周辺の湖・トップ8

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

Worth stopping a check out the various bit of this area.

reasonabe incline gravel climbs on each side but a lovely place to view the lake and the old timber mill water wheel

Beautiful gravel path around the edge of the reservoir - a little hill thrown in for good measure. Gets very busy!

Osmaston Estate is a beautiful park with plenty of ancient woodlands to explore. It is well worth planning a route which ventures through this park. The sawmill is a beautiful building located by the lake and immediately adjacent to the footpath. It is surrounded by steep bank covered with a verdant forest of very tall trees. Parking is easy on the street in both nearby Shirley & Osmaston villages.

lovely views all way round

If you are looking for an easier life cycle around the reservoir anticlockwise as this way you get the harder part out of the way in the first half of the ride and have an easier end to the ride when you might not have so much energy left.