Carsington Water – A Highly Accessible Trail Surrounded By Nature Reserves

This 8 mile circular around the beautiful Carsington water is perfect for the whole family. Whether you take the bikes, a picnic or just have a gentle walk around the waters edge, its a beautiful day out for everyone.

What to expect

This path is stoned all the way around which makes it a great option for bikes, pushchairs and wheelchairs, as it follows the reservoir there aren’t any big climbs on this one, making it perfect for a gentle stroll on a nice day.

There are birdwatching hides and information barns at various points around the reservoir as well as toilets dotted around.

Getting there & parking

There are multiple car parks that can be used for this walk but we found the Sheepwash bridge car park to the the cheapest, not by a lot but if you’re doing the circular, it doesn’t matter where you park, use Postcode DE4 4PS, you will see road signs directing you to parking.

Good to know

The route

The route takes you all the way alongside the reservoir, there will be options to pull off route slightly to check out the many hides for birdwatching and information barns telling you more about the area, but its a simple loop and as long as you keep the reservoir close, you can’t go far wrong.

Tips & what to bring

Good footwear and waterproofs, if you get caught out in the rain here, theres no shortcut back to the car. There are many benches along the shoreline and grassy banks that would be nice for a picnic on a dry day.

Eat & drink nearby

There is a cafe at the visitor centre although we haven’t eaten here before, It’s also only 2 mile from the quaint village of Wirksworth, and a little further drive out, you’ll find the towns of Matlock or Ashbourne.

The Old Dog Country Pub, Thorpe, Near Dovedale ✦ NewPub

A country pub just minutes from the Dovedale Stepping Stones and the Tissington trail.

5.5 miles away 📍 Map View →

BEAR, Ashbourne, Peak District Cafe

BEAR in Ashbourne, a modern cafe doing brilliant food and burgers a stone's throw from Dovedale. Our go-to stop before or after…

5.7 miles away 📍 Map View →

The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop Cafe

The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop is one of the only places you can try this early 19th century recipe.

10 miles away 📍 Map View →

The Charleston Restaurant

The Charleston in Bakewell is a 1920's style, restaurant, cocktail, wine bar and live jazz music venue in the heart of the…

10 miles away 📍 Map View →

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Places to stay nearby

★ Featured partner · make a weekend of it

The George Hotel, Hathersage

Hotel · 17.9 miles away

Featured partner. We only ever feature places we have been to and would happily book again ourselves. Plan a weekend →

The Estate Rooms, Alstonefield Manor Self-catering

A private wing of a Peak District stone manor, The Estate Rooms sleep two with a king bed, a cosy living space…

7.4 miles away 📍 Map View →

The Peacock At Rowsley ✦ NewHotel

A historic 17th century luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the Peak District

8.2 miles away 📍 Map View →

Darwin Forest ✦ NewGlamping

Darwin Forest is a luxury lodge holiday park nestled in 47 acres of woodland on the edge of the Peak District between…

8.3 miles away 📍 Map View →

The Ashford Arms, Ashford In The water, Bakewell Hotel

A beautifully restored 17th century coaching inn in Ashford-in-the-Water near Bakewell, with cosy boutique rooms, award-winning food and the Monsal Trail on…

11 miles away 📍 Map View →

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POIs nearby

Tissington Ford A river that crosses the road in Tissington 📍 3.1 miles away View on map →