Emperor Lake, an 8-acre man-made lake, was dug in 1844 to supply the impressive Emperor Fountain in the Canal Pond. The Mill Pond, originally a quarry, was converted into a reservoir in 1850 to power machinery, showcasing 19th-century engineering.
The water features at Chatsworth Estate are unique due to their historical significance and engineering marvel. The Emperor Lake and Canal Pond are integral to the expansive Chatsworth Garden, with the Emperor Fountain once being the world's tallest gravity-fed fountain. Its system even generated electricity for Chatsworth House, making it a remarkable testament to 19th-century innovation and scenic design.
Beyond the well-known Chatsworth Estate, you can discover the beautiful, hidden waterfalls in Hell Bank Plantation. This area is popular for walks, and the brook with its small waterfalls is a highlight, especially after rain. The River Derwent also offers scenic riverside walks.
Absolutely. Many of the lakes and reservoirs offer excellent walking opportunities. The Linacre reservoirs, including the Southeast corner of Linacre Middle Reservoir, have a network of well-surfaced trails through woodlands. Holmebrook Valley Park also features walking routes around its lake. For more options, explore the easy hikes around Beeley.
Yes, several locations offer cycling. The Linacre Middle and Lower Reservoirs have tracks suitable for cycling, which can link up to local MTB routes. Holmebrook Valley Park has several cycle paths around its lake. For more challenging rides, you can find various gravel biking and MTB trails around Beeley.
Yes, Ogston Reservoir is a popular spot for both fishing and sailing. It is home to the Ogston sailing club and is known as a popular trout fishing lake. Please note that access to the reservoir itself is limited due to its conservation status, but there are designated areas for these activities.
Many areas around Beeley's water features are family-friendly. The Linacre reservoirs, including the Southeast corner of Linacre Middle Reservoir, offer mostly flat trails suitable for families and children, with woodlands and trunk carvings. Holmebrook Valley Park is also a great place for families with its lake and cycle paths.
The lakes and water features near Beeley are beautiful year-round. Spring is particularly lovely when the woodlands around Linacre reservoirs are carpeted with bluebells. After rain, the waterfalls at Hell Bank Plantation are at their most impressive. The Chatsworth Estate gardens are stunning in all seasons, offering unique views of the Emperor Lake and Canal Pond.
Yes, many of the trails around the lakes are dog-friendly. For instance, the Linacre reservoirs, including the Southeast corner of Linacre Middle Reservoir, are noted as dog-friendly. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially around wildlife and livestock, and check for any specific local restrictions.
The terrain varies. Around the Linacre reservoirs, you'll find mostly flat, well-surfaced tracks, though they can get muddy in wet weather. Holmebrook Valley Park features wide gravel fire roads. Some areas, like the path around Linacre Upper Reservoir Boardwalk, have been replaced with crushed stone walkways. Walks towards the Chatsworth Estate or Hell Bank Plantation may involve more varied, natural paths.
While specific fully accessible trails are not extensively highlighted, the Linacre reservoirs offer mostly flat and well-surfaced tracks, which may be suitable for some visitors with mobility considerations. The Linacre Upper Reservoir Boardwalk, now a crushed stone walkway, provides a relatively even surface close to the water.


Still not found your perfect lake around Beeley? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.