Best lakes around Tupton offer diverse natural and historical landscapes, providing various outdoor opportunities. The region features several reservoirs and nature reserves, characterized by woodlands, open water, and former industrial sites repurposed for recreation. These areas serve as key natural attractions for visitors seeking walks and wildlife observation. Many locations provide easy walking trails and are family friendly.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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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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Ogston Reservoir was created by flooding the local valley in 1958. The flooding covered the village of Woolley as well as a pub, farmland and a section of the Ashover Light Railway. The reservoir provides drinking water to the local area and is also used as a holding reservoir for Carsington Water. Today it's managed as a water source and leisure ground. The footpaths around the reservoir are popular locally. The Ogston sailing club is known for starting off Ellen MacArthur and it's also a popular trout fishing lake.
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warm and friendly welcome but not that the prices are due to increase shortly
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The Southeast corner of Linacre Middle Reservoir is an excellent choice. It features three reservoirs surrounded by woods and footpaths, is mostly flat, and is known to be dog-friendly. The well-surfaced tracks make for an easy walk, though they can get muddy in wet weather.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve offers gravel trails, ponds, and a cafe. Brick Sphere Sculpture, Holmebrook Valley Park is a large country park with a lake for walking and cycling. The Mill Pond is also considered family-friendly.
Parking is available at several locations. There is a public car park on the northern edge of the woods of the Lower Reservoir at Linacre. Ogston Reservoir also has a free car park. For Holmebrook Valley Park, parking is available on-site.
The lakes are enjoyable year-round. In springtime, the woods around Linacre Reservoirs are carpeted with bluebells, offering a beautiful sight. Autumn also provides scenic views with changing foliage. While accessible in winter, be prepared for potentially muddy conditions on some trails.
Yes, Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve is a significant natural monument with a historical colliery site, offering insights into the region's industrial past. The Mill Pond also has a history, originally being a quarry before its conversion into a reservoir.
The area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and running. Many trails connect the lakes with the wider countryside, providing opportunities for exploration.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. You can cycle around the middle and lower reservoirs at Linacre. Holmebrook Valley Park also features a beautiful lake to cycle around, with gravel paths that link to other cycle routes around Chesterfield. For more cycling options, explore the Cycling around Tupton guide.
Many of the lakes are integrated into wider trail networks. For instance, the Linacre Reservoirs have a network of trails and footpaths through surrounding fields and woodlands. For dedicated hiking routes, you can explore options like the 'Five Pits Trail – Adventure Bike Trail loop from Tupton' or 'Britton Wood – Bole Hill and Hardwick Wood loop from Clay Cross CP' in the Hiking around Tupton guide.
While a specific duration isn't provided, the walk around the three Linacre Reservoirs is described as an 'easy walk' on 'well-surfaced tracks'. It's a popular route for a leisurely outing, typically taking a couple of hours to complete the full circuit depending on your pace and how many stops you make.
While not explicitly 'hidden', the Mill Pond offers a unique historical context as a former quarry converted into a reservoir. It's a smaller, charming spot that provides a different experience compared to the larger reservoirs.
The lakes and their surrounding nature reserves are rich in wildlife. Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve is noted for its wildlife. Ogston Reservoir is a conservation site and popular for birdwatching, with the Ogston Bird Club conducting guided walks.
Yes, Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve has a cafe on-site, offering refreshments. While specific pubs directly adjacent to every lake are not listed, many villages and towns in the Tupton area will have options for food and drink after your visit.


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