Enjoy The Many Faces Of Carsington Water

There are many attractions that make the Peak District one of the most popular tourist areas in Britain. Having been granted National Park status in April 1951 (making it the first National Park in Britain),  it is conveniently divided into the northern Dark Peak where you will find brooding moorland,  and the southern based White Peak which contains most of the population.

Great water activities at Carsington Water

It attracts in excess of 10 million visitors a year with that number growing steadily.  There is no doubt that the beauty of the landscape and the wonderful heritage offered  by the many stately homes are part of the secret of its success, but another perhaps less appreciated fact is that despite its inland location, it offers top notch water sports which are to be found at Carsington Water, located between Ashbourne and Wirksworth.

It exists primarily as a reservoir owned and operated by Seven Trent Water. Construction was completed around 1989, and it was officially opened by the Queen in May 1992. However, its attraction as a tourist destination is based very much on the water-based sports and pastimes that it offers.

In a part of the country where cycling and walking are both top attractions, it offers the chance to enjoy both these activities amidst some of the most beautiful and peaceful scenery. 

With regard to the access to water sports, check on what the Carsington Sports and Leisure site has to say:-

“Carsington Sports and Leisure have been providing training courses for professional and amateur enthusiasts for many years in water based activities

“We offer training in a wide variety of disciplines, using a diverse fleet of modern equipment. The centre is a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) recognised training centre, and also delivers British Canoe Union (BCU) courses. This means that all equipment reaches a high standard, and that all training at the centre is conducted by qualified instructors.”

Carsington Fishery has just reopened for the 2014 season, with boat bookings now being taken. Fly fishing (no coarse fishing sorry!) for both brown and rainbow trout in the 750 acres of clear waters.

There is a Visitor Centre which has within it a permanent exhibition explaining the role of water in our daily lives, and a wide range of facilities including shops selling souvenirs, craft items, embroidery materials, ceramics, books etc and a cafe and restaurant. There is wheelchair access.

A remarkable centrepiece of the courtyard is the Kugel Stone, a ball of granite weighing over 1 tonne and which revolves on a thin film of water under pressure. It can be moved with the touch of your hand! There is a classroom within the courtyard offering pre-booked schools a full day of activities to complement school based work on a variety of themes relating to water and the environment.

When you plan your Peak District break, remember to leave time for a visit to Carsington Water for a day full of memories!