62 Peak District Lakes & Reservoirs: In Size Order

The Peak District is known for its stunning landscapes. But did you know there are no natural lakes here? Instead, it’s home to over 62 man-made reservoirs, adding waterly charm to the area.

These reservoirs are more than just water sources. They’re part of the local history and culture, and they draw visitors for their scenic beauty. From the large Ladybower Reservoir to the historic Derwent Dam, there’s a lot to explore.

Join us as we take a quick tour of the Peak District’s reservoirs. You’ll learn how each spot has its own story and why they’re worth a visit.

10 Biggest and Best Lakes & Reservoirs in the Peak District

The following list is in volume order (Basically, in order of size), just for simplicity.

By Douglal – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

1. Ladybower Reservoir – 27,800,000 m3

Ladybower Reservoir, nestled in the heart of the Peak District, serves both as a vital water supply and a captivating spot for visitors.

Its unique bellmouth overflows, locally known as the “plugholes,” are a visual marvel, especially during heavy rains.

The reservoir also holds a rich history, with the villages of Ashopton and Derwent, which occasionally resurface from below.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, it offers ample recreational opportunities like walking around Win Hill to the east and Bamford Edge to the south as well as plenty of cycling, and fishing spots.

The surrounding woodlands and moorlands are crisscrossed by trails, inviting exploration of the area’s natural beauty and wildlife. The blend of intriguing history and stunning scenery makes Ladybower a notable mention.

2. Derwent Reservoir (Dam) – 9,640,000 m3

Derwent Reservoir in the Peak District is often associated with its historical significance, being a practice site for the Dambusters during World War II. The Iconic Dam wall is internationally known for its flowing water after heavy rain.

The reservoir, with its twin towers, tranquil waters, and surrounding woodlands, offers a serene escape. Visitors can explore the many walking and cycling trails or engage in watersports. The visitors centre has many facilities, including a cafe and bike hire shop. 

With its blend of natural beauty and historical relevance, Derwent Reservoir is a captivating destination for those interested in both outdoor adventures and the echoes of history.

3. Winscar Reservoir

Winscar Reservoir, also known as Winscar Dam, is situated on the headwaters of the River Don in South Yorkshire, England, nestled within the Peak District National Park near Dunford Bridge, northwest of Sheffield. 

Established in the 1850s and later enhanced in the 1970s to boost its capacity, the reservoir can be observed from the vantage point of a bridleway running between two accessible car parks on Windle Edge and Broad Hill.

Winscar Reservoir is one of 25 dams along the River Don, and due to a low supply catchment, it takes, on average 2 years to refill once fully drained!

The reservoir is not only a haven for walkers but also a popular spot for cyclists, windsurfers, and sailors, offering a blend of serene nature and recreational activities amid the spectacular scenery of the Peak District.

4. Howden Reservoir

Howden Reservoir, the uppermost of three reservoirs in the Upper Derwent Valley, England, sports a unique Y-shape with a lengthy arm stretching around 2km (1¼ miles).

Straddling the boundary between Derbyshire and Sheffield, South Yorkshire, it’s an intriguing blend of geographical and historical richness. This reservoir is part of a trio, alongside Ladybower and Derwent reservoirs, each bearing its own distinctive charm​.

Constructed between 1901 and 1912,  the architectural grandeur of Howden Dam, designed by Edward Sandeman with W. Flockhart as the architectural advisor, is accentuated by its rock-faced gritstone exterior and twin castellated towers.

5. Torside Reservoir

Torside Reservoir, engineered by John Frederick Bateman between 1849 and 1864. It forms part of the Longdendale Chain of reservoirs, constructed to channel water from the River Etherow to Greater Manchester’s urban areas​​.

The reservoir is a notable feature along the Trans Penine Trail, which follows the first railway line connecting Manchester and Sheffield, providing a scenic route for both cyclists and walkers. At the reservoir, visitors can find amenities like toilets and picnic benches, enhancing the outdoor experience​.

Spanning a length of 2.25 km (1.4 miles), Torside is a relatively slim reservoir compared to others in this list.

For those looking to explore further, a circular walking or cycling route of about 6 km (4 miles) encircles the large lake, with a substantial car park available at Torside Car Park on the southern side, making it a convenient starting point for the Longdendale Trail​.​

6. Tittesworth Reservoir

Tittesworth Reservoir, near Leek, Staffordshire, England, is a water storage reservoir fed by the River Churnet. Built in 1858 and extended in 1963, it’s owned and operated by Severn Trent Water. Initially, the 1858 dam regulated the river flow for Leek’s textile mills, but the modern dam, built between 1959 and 1963, aids in water storage, making Tittesworth the second-largest reservoir by volume in Staffordshire​.

The reservoir offers a myriad of activities, from water sports to peaceful walks, wildlife watching, and seasonal events, making it a lively spot for outdoor enthusiasts​. It’s also home to a visitor centre open year-round, providing a base for exploring the spectacular Peak District National Park​.

