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Little Longstone

Top 5 Lakes around Little Longstone

Best lakes around Little Longstone are found within the Peak District National Park, a region known for its diverse natural landscapes. Little Longstone, a small village, offers access to various aquatic features and waterside activities in its vicinity. The area features a mix of natural ponds, man-made reservoirs, and scenic rivers, providing opportunities for exploration. This location serves as a base for discovering the aquatic environments of the Peak District.

Best lakes around Little Longstone

  • The most popular lakes is…

Last updated: June 28, 2026

Foolow Village

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A gorgeous little village, with a duck pond, ancient stone cross and a very lovely pub (The Bull's Head) which, if you time your journey right, makes for a great place to stop and refuel.

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Amazing spot down by a lake and stream on a tiny ancient bridge. Perfect for the lunch stop!

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Ring Pond

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Water from the Ring Pond flows over the Sowter Stone and down to the Aqueduct, which was constructed by Paxton in the late 1830’s and early 1840’s as part of …

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Emperor Lake

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The 6th Duke tasked Paxton with engineering a new record-breaking gravity-fed fountain in anticipation of a visit by Tsar Nicholas 1 in 1844.  The 8-acre Emperor lake was fed by …

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Popular around Little Longstone

Wonderful walks in the Peak District — Big Shakeout Festival

Awesome bike rides in the Peak District — Big Shakeout Festival

Hiking around Little Longstone

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MTB Trails around Little Longstone

Road Cycling Routes around Little Longstone

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Wonderful walks in the Peak District — Big Shakeout Festival

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Jason Out and About
September 24, 2025, Foolow Village

Arrive mid-morning on a crisp autumn day to wander the quaint village green with its medieval cross, duck pond, and bull-ring—perfect for photos of the limestone cottages without crowds. Grab a hearty pub lunch at The Bull’s Head, savoring local ales and farm-fresh dishes, then embark on the easy 2.4-mile walk to nearby Eyam (the “Plague Village”) for a dose of history amid rolling dales. Park at the edge of the village (limited spots), wear comfy shoes for the quiet lanes, and time your visit for late August if you can catch the colorful well dressings festival

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Water from the Ring Pond flows over the Sowter Stone and down to the Aqueduct, which was constructed by Paxton in the late 1830’s and early 1840’s as part of his improvements to Stand Wood. The water continues down through Stand Wood and enters the garden above the Cascade Pond.

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The 6th Duke tasked Paxton with engineering a new record-breaking gravity-fed fountain in anticipation of a visit by Tsar Nicholas 1 in 1844.  The 8-acre Emperor lake was fed by streams that collected rain falling on the high ground. The pipe from the Emperor lake drops 122 metres down to the fountain. In places, trenches up to 4.5 metres deep were cut through rock to maintain the gradient, and all before mechanical diggers were invented. The resulting water pressure was enough to enable the fountain to reach heights of 90 metres and for 160 years, the Emperor Fountain was the tallest gravity-fed fountain in the world. 

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foolow church is so cute !! has a little corner for walkers' refreshments too, if open

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Paul
August 1, 2021, Foolow Village

A small, attractive village

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A nice spot to stop for lunch. This spot is also known as a wild swimming spot too, if you’re into that kind of thing.

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A lovely little reservoir with a peaceful waterfall/ outlet.

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The pub stops serving food around 2pm in the week, so bear that in mind when planning a lunch stop into your journey!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of aquatic features can I explore around Little Longstone?

The area around Little Longstone, while not having large natural lakes directly within the village, offers a diverse range of aquatic features. You can explore historic ponds like Longshaw Pond and Ring Pond, scenic rivers such as the River Wye in Monsal Dale, and larger reservoirs like Ladybower Reservoir a short drive away. There's also a charming duck pond in Foolow Village.

Are there family-friendly spots near the lakes around Little Longstone?

Yes, several spots are great for families. Longshaw Pond is known for its wildlife, making it a good spot for birdwatching. Foolow Village features a duck pond that children often enjoy, alongside a pub. The Small Reservoir and Waterfall is also considered family-friendly and offers a peaceful setting.

What natural features and wildlife can I expect to see?

You'll find a variety of natural beauty. Longshaw Pond is excellent for birdwatching, with ducks and herons. The River Wye in Monsal Dale is known for its scenic 'fabulous Dale scenery' and is popular for angling, particularly for rainbow trout and grayling. You can also see a notable weir in Monsal Dale and a peaceful waterfall at the Small Reservoir.

