Big Lane, Upper Town, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 1ST

Carsington Water

Reservoir

Place photograph

6.8

Wildland

Half day

Time

Check

Cost

Big-sky

Feel

LakesideHillsRemote countrysideWalkersCyclistsWildlife loversFamiliesPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

6.8

A Derbyshire reservoir supplied from the River Derwent by tunnels and an aqueduct, built to help secure water supplies for the East Midlands. Its working-water story sits alongside waterside trails, wildlife and outdoor recreation.

Carsington Water earns its place through the combination of a substantial reservoir landscape and an unusually tangible water-engineering story: water is brought here from the Derwent through tunnels and an aqueduct. It offers a clear focus for a walk or cycle, with views across the water and the surrounding Derbyshire hills.

Big-sky · Peaceful · Wild

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Big Lane, Upper Town, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 1ST

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The experience

Make the visitor centre the starting point for a reservoir-side visit. Walk or cycle, pause for the views and wildlife, and look into the water-transfer story. Check current routes, activity availability, facilities and parking information with the operator.

Things to do

Walk beside the reservoir

Explore the scenic trails around the water. The official visitor page confirms walking opportunities but the supplied excerpt does not give a route distance or specify a complete circuit.

Explore by bicycle

Cycling is listed among the activities available at Carsington Water. Check the official site for current route and hire details.

Follow the water-supply story

Find out how the reservoir receives water from the River Derwent through tunnels and an aqueduct, and why it was created to help secure East Midlands water supplies.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–2 hours

Quick reservoir escape

01
Start at Carsington Water Visitor Centre and check current site information before setting off.
02
Take a short walk beside the reservoir and pause for the views across the water and surrounding hills.
03
Look for information about the reservoir’s role in water supply and its connection to the River Derwent.

Half day · Half day

Make a half day of it

01
Begin at the visitor centre and use the operator’s current site information to choose a suitable walking or cycling outing.
02
Spend time on the trails and at viewpoints overlooking the reservoir and rolling countryside.
03
If interested in going on the water, check directly with the operator about current activities, availability and requirements; do not assume access or permission.

Verified history

Carsington Water was created to help secure water supplies for the East Midlands. Severn Trent Water says water is transferred from the River Derwent through tunnels and an aqueduct before being stored in the reservoir. A supplied regional guide reports that the reservoir was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in May 1992.

Hidden details

The reservoir’s connection to the Derwent — Carsington is not simply a reservoir collecting local rainfall: Severn Trent Water says water is brought in from the River Derwent through tunnels and an aqueduct.

A water-compensation scheme — A supplied regional guide describes Carsington as part of a scheme that stores water pumped from the Derwent when rainfall is plentiful and returns it when river levels would otherwise be too low for water extraction downstream.

When to go

· Choose a clear, calm day for the views; no specific time of day is supported by the supplied sources.

The operator describes Carsington Water as a year-round destination. The supplied evidence does not establish particular seasonal wildlife or flowering highlights.

Check the forecast and current site conditions before travelling. Open-water views are most readily enjoyed in clear conditions; no specific weather thresholds are established by the supplied sources.

Worth pairing with

Ashbourne

Ashbourne is the nearest named town in the source row and the official visitor page describes Carsington Water as about four miles north of it. No specific café, shop or attraction pairing is verified in the supplied evidence.

Cromford Canal

A regional guide suggests Cromford Canal as a nearby outing in the wider area. Check travel distance and current access before making it part of the same day.

Heights of Abraham

A regional guide recommends the Heights of Abraham as another outing in the area. Confirm current opening and travel details before planning a combined visit.

What to look for

Look across the reservoir to the surrounding rolling countryside, then connect the landscape to its engineering: water reaches Carsington through tunnels and an aqueduct from the River Derwent.

The story

Water supply and engineering

Best time to go

The official visitor page describes it as a year-round destination. Choose a clear, calm day for open-water views; check current conditions and facilities before travelling.

A clear, calm day should make it easier to appreciate the open-water and hill views. The official visitor page presents the site as a year-round destination.

How long to spend

Half day

Perfect for

Walkers · Cyclists · Wildlife lovers · Families · Photographers

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

Big Ln, Upper Town, Ashbourne DE6 1ST

Phone

+44 330 678 0701

Website

stwater.co.uk

Listed hours

Monday: 10am-5pm
Tuesday: 10am-5pm
Wednesday: 10am-5pm
Thursday: 10am-5pm
Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 10am-5pm

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.6 · 8,209 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

A public visitor destination with a visitor centre and main car park. The supplied official visitor-site page describes access and parking arrangements; check it for current visitor information.

Check before visiting

Parking

On-site car parking at the visitor centre and main car park. ANPR records vehicles entering and leaving; pay on exit or pay online or through the Trust app within 24 hours. Check the official page for current charges.

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Toilets

The source row lists a wheelchair-accessible toilet. Check current availability before visiting.

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Food & drink

Check before visiting; the supplied official visitor page excerpt does not confirm current café or food provision.

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Dogs

Check before visiting; no dog policy is confirmed by the supplied sources.

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Accessibility

The supplied listing data identifies a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating and toilet. Check the official visitor page for route surfaces and any other access details.

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Cost

Paid parking; check the official site for current charges.

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Water

Reservoir. Water recreation is mentioned by supplied sources, but confirm current activities, availability and any requirements with the operator before travelling.