Tittesworth offers a great circular walk, which is family-friendly, showcasing its natural beauty. A shorter, pram-friendly walk of 2.8 km (1.7 miles) is also available, offering beautiful reservoir views and woodland paths​.

7. Langsett Reservoir

Langsett Reservoir, located near the villages of Langsett and Upper Midhope on the edge of the Peak District National Park in South Yorkshire, England, is a significant water supply reservoir.

Constructed between 1898 and 1904, it’s now managed by Yorkshire Water and supplies water to Sheffield and Barnsley via the Langsett Treatment Works​​. 

In terms of recreation, Langsett Reservoir is embraced by walkers, mountain bikers, and birdwatchers. The Pennine peaks of Pike Lowe and Hingcliff Common lie to the south and southwest of the reservoir, respectively, offering breathtaking views.

The reservoir’s vicinity is also a habitat for wildlife, with a particular emphasis on birdwatching, and visitors might spot species like treecreepers, great spotted woodpeckers, and red grouse. Moreover, a network of trails around the reservoir provides diverse options for exploring the area, whether on foot or by bike​.

Additionally, the reservoir’s history is rich with tales from the early 20th century when local depopulation occurred to improve water purity, leading to the abandonment of six farms.

8. Woodhead Reservoir

Woodhead Reservoir, situated near the hamlet of Woodhead in Longdendale, north Derbyshire, England, is a man-made lake constructed by the notable engineer John Frederick Bateman between 1847 and 1877.

It was created as part of the Longdendale Chain of reservoirs, designed to supply water from the River Etherow to urban areas in Greater Manchester. This reservoir marks the top of the chain and was the first to commence construction, although due to various challenges, it was the last to be completed​.

Recreationally, Woodhead Reservoir is a part of the beautiful Longdendale Trail, which encompasses a circular route around the reservoir in the Upper Longdendale Valley, starting from the Crowden car park just off the A628 (Woodhead Road). 

9. Dovestone Reservoir

Dovestone Reservoir is situated at the convergence of the valleys of the Greenfield and Chew Brooks, above the village of Greenfield on Saddleworth Moor, within Greater Manchester, England.

The reservoir lies on the western edge of the Peak District National Park, melding natural beauty with accessibility, especially given its proximity to Manchester​.

The work was completed with the construction of Dovestone Reservoir in 1968, aimed at collecting water from the surrounding moorland. The reservoir now supplies drinking water to the surrounding areas and stands as a prominent tourist attraction.

The construction encountered opposition from local mill owners, who were concerned that damming the river would interrupt their water supply, leading to the construction of a bypass tunnel higher up in the hillside​.

Recreationally, Dovestone Reservoir is a hub of outdoor activities. Its picturesque landscapes provide a backdrop for several walking routes that circle the reservoir and the craggy landscape surrounding it.

Additionally, the reservoir is surrounded by various trails suitable for all, making it a tranquil spot for a leisurely and scenic walk. Moreover, it’s part of a spectacular area popular with visitors and for family days out, featuring a sailing club, a permanent orienteering course, an extensive network of footpaths, and good links to areas of open-access moorland​.

10. Fernliee Reservoir

Fernilee Reservoir is a notable reservoir nestled, within Derbyshire peaks, and in close proximity to the Cheshire boundary.

The reservoir is fed by the River Goyt and is located near the village of Fernilee to its north, with Goyt’s Moss to the south and flanked by Hoo Moor to the west and Combs Moss to the east​​.

Fernilee Reservoir, the lower of two reservoirs in the Goyt Valley, with the upper being Errwood Reservoir, plays a crucial role in supplying drinking water to Stockport and its surrounding areas​​.

The reservoir was a significant undertaking, inaugurated in 1932 following an Act of Parliament in 1825, and saw its construction completed in 1938 at a cost of £480,000.

Boasting a capacity of about 5 billion litres and a depth of 38 meters, the construction of Fernilee Reservoir came with a significant societal impact. Local farming families were displaced from their ancestral lands, leading to the establishment of a temporary village known as ‘Tin Town’ for the navvy workers near Fernilee. Noteworthy, too is the demolition of the hamlet of Goyt’s Bridge and Errwood Hall (the Grimshawe family mansion) in the 1930s to prevent any pollution of the water flowing into the reservoir. 

Recreationally, Fernilee Reservoir offers a serene and beautiful environment that beckons to nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat. The western shore, with its blend of water and woodland, is a popular spot for walkers.

There’s a historical essence to Fernilee Reservoir, with the nearby Roman road called “The Street” running alongside Errwood Reservoir and to the west of Fernilee Reservoir, adding a touch of historical intrigue to the scenic beauty of the area. 

^{Full list of Peak District Lakes and Reservoirs (With Data)}

This is the comprehensive list of lakes and reservoirs in the Peak District National Park.