Are there historical sites or features near these aquatic locations?

Absolutely. Longshaw Pond itself was created around 1827 and has a lodge built around the same time. Foolow Village boasts an ancient stone cross. The Ring Pond is part of a historic water system constructed in the 1830s and 1840s by Paxton. Additionally, Monsal Dale features the dramatic Headstone Viaduct, part of the historic Monsal Trail.

What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Little Longstone?

The area offers numerous outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the Monsal Trail or circular walks around Monsal Head. Cycling is popular, especially around Ladybower Reservoir and on the Monsal Trail. For more specific routes, explore the hiking guide, MTB trails guide, or gravel biking guide for Little Longstone.

Are there opportunities for wild swimming near Little Longstone?

Yes, for those interested in wild swimming, the Small Reservoir and Waterfall is known as a spot for this activity. Ladybower Reservoir, a short drive away, is also recommended for wild swimming.

What are some popular walking routes near the lakes?

Popular walking routes include the Monsal Trail, which runs along the River Wye in Monsal Dale and offers scenic views, and the Monsal Head Circular Walk. You can find more detailed routes and their difficulty levels in the Hiking around Little Longstone guide, which includes options like the Great Longstone & Longstone Moor loop.

Is there fishing available in the lakes or rivers near Little Longstone?

The River Wye in Monsal Dale is particularly known for fishing, especially for rainbow trout and grayling. For specific permits and regulations, it's advisable to check local angling club information.

What is the best time to visit the lakes around Little Longstone?

The area is beautiful year-round, but the spring and summer months offer pleasant weather for walking, cycling, and picnics. Longshaw Pond is noted for its changing colors over the seasons, making it appealing for photographers at various times of the year. The Monsal Dale weir is particularly impressive when the River Wye is in full spate, often after rainfall.

Are there cafes or pubs near the aquatic attractions?

Yes, Foolow Village has 'The Bull's Head' pub, which is a great place to stop and refuel. The area around Monsal Head, close to the River Wye, also typically has facilities for visitors.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes and waterside areas near Little Longstone?

Visitors frequently appreciate the serene natural beauty, the opportunities for wildlife spotting, and the peaceful atmosphere. The historic elements, such as the old ponds and the Monsal Dale viaduct, also add to the charm. Many enjoy the walking and cycling routes that connect these scenic spots, and the chance for a quiet picnic or even wild swimming.

How accessible are the paths around the lakes for different abilities?

While specific accessibility details vary by location, the Monsal Trail, which follows the River Wye, is generally well-maintained and suitable for a range of abilities, including those with pushchairs or wheelchairs in many sections. Longshaw Pond is easily accessible as it's located near the main car park of the Longshaw Estate.

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Still not found your perfect lake around Little Longstone? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

HathersageHathersageAbney and Abney Grange CPHazlebadgeOffertonBaslow and Bubnell CPGrindlefordFoolowBradwellEyamFroggattHighlowStoney MiddletonGreat HucklowCurbarGrindlow CP CPMatlock TownChatsworth CPHulland WardCalverDarley DaleBeeleyEdensorWirksworthCromfordBrassingtonBonsallMiddletonMercastonPilsleyRowsleySouth DarleyCallowKirk IretonBigginNorthwood and Tinkersley CPMatlock Bath CP CPBrailsfordHoptonHulland CPHognastonTansleyEltonBakewellCarsingtonBradley CPAtlowOffcote and Underwood CPAshbourneOsmastonMapletonWinsterSnelstonTideswellLittle Hucklow CP CPHartington Middle QuarterNether HaddonIbleIvonbrook Grange CP CPAldwarkFenny BentleyBradbourneClifton And ComptonShirleyKnivetonYeldersleyHollingtonEdlaston and Wyaston CPRodsleyHassopLongford CPTissington and Lea Hall CPBirchoverMarston MontgomeryNorbury and Roston CPThorpeHarthillStanton CPCubleyLittonWardlowParwichBallidonGrattonHungry Bentley CPAlkmontonSudburyBoylestoneHartington Nether Quarter CPRowlandGreat LongstoneEaton and Alsop CPNewton Grange CPAshford In The WaterYoulgreaveDoveridgeYeaveleyChelmortonWhestonCarsington WaterSheldonOver HaddonSomersal HerbertBlackwell in the Peak CPMiddleton And Smerrill

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