Near Ashbourne, Derbyshire, between Wirksworth and Kniveton, on the southern edge of the Peak District.
Carsington Water
Reservoir
Place photograph
5.9
Wildland
Half day, Full day
Time
Paid
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.9A reservoir built for the region’s water supply that has become a broad, open-air landscape for walking, cycling and watching wildlife. Its story is visible in the unusual meeting of engineering, rolling Derbyshire hills and a busy waterside visitor site.
Carsington Water earns its place for the scale of its open water and the choice it gives you: follow a trail, look for birds along the shore, cycle a reservoir circuit or simply take in the surrounding Derbyshire hills. It is a developed visitor destination rather than a remote wild place, but there is enough room and variety to make a proper day outdoors.
Peaceful · Big-sky · Family-buzz
Find your way
Open mapNear Ashbourne, Derbyshire, between Wirksworth and Kniveton, on the southern edge of the Peak District.
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Choose a walk to suit your time, cycle some or all of the reservoir circuit, look for birds around the water and shoreline, or visit the hands-on water exhibition. Cycling and watersports are available through local providers; check bookings and conditions before setting out.
Things to do
Walk a reservoir route
The site operator offers three walking routes, from a leisurely family stroll to a faster-paced outing. Check the route information to choose one suitable for your time and ability.
Cycle by the water
Bike hire is available from Carsington Waterside. The operator lists a family-friendly 5 km trail and a more challenging 12 km reservoir circuit; advance booking is recommended.
Watch for birds
Look across the open water and along woodland and shoreline habitats. The site operator names kingfishers, buzzards and grebes among the birds found here; binoculars can be hired from the RSPB shop, subject to availability and current terms.
Explore the water exhibition
The Visitor Centre’s Wonderful World of Water exhibition uses zones with hands-on experiences to explore the role of water. Check opening times before visiting.
Book an authorised watersports activity
Canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding are offered through Carsington Waterside. All watercraft launching must be booked through the authorised providers; unauthorised launching is not permitted.
Ride the reservoir circuit on horseback
The operator describes a 12 km (8-mile) riding route around the reservoir. The route is shared with walkers, cyclists and dog walkers; check current arrangements before visiting.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
A waterside breather
- 01
Start at the Visitor Centre and check current site information and route options.
- 02
Choose a short section of one of the operator’s walking routes rather than committing to the full circuit.
- 03
Pause by the water to take in the views and look for birds along the shoreline.
- 04
Return to the Visitor Centre; check its opening hours if you want to visit the exhibition or restaurant.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it
- 01
Begin with a walk on one of the three routes offered by the site operator, choosing a length and pace that suit your group.
- 02
Spend time watching the open water, woodland and shoreline for birds such as kingfishers, buzzards and grebes.
- 03
If you would rather explore on two wheels, consider hiring a bike and check availability and booking requirements in advance.
- 04
Finish with the Wonderful World of Water exhibition or a stop at the restaurant, checking opening times before you go.
Full Wildland day · Full day
A full Carsington day
- 01
Start with a walk or cycle ride, choosing from the walking routes or the cycle options described by the operator.
- 02
Pause for birdwatching along the water, woodland and shoreline habitats.
- 03
Break at the Visitor Centre and explore the Wonderful World of Water exhibition; the official site describes it as a hands-on family exhibition.
- 04
In the afternoon, book an authorised watersports activity or continue exploring the reservoir trails. Confirm availability and launch arrangements with the provider before travelling.
Verified history
Carsington Water was created to help secure water supplies for the East Midlands. The reservoir receives water from the River Derwent through tunnels and an aqueduct and stores it for when it is needed. A regional visitor guide reports that it was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in May 1992.
Hidden details
A reservoir supplied from the Derwent — The stored water does not simply arrive from a nearby stream: the operator says it is conveyed from the River Derwent through tunnels and an aqueduct. That engineering is part of the landscape’s story.
More than open water — The operator identifies three distinct bird habitats at the site—open water, woodland and shoreline—and names kingfishers, buzzards and grebes as species to look for.
When to go
March · April · May · June · July · August · September · October · Morning, especially on a clear, calm day.
The site offers walks, cycling and birdwatching throughout the year. Longer daylight makes it easier to combine these activities; no particular seasonal wildlife spectacle is established by the supplied sources.
Open water and exposed shorelines can feel breezy. Check the forecast and current site information, particularly before cycling or booking watersports.
Worth pairing with
Wirksworth
A nearby historic town with independent shops, cafés, pubs and galleries, described by a local accommodation guide as a good companion to Carsington Water. Check individual businesses before travelling.
Ashbourne
A nearby market town with shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants; a practical stop to combine with a visit to the reservoir. Check individual opening times.
High Peak Trail and Middleton Top
A local accommodation guide identifies the trail and Middleton Top as nearby to Wirksworth, making them possible additions for a walking or cycling-focused day. Check route and access details before setting out.
What to look for
- 01
Scan the open water, woodland edges and shorelines for birds
- 02
the site operator specifically mentions kingfishers, buzzards and grebes. Notice how the reservoir’s trails and visitor facilities sit within the surrounding rolling hills, and look for the engineering story behind the stored water.
The story
Science
Best time to go
All year; choose a clear, calm day for open-water views and birdwatching.
Go on a clear, relatively calm morning for open views and a quieter start. Birdwatching is possible throughout the year; bring binoculars or ask about hire at the RSPB shop. Check visitor-site, car-park and facility times before travelling.
How long to spend
Half day, Full day
Perfect for
Families · Walkers · Cyclists · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Dogs · Horse riders
Before you go
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The visitor site is open daily except Christmas Day. The main visitor centre and car park are on Big Lane, off the B5035. Parking is available on site and is paid; check the official website for current charges and details before travelling. Watercraft launching must be booked through the authorised providers; unauthorised launching is not permitted.
Check before visiting
Parking
On-site car parks at the Visitor Centre, Sheepwash and Millfields. Parking is managed by ANPR and must be paid for; check current charges and arrangements with Severn Trent Water before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
A Changing Places toilet is available in the Visitor Centre courtyard, daily 7:30 am–6:30 pm. A RADAR key is required and can be borrowed from Visitor Centre reception, 10 am–5 pm. Check before visiting for other toilet details.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
The official site lists a restaurant, open 9 am–5 pm. Check current opening times before travelling.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs are welcome but must be kept under control and on a lead at all times to protect wildlife and other visitors.
Accessibility
The operator provides accessibility and sensory guides and says accessibility information is available from the Visitor Centre team. A Changing Places toilet is available in the courtyard; see the official guides for route-specific details and check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
Reservoir
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Carsington Water
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
