Top 8 Lakes around Fenny Bentley

Carsington Water is a major recreational hub offering a wide range of activities. You can enjoy water sports like sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, and rowing. Equipment hire and taster sessions are available. It's also a recognized training center for the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and British Canoe Union (BCU). Fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout is also an option from hired boats.

Yes, Carsington Water features numerous picturesque walking and cycling trails. Options include a 1-mile trail to Stones Island, a 3-mile cycle trail suitable for children, and an 8-mile trail that offers more of a challenge. The cycle tracks also connect to the traffic-free High Peak Trail and Tissington Trail. Many visitors enjoy the Beautiful gravel path around the edge of the reservoir.

Absolutely. Carsington Water is very family-friendly, offering an outdoor play area for children, including a dedicated toddler area. The 3-mile cycle trail is suitable for children, and there are picnic spots and barbecue areas. The Visitor Centre also has a permanent exhibition about water and a Wildlife Discovery Centre.

Yes, Carsington Water is a renowned spot for birdwatching. There is a bird hide located north of the Visitor Centre where you can spot species such as kingfishers, little owls, little grebes, oystercatchers, and various geese.

Near the lakes, you can visit the Osmaston Park Sawmill, an old timber mill located by a lake and surrounded by ancient woodlands. Another point of interest is the Roadford Lake Dam, which has an interesting history of construction and was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1992.

Carsington Water is designed to be accessible. It offers designated disabled parking, accessible toilets, wheelchair access, and accessible equipment for hire, making it a good option for wheelchair users.

The lakes, particularly Carsington Water, are enjoyable year-round. Spring and summer offer ideal conditions for water sports and cycling, while autumn provides beautiful foliage for walks. Birdwatching is good throughout the year, with different species present seasonally. Facilities like cafes and visitor centers are open most of the year.

While specific dog-friendly policies for all areas are not detailed, many outdoor trails in the Peak District, including those around Carsington Water, are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially near wildlife and livestock. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.

Carsington Water has a large Visitor Centre with restaurants, cafes offering water views, and shops. There are also picnic spots and barbecue areas. For other options, the nearby villages like Fenny Bentley itself or Ashbourne offer pubs and cafes.

Beyond the trails directly around Carsington Water, the wider Fenny Bentley area offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, including trails like the Thorpe Cloud & Dovedale loop. For cyclists, there are gravel biking and MTB trails, such as the Tissington Trail loops and routes connecting to Carsington Water.

The full circuit around Carsington Water is approximately 8 miles (13 km). The time it takes to walk depends on your pace, but it typically takes around 3-4 hours to complete the entire loop.

While Carsington Water can get busy, especially during peak times, you might find a quieter experience at Shirley Park Woodland and Pond. This area offers a peaceful walk through woodland and along the lakeside, providing a change of scenery from local farmland.

Visitors frequently highlight the lovely views all the way around the reservoir. The gravel path is appreciated for cycling, though some note a challenging hill. The variety of activities, from water sports to birdwatching and family facilities, also contributes to its popularity.