The Top 10 Lakes around Mapleton

Planning for the reservoir started in the 1960s and construction started in 1979. In 1984, there was a partial collapse of the dam before it was filled. The dam was removed before the construction of a new dam began in 1989. The finished reservoir was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1992.

This tower was initially a mystery to us, but we later discovered that it houses the pumping system for the water. It also looks quite cool floating on the water.

The nearby village of Shirley was once the seat of Earl Ferrers and the Shirley family. The parkland and woods of the estate is still called Shirley Park although the grand house is no longer evident. Walking through the woodland and along the lake side is aa nice change to the farmland of the area. The woods make a great loop either from Shirley or for a longer walk from Ashbourne.

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.

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

this is the flat part of the tour - welcome relief from the undulated leg warming sections on the other side of the water

Cafe is extraordinarily expensive, the south eastern path is up n downy, overall an enjoyable ride, a little short

Eastern side of route quite undulating