Please note that some of the water bodies are technically outside the boundaries of the national park. However, arguably, many individuals consider them part of it as they’re within walking distance of the park.

#	Bodies of water	Y Completed	Capacity (m3)
1	Ladybower Reservoir	1943	27,800,000
2	Derwent Reservoir	1914	9,640,000
3	Winscar Reservoir	1975	9,169,194
4	Howden Reservoir	1912	8,600,000
5	Torside Reservoir	1864	6,700,000
6	Tittesworth Reservoir	1858	6,440,000
7	Langsett Reservoir	1904	6,400,000
8	Woodhead Reservoir	1877	5,370,000
9	Dovestone Reservoir	1968	5,048,000
10	Fernliee Reservoir	1938	5,000,000
11	Broomhead Reservoir	1929	4,937,282
12	Damflask Reservoir	1896	4,250,900
13	Errwood Reservoir	1967	4,215,000
14	Dale Dike Reservoir	1864	3,240,000
15	Bottoms Reservoir	1877	3,000,000
16	Digley Reservoir	1954	3,000,000
17	Valehouse Reservoir	1869	2,688,000
18	Kinder Reservoir	1911	2,340,000
19	Rhodeswood Reservoir	1855	2,270,000
20	More Hall Reservoir	1929	2,172,989
21	Agden Reservoir	1869	2,100,000
22	Strines Reservoir	1869	2,059,000
23	Lamaload Reservoir	1964	1,910,000
24	Midhope Reservoir	1903	1,859,000
25	Butterley Reservoir, West Yorkshire	1794	1,773,000
26	Redmires Upper Reservoir	1854	1,559,310
27	Combs Reservoir	1797	1,484,000
28	Bosley Reservoir	1831	1,460,000
29	Toddbrook Reservoir	1838	1,288,000
30	Brownhill Reservoir	1932	1,209,000
31	Arnfield Reservoir	1854	950,000
32	Chew Reservoir	1912	936,500
33	Redmires Middle Reservoir	1854	855,000
34	Rivelin Dams Lower	1845	800,000
35	Yeoman Hey Reservoir	1880	780,000
36	Rudyard Lake	1799	640,000
37	Redmires Lower Reservoir	1847	634,180
38	Trentabank Reservoir	1929	631,900
39	Linacre Upper Reservoir	1885	575,000
40	Ridgegate Reservoir	1850	545,530
41	Wessenden Reservoir	1836	486,430
42	Greenfield Reservoir	1870	464,000
43	Yateholme Reservoir	1878	415,000
44	Linacre Middle Reservoir	1904	410,000
45	Ramsden Reservoir	1883	394,000
46	Bollinhurst Reservoir	1872	384,145
47	Wessenden Head Reservoir	1881	372,780
48	Blakeley Reservoir	1904	363,690
49	Horse Coppice Reservoir	1861	331,865
50	Bilberry Reservoir	1840	254,000
51	Riding Wood Reservoir	1878	235,000
52	Rivelin Dams Upper	1848	220,000
53	Snailsden Reservoir	1870s	196,440
54	Hurst Reservoir	1837	Drained in 2013
55	Linacre Lower Reservoir	1855	140,000
56	Black Moss Reservoir	Unknown	Unknown
57	Diggle Reservoir	Unknown	Unknown
58	Redbrook Reservoir	Unknown	Unknown
59	Swellands Reservoir	Unknown	Unknown
60	Swineshaw Reservoir	1864	Unknown
61	Windleden Lower Reservoir	Unknown	Unknown
62	Windleden Upper Reservoir	Unknown	Unknown

Carsington Water (Honorable mention)

Carsington Water, nestled between Wirksworth and Kniveton in Derbyshire, England, is a significant reservoir operated by Severn Trent Water.

Though slightly outside the Peak District National Park, it’s an honourable mention due to its importance and scenic beauty. The reservoir takes water from the River Derwent at Ambergate during winter, pumping it up through a 10.5-kilometer (6.5 mi) long tunnel and aqueduct, and releases it back into the river during summer for further treatment downstream​.

Carsington Water ranks as the ninth largest reservoir in England and, at its peak, can hold up to 7,800 million gallons of water with a maximum depth of 31 meters (equivalent to the height of seven double-decker buses)​​. The reservoir was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in May 1992, after overcoming a setback in 1984 when a partial collapse of the dam occurred.

As a hub for leisure activities, Carsington Water offers a plethora of options, including walking, cycling, fly fishing, birdwatching, sailing, canoeing, kayaking and windsurfing. The reservoir also hosts events like the Festival of the Peak and is surrounded by facilities like the Visitor Centre, which houses a café with panoramic views, retail outlets, and an equipment rental store. The Carsington Sailing Club, situated along an extensive part of the shoreline, provides boat hiring and storing services. 

FAQs for Reservoirs in the Peak District