Top 20 Lakes around Darley Dale
Best lakes around Darley Dale are situated in the Derwent Valley, bordering the Peak District, offering access to various water bodies. The region features a mix of ornamental lakes, historic industrial ponds, and large reservoirs. These locations provide settings for outdoor activities and nature observation.
Best lakes around Darley Dale
- The most popular lakes is Southeast corner of Linacre Middle Reservoir, a trail that is located west of Chesterfield on the edge of the Peak District. The area features…
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Southeast corner of Linacre Middle Reservoir
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Mill Pond
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Ogston Reservoir
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Brick Sphere Sculpture, Holmebrook Valley Park
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Linacre Upper Reservoir Boardwalk
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Tips from the Community
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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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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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Darley Dale are suitable for families with children?
Several lakes offer family-friendly activities. Whitworth Park in Darley Dale features an ornamental lake, scenic ponds, and free activities like a children's scavenger hunt. The Linacre Reservoirs are also great, with picturesque woodlands, trunk carvings that children love, and mostly flat terrain for easy walks. Holmebrook Valley Park also provides cycling and walking paths around a lake, suitable for various family outdoor activities.
Are there accessible lakes for visitors with mobility needs or pushchairs?
Yes, Whitworth Park in Darley Dale is highly accessible. It features wide, paved pathways suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs, and mobility scooters, allowing everyone to enjoy the ornamental lake and mature parkland.
What kind of wildlife and natural features can I expect to see at the lakes?
The lakes around Darley Dale are rich in nature. Whitworth Park is a haven for wildlife. Ogston Reservoir is particularly renowned for its diverse birdlife, with over 200 species recorded, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching. The Linacre Reservoirs are surrounded by beautiful woodlands, including oak, beech, alder, larch, and pine trees, with bluebells carpeting the ground in springtime. You might also spot squirrels and deer there.
Are there historical sites or interesting facts about the lakes near Darley Dale?
Yes, some lakes have fascinating histories. Ogston Reservoir was created in 1958 by flooding a valley, submerging a village, a pub, farmland, and a section of the Ashover Light Railway. The Mill Pond, also known as Lower Pond, was originally a quarry transformed into a reservoir in 1850 to power machinery. The Linacre Reservoirs were constructed between 1855 and 1904 to supply water to Chesterfield.
What outdoor activities can I do around the lakes?
The lakes offer a variety of outdoor activities. At Ogston Reservoir, you can enjoy sailing, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and trout fishing. The surrounding areas also provide extensive footpaths for walking. For more structured routes, you can explore hiking trails, running routes, or gravel biking paths in the wider Darley Dale area.
Are there good walking trails around the lakes, and what is the terrain like?
Yes, there are many walking trails. Whitworth Park has wide, paved paths. The Linacre Reservoirs offer a network of trails and footpaths through picturesque woods and fields, with mostly flat terrain, making it a good option for less strenuous walks. However, some footpaths, especially off the main routes, can be very wet and muddy after rain. Ogston Reservoir also has popular footpaths around its perimeter.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Darley Dale?
Spring is a particularly beautiful time to visit, especially the Linacre Reservoirs, when the woodlands are carpeted with bluebells. Generally, the lakes are accessible year-round, offering different scenic beauty with each season.
Can I go birdwatching at any of the lakes?
Yes, Ogston Reservoir is an excellent spot for birdwatching. Over 200 species have been recorded there, especially during migration. The Ogston Bird Club also conducts guided bird walks, offering access to surrounding areas for optimal viewing.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Linacre Reservoirs?
Visitors particularly enjoy the scenic beauty of the three Linacre Reservoirs and their surrounding woodlands. The mostly flat terrain makes for pleasant walks, and the trunk carvings in the woods are a hit with children. The Linacre Upper Reservoir Boardwalk is also a favorite for feeling close to the water and observing ducks.
Is there parking available at the lakes?
Yes, 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. Holmebrook Valley Park also offers parking facilities.
Are there any less crowded walking trails or spots near the lakes?
While popular, the extensive network of trails around the Linacre Reservoirs allows for exploration beyond the main paths, potentially leading to quieter spots. For Ogston Reservoir, while the main footpaths are popular, exploring the surrounding fields via well-signposted routes can offer great views with fewer people, though direct reservoir access is limited due to its conservation status.
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