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Derbyshire Dales

Sheldon

Top 5 Lakes around Sheldon

Lakes around Sheldon are situated in a rural setting, offering natural ponds and meres within a village landscape. This area provides opportunities for quiet exploration and connection with local history. The landscape features open spaces and historical water systems, reflecting its past use for water supply and transport. It is a location where natural beauty meets local heritage.

Best lakes around Sheldon

  • The most popular lakes is Foolow Village, a settlement featuring a duck pond, ancient stone cross, and…

Last updated: June 14, 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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Emperor Lake at Chatsworth

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A lovely peaceful place to sit and watch the world go by. The Emporer Lake provides water for the Emporer Fountain, at one time the highest gravity fed fountain in the world.

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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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Heathcote Mere

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Great spot to stop at, very peaceful, close to Hartington to buy drinks and snacks.

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Ashford Lake and Weirs

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Lake and couple of weirs, sadly can't access a lot of it but can sit by the calmer waters edge

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Chris Shannon
February 7, 2026, Emperor Lake at Chatsworth

Impressive lake on the Chatsworth estate, was very slippy and muddy so take your time

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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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Emperor Lake at Chatsworth, built by Joseph Paxton, is an 8-acre lake that feeds the Emperor Fountain, once the tallest gravity-fed fountain in the world, and powers a turbine providing electricity to Chatsworth House.

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Rush covered mere which used to supply the village with water and provided a convenient watering stop for packhorse trains transporting salt or coal across the Peak District.

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

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A lovely peaceful place to sit and watch the world go by. The Emporer Lake provides water for the Emporer Fountain, at one time the highest gravity fed fountain in the world.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular lakes and ponds to visit around Sheldon?

Visitors frequently enjoy Foolow Village, which features a charming duck pond, an ancient stone cross, and a local pub. Other popular spots include Ring Pond, known for its historical water system, and Heathcote Mere, a peaceful, rush-covered mere that historically supplied the village with water.

Are there family-friendly spots among the lakes around Sheldon?

Yes, several spots are considered family-friendly. Foolow Village with its duck pond is a pleasant stop for families. Both Ring Pond and Heathcote Mere are also suitable for family visits, offering peaceful natural settings.

What historical features can I discover near the lakes in Sheldon?

The area around Sheldon's lakes is rich in history. At Foolow Village, you can see an ancient stone cross. Ring Pond is part of a historical water system, with water flowing over the Sowter Stone to an aqueduct constructed in the 1830s. Heathcote Mere historically served as a water supply for the village and a watering stop for packhorse trains.

Can I find good walking trails around the lakes in Sheldon?

Yes, the area offers various walking opportunities. While specific trails directly around the small village ponds are not detailed, the broader region around Sheldon has numerous routes. For instance, you can explore running trails like the 'Ashford Bobbin Mill – Deepdale loop' which starts from Sheldon. For more options, check out the Running Trails around Sheldon guide.

Are there options for cycling or gravel biking near Sheldon's lakes?

Absolutely. The region around Sheldon is popular for cycling and gravel biking. You can find routes like the 'Monsal and High Peak trails gravel loop' or the 'Chatsworth loop from Thornbridge'. For detailed routes and more options, refer to the Gravel biking around Sheldon guide and the Cycling around Sheldon guide.

What kind of natural scenery can I expect to see around Sheldon's lakes?

The lakes and ponds around Sheldon are set within a rural, village landscape. You'll encounter natural ponds and meres, often rush-covered, offering peaceful, open spaces. The area provides a quiet connection with nature, featuring local flora and the historical water systems that blend into the natural environment.

Are there any pubs or places to eat near the lakes in Sheldon?

Yes, Foolow Village is home to a very lovely pub, The Bull's Head, which makes for a great place to stop and refuel. It's advisable to check their food serving times, as they may stop serving around 2 pm during the week.

Is it possible to go wild swimming in the lakes around Sheldon?

The guide data does not specifically mention wild swimming opportunities or conditions for the small ponds and meres directly in Sheldon. These bodies of water are primarily noted for their historical significance and peaceful settings rather than recreational swimming. It's always recommended to exercise caution and research local regulations before attempting wild swimming in any natural body of water.

What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Sheldon?

The guide does not specify a 'best time' to visit. However, given the rural setting and outdoor activities like walking and cycling, spring and summer typically offer pleasant weather for exploration. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage, while winter walks can offer a different, serene experience, though some amenities might have reduced hours.

How accessible are the lakes around Sheldon for visitors?

The guide highlights the village landscape and natural ponds. While specific accessibility details for each pond are not provided, the general nature of a rural village setting suggests varying levels of accessibility. For detailed information on parking, public transport, or specific accessible paths, it's best to consult local resources or visitor centers upon arrival.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the lakes and ponds in Sheldon?

Visitors appreciate the peaceful and attractive village settings, such as Foolow Village with its duck pond. The historical elements, like the aqueduct at Ring Pond and the historical water supply role of Heathcote Mere, also add to the appeal. The overall quiet exploration and connection with local heritage are highly valued.

Are there any less-known or 'hidden gem' lakes around Sheldon?

Sheldon is known for its natural ponds and meres, which offer a variety of natural settings. While the guide highlights Ring Pond and Heathcote Mere as significant, the charm of the area lies in discovering these smaller, tranquil bodies of water that are integral to the village's character and history, offering a sense of peaceful discovery rather than grand, hidden spectacles.

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