Top 20 Lakes around Belper
Best lakes around Belper offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities, despite Belper itself not featuring large natural lakes. The area is characterized by the River Derwent, historic gardens, and significant wetland sites. These locations provide tranquil settings for walks, wildlife observation, and family activities, often blending natural beauty with historical elements from the region's industrial past.
Best lakes around Belper
- The most popular lakes is Carsington Water, a lake that offers lovely views all the way around. It features a beautiful gravel path suitable for cycling and is family-friendly.
- Another must-see spot is Mapperley Reservoir, a peaceful body of water surrounded by bluebell woodlands and rolling farmland. Visitors can expect excellent birdwatching opportunities and remnants of coal mining heritage.
- Visitors also love Wyver Lane Nature Reserve, an important wetland site comprising two pools surrounded by reed beds and water meadows. It is a haven for wildlife, particularly birds and otters.
- Belper is known for reservoirs, natural pools within nature reserves, and wetland areas. These locations offer a variety of experiences, from cycling paths to quiet birdwatching spots.
- The lakes around Belper are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 180 upvotes and over 40 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Carsington Water
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Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve
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Allestree Park
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Wyver Lane Nature Reserve
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It's an important wetland site and home to Canada geese, tufted ducks, little grebes, while large numbers of gulls visit in winter. The reserve is also home to otters, a glorious sight.
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Mapperley Reservoir
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Tips from the Community
It straddles the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire county boundaries and is jointly owned by the two county Wildlife Trusts. In spring and summer the reserve's ponds and the wet sections of the canal are a refuge for grass snakes, amphibians and dragonflies. Butterflies and many other insects breed and feed on the wild flowers growing in the grassland. The meadows are best known for their birds. In spring lapwings can be seen performing their impressive aerial displays, while early mornings may offer the best chance of hearing the strange 'drumming' call of breeding snipe. More common breeding birds include the reed buntings with their distinctive black and white heads, and sedge warblers, more camouflaged but twice as noisy in declaring their presence. In spring and autumn the breeding birds are joined by waders, wildfowl and even birds of prey like the hen harrier. Many wildfowl stay for the winter, including a small flock of wigeon, numerous teal and a range of other species.
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Erewash Nature Reserve is the largest area of floodplain and grassland in the Erewash Valley. It's managed by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. Look out for water voles and water birds.
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The area known as Allestree Park was enclosed in about 1818. The house begun by Bache Thornhill was completed by John Giradot (High Sheriff of Derbyshire) with three storeys and five bays, the central three bowed with an ionic columned porch. A large part of the estate was sold for housing development in 1928. The neglected house now stands in a 300-acre (1.2 km2) wooded parkland with lake, grasslands and former golf course, owned by Derby City Council. Allestree Park is designated as a Local Nature Reserve.
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The 18-hole Golf Course opened in 1955, was closed in December 2020 and has now disappeared. There are several colour-coded & waymarked walking, running & nature trails to enjoy. Allestree Park is perfect for families to enjoy some fresh air and a stroll.
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The Mapperley Reservoir is a very large fresh water lake that spans 17-18 acres and includes a nature reserve that spans 2 acres. The venue, surrounded by trees and situated in a very nice setting, is a nice place to fish throughout the year.
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Still a lovely park but the golf course has closed and the Pro shop is no more so little opportunity for refreshments. In summer there is sometimes an ice cream van near the Hall. Park is due for "rewilding" which means there will be less open space for cycling and, for some obscure reason, a lot more fencing.
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The strong winds are very powerful across the dam wall. Those who cycle with children may want to use the road for the dam wall section on these occasions.
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really good ride experience going around carsington - the east side is packed with short climbs n downs, west side is mostly flat with refreshment stops. the main visitor centre is pricey compared to the other options
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes and water bodies can I explore around Belper?
While Belper itself doesn't feature large natural lakes, the area offers a variety of water bodies including reservoirs, natural pools within nature reserves, and wetland areas. You can find historic river gardens, important wetland sites, and peaceful reservoirs surrounded by woodlands and farmland.
What are some of the most popular water-related attractions near Belper?
Visitors frequently enjoy Carsington Water for its lovely views and family-friendly cycling paths. Other popular spots include Mapperley Reservoir, known for its peaceful setting and birdwatching, and Wyver Lane Nature Reserve, an important wetland site for wildlife enthusiasts.
Are there family-friendly options among the lakes and water bodies near Belper?
Yes, several locations are great for families. Carsington Water is very family-friendly with cycling paths. The Belper River Gardens offer a play area, boating during summer, and landscaped areas for picnics. Mapperley Reservoir and Wyver Lane Nature Reserve are also suitable for family walks and wildlife spotting.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at these locations?
The nature reserves and reservoirs are excellent for wildlife spotting. At Wyver Lane Nature Reserve, you might see Canada geese, tufted ducks, little grebes, and even otters. Mapperley Reservoir is home to coot, moorhen, mallard, kingfisher, and various songbirds like chiffchaffs and blackcaps in summer. Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve is known for water voles, grass snakes, amphibians, dragonflies, and a wide array of birds including lapwings, snipe, and reed buntings.
Are there historical or cultural points of interest near the lakes?
Yes, the area blends natural beauty with historical significance. The Belper River Gardens, located within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, feature a Grade II listed bandstand and reflect the town's industrial history. Mapperley Reservoir is surrounded by fascinating remains from the area's coal mining heritage. Additionally, Pennytown Ponds Local Nature Reserve has a history tied to 19th-century mining operations and was re-landscaped by Italian prisoners of war.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Belper?
The region offers excellent opportunities for hiking and cycling. You can find various hiking trails, including moderate routes like the River Derwent & Wyver Lane Nature Reserve loop, or easier options such as the Wyver Lane Nature Reserve – Belper Bridge loop. For cycling, routes around Carsington Water are popular, and there are longer cycling tours like the Belper loop to the Nottingham Canal. You can find more details on these activities in the Hiking around Belper and Cycling around Belper guides.
When is the best time to visit the lakes and nature reserves?
The best time to visit depends on your interests. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the vibrant flora, such as bluebell woodlands around Mapperley Reservoir, and for spotting breeding birds and dragonflies at Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve. Summer also allows for boating at Belper River Gardens. Winter brings large numbers of gulls to Wyver Lane Nature Reserve and provides opportunities to see various wildfowl.
Are dogs allowed at these locations?
While specific dog policies can vary, many natural areas around Belper are generally dog-friendly, especially for walks on leads. It's always recommended to check local signage or specific reserve guidelines before visiting, particularly in nature reserves where wildlife protection is paramount.
What amenities are available near the lakes?
Amenities vary by location. The Belper River Gardens feature refurbished Swiss Tea Rooms. Near Mapperley Reservoir, a visitor centre is located in nearby Shipley Country Park. For other locations, you'll find cafes, pubs, and accommodation options in the nearby towns and villages, including Belper itself.
Is there public transport access to the lakes near Belper?
Public transport options to specific lakes and nature reserves can be limited. Belper River Gardens are easily accessible within Belper town. For locations like Wyver Lane Nature Reserve or Mapperley Reservoir, you may need to combine bus services with a walk, or consider driving. It's advisable to check local bus routes for the most up-to-date information.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes and water bodies around Belper?
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquil settings, the opportunities for wildlife observation, and the blend of natural beauty with historical elements. The family-friendly activities, such as cycling at Carsington Water and boating at Belper River Gardens, are also highly valued. The peaceful walks and scenic views receive frequent praise from the komoot community.
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