Carsington Tourist Information

Although Carsington is not by any standards, one of the nicer parts of the Peak District, the reservoir does provide a feature worth visiting. There is a signed walk around the water, albeit with a short section on public road rather than on dedicated path, of about 8.5 miles. The walk takes in a mixture of wooded area, meadow and open views across the reservoir, and provides a great diversity of bird life and flora.

Seven Trent Water have excelled in the development of the area, despite the loss of a large number of the trees in recent years, catering for a wide range of outdoor recreations.

Of particular note are the bird hides near the Sheepwash car park (which is free) and the fully enclosed and heated bird hide adjacent to the Visitors' Centre. These hides are really worth a visit for any bird watcher, serious or occasional, particularly in the winter when a wide variety of duck can be seen.

The birding experience is made even better by the efforts of the Carsington Bird Club, who in addition to monitoring and surveying the bird life, provide a number of guided walks (including one at dawn) with a remarkably knowledgeable guide.

Description by John Wynn