Carsington Water
Carsington Water offers walking, cycling, watersports & birdwatching. Its about 7 miles from Ashbourne.
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It is around 15 minutes drive from Ashbourne - head out on the B5035 signposted for Wirksworth and follow the brown tourist road signs.
Take service 110 or 111. Service 111 goes to the visitor centre car park and the 110 goes to Carsington Village.
By bike there is a strenuous ride up the Tissington Trail to Tissington Village, then downhill and across the ford and up to Bradbourne and then down again to Carsington. Bradbourne is one of a handful of "doubly thankful" villages, meaning it lost no citizens in either of the World Wars. There is an alternative (much longer) way back via the High Peak Trail to Parsley Hay and then back down the Tissington Trail.
It's too far to walk.
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Carsington Water is a beautiful place to visit, at any time of year. There are three car parks (pay & display), a cafe & visitor centre, toilets, water sports and bike hire. The area around the visitor centre is fully accessible for all.
It is the ninth largest reservoir in England covering approx 300 hectares and is run by the Severn Trent water company. There is a seven mile track around the lake suitable for walkers and robust pushchairs. It's also a great cycle ride but we suggest avoiding warm summer weekends as the paths get very busy.
Nearby attractions include the Miners Arms pub in Carsington Village, Hopton Hall gardens and Middleton Top.