Carsington Reservoir Walk & Ashbourne Evening Social

Carsington Reservoir Walk

A delightful walk round Carsington Water, one of Derbyshire’s most important tourist attractions since it was opened by HM the Queen in 1992. It is an area noted for its wildlife, with a Wildlife Center and several bird hides en route.

Carsington Water is the ninth largest reservoir in England.
At its highest level the reservoir can hold 7,800 million gallons of water. At maximum capacity the reservoir is 300 hectares (741 acres) - 700 football pitches could fit on the surface! When full, the reservoir is 31 metres deep – the height of seven double decker buses. The project to build Carsington Water started in 1980 and the first water entered the reservoir on 16 October 1991.
The site was officially opened by the Queen in May 1992, some 12 years after first opening. Once built, Carsington water increased our raw water storage and supply by 10%.

We shall visit the pretty villages of Brassington & Carsington, then follow the 8 mile Red walking trail, which takes us around the perimeter of the reservoir. passing through some woodland areas, and along paths that give us plenty of lakeside views. We can take in some refreshments with a stop off at the visitor center towards the midway walk point.

Distance: 10 miles total. A circular reservoir walk & visiting a couple of nearby villages. Walk approx 5 hours duration, finishing at 1500.

Well behaved dogs on leads welcome on the walk only.

Start Point : Brassington village (just northwest of the reservoir)
Meet outside The Olde Gate Inn, Well St. Brassington. postcode DE4 4HJ

Terrain: This is an easy walk, mostly along flat surfaced and unsurfaced way-marked paths, shared also with cyclists. There are a few hills, but nothing too difficult.
Some of the paths are a little muddy in places, so please bring appropriate footwear.

Refreshments: There are refreshment opportunities at millfields & the Visitor Center, where there are also a few small shops but you may wish to bring water and snacks with you.

Accommodation : for those looking for an overnight stay. Caravans & motor home club site in woodlands next to the reservoir. NO Tent pitches > https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-sites/england/peak-district/derbyshire/carsington-water-caravan-club-site/

Evening Social :
Parking - Mayfield Rd, near St.Oswald's church (FREE, on Street) various P&D car parks around town, but check time restrictions.

1600 onwards late afternoon & evening in Ashbourne starting with a great meal at Market Place fish & chips (small seating area). Afterwards sampling the local pubs, starting with the excellent 'Maison du biere' on church street & Visiting around 4 local establishments, with approx 1 hour in each. Bring a change of clothes & shoes if attending the evening social. https://www.maisondubiere.com

Safety: We aim to make this a fantastic walk adventure, but all outdoor activities have a certain small associated risk. As always, participants are responsible for taking sensible precautions to avoid accidents, and for their own general health and safety. Please note that this walk will not be a 'sprint' however our policy is not to allow dawdling.

Lift requests & car share : post a message well before the event, NOT acceptable the day before! Please if you arrange this be respectful & either turn up as arranged or contact by phone in good time. Time wasting is totally unacceptable behaviour!

min. attendance 10 & subject to cancellation. Guests can attend the walk & evening social, or just the walk. But please let the organiser know your intentions. contact No. [masked] hour before walk starts[masked] preferably by text as will be driving. During the walk in emergencies only.