Top 6 Lakes around Wardlow

Ladybower Reservoir is famous for its two bellmouth spillways, known as 'plugholes,' which create a dramatic vortex during high water levels. Barbrook Reservoir, now a nature reserve, offers diverse habitats for wildlife, including wet and dry heath. You can also find picturesque smaller water features and cascades in areas like Padley Gorge.

Yes, the area offers numerous walking routes. Ladybower Reservoir has many circular walking and cycling routes suitable for various abilities. Longshaw Pond, within the Longshaw Estate, provides accessible walks, including family-friendly options. For more challenging hikes, explore routes like the 'Headstone Viaduct, Monsal Dale – Monsal Dale Weir loop' or the 'Longstone Moor – Cressbrook Dale loop'. You can find more hiking options in the Hiking around Wardlow guide.

Ladybower Reservoir, constructed between 1935 and 1943, is renowned for its connection to the 'Dambusters' bombing missions during WWII. Its creation involved the flooding of the villages of Derwent and Ashopton. Longshaw Pond, created around 1827, was part of a shooting retreat for the Duke of Rutland.

Longshaw Pond is a serene spot ideal for families, offering easy accessibility and opportunities for birdwatching and picnics. The broader Longshaw Estate has various walking routes, including shorter, family-friendly options. Little Barbrook Reservoir is also popular for paddling and picnics, with shallow edges making it suitable for families.

For expansive vistas, visit the View of Ladybower Reservoir from Bamford Edge, which overlooks Ladybower Dam and the surrounding countryside. Ladybower itself is surrounded by breathtaking scenery of water, woodlands, and moorland. Longshaw Pond offers a tranquil setting amidst ancient woodlands.

Little Barbrook Reservoir is noted as a popular spot for wild swimming, paddling, and picnics. Its shallow edges make it somewhat safer for entry and exit. The Small Reservoir and Waterfall, Peak District National Park is also known as a wild swimming spot.

Longshaw Pond is excellent for birdwatching, with ducks and herons frequently present, and the Longshaw estate is home to diverse wildlife, including red deer. Barbrook Reservoir, now a nature reserve, is a good spot for birdwatching and attracts migrating birds. Little Barbrook Reservoir teems with life, including ducks, geese, water voles, newts, frogs, fish, and dragonflies.

Ladybower Reservoir offers numerous circular cycling routes. For gravel biking, you can explore routes like the 'Monsal and High Peak trails gravel loop' or the 'Monsal Trail – Headstone Viaduct loop'. More options are available in the Gravel biking around Wardlow guide and the Road Cycling Routes around Wardlow guide.

The 'plugholes' at Ladybower Reservoir are particularly captivating during periods of high water levels, typically in winter and spring, when they create a dramatic vortex. Generally, the Peak District offers stunning scenery year-round, but spring and summer provide milder weather for outdoor activities, while autumn brings beautiful foliage.

Yes, Ladybower Reservoir is dog-friendly, and many walking routes around the lakes in the Peak District welcome dogs, usually on a lead. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, especially in nature reserve areas or near livestock.

Ladybower Reservoir has well-equipped facilities, including parking, often with a charge. Longshaw Pond is easily accessible, located near the main car park of the Longshaw Estate. For specific trailheads, look for designated parking laybys or car parks.

While specific cafes directly adjacent to every lake are not mentioned, the broader area around Wardlow and the Peak District has various options. For example, the village of Foolow Village, a short distance away, has a very lovely pub called The Bull's Head, which makes for a great place to stop and refuel.