Things to do in Derbyshire, England: The Best Bodies of Water

The construction of the Cromford Canal by William Jessop and Benjamin Outram, partners in the Butterley company, was completed in 1794. It is 14.5 miles long and joined Cromford with the Erewash Canal at Langley Mill. The site has a wealth of industrial heritage and lies in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site. The canal is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its entire length from Cromford to Ambergate. The 3.3km southern section from Whatstandwell Bridge to Ambergate is a Local Nature Reserve. The canal is a haven for water vole, a threatened and declining species, and for grass snakes, little grebes, moorhen and coots. The southern end towards Poyser's Bridge is excellent for dragonflies. The canal can be explored from the towpath between Cromford Wharf and Ambergate, a distance of just over five miles. The walk from Cromford Wharf to High Peak Junction is suitable for pushchair's and wheel chairs. We manage the section from Cromford to Ambergate for recreation and wildlife. The canal has a very rich and diverse wildlife running through the attractive Derwent Valley and part of it has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserve. The Nature Reserve can be accessed from the north end at Whatstandwell or at the southern end from Ambergate by a towpath off Chase Road. The old towing path which follows the canal is a public footpath - please note that this path is narrow and uneven in places. Birdswood, a restored narrow boat is run on scheduled trips through the year by the Friends of Cromford Canal. Open to all members of the public. Come and enjoy a peaceful journey along the canal, from Cromford Wharf to High Peak Junction, introduced by a booming announcement from the FCC President, Brian Blessed. Birdswood is also available for private hire and for specialist educational trips. Limited canoeing is permitted on the Cromford Canal between Cromford Wharf and High Peak Junction. Because of the sensitive nature of the canal, numbers are strictly controlled. There's a Changing Places toilet for use by the public in the car park at Cromford Wharf.

The historic Linacre Reservoirs provide the perfect setting for a quiet, relaxing day out. A network of trails and footpaths crisscross the valley. Visitors can explore ancient beech and oak woodlands or follow the course of the Holme Brook as it cascades down the valley. The peaceful setting means the site abounds with wildlife. Nuthatches, flycatchers and woodpeckers can be seen and heard as they flit among the canopy and kingfishers and mandarin ducks can be spotted around the waters edge. The site is accessible all year round. Car parking There are three small car parks along the main entrance road to the Linacre Reservoirs. Car parking at Linacre costs £1.00 for up to two hours and £2.50 for the day. An annual parking permit for up to two cars costs £25.00.

Foremark Reservoir is a haven for wildlife and offers many outdoor and leisure activities, such as a play area, fishing, bird watching and sailing. In addition there are a number of countryside walks for those who want to explore and discover the magic of the growing National Forest. Supporting a rich diversity of wildlife with over 200 species of birds, 27 species of butterflies and 300 species of moths recorded on site, Foremark is a interesting place to visit. The many footpaths and trails are a great starting point to explore the reservoir and surrounding woodland. The site is open every day from dawn until dusk apart from Christmas Day.

Staunton Harold Reservoir near Melbourne, Derbyshire is in the heart of the growing National Forest and offers a range of attractive walks and leisure activities. The site is open every day from dawn until dusk apart from Christmas Day. Car parking Car parking is £2.50 per vehicle all day at the main car park. The ticket machines do not accept cash, but you can pay by credit or debit card. Frequent visitors may wish to purchase annual car parking permits which includes access to Foremark Reservoir. The cost for an annual permit for both sites is £35 which includes a £5 deposit for a swipe card that allows access to Foremark Reservoir.