Carsington Water Discovery

Water, raindrops and nature

Carsington Water is a reservoir near Ashbourne in Derbyshire. It is a good place for a brisk stroll or a spot of bird watching, some cycling (there are bikes to hire) or some kayaking, sailing or fishing.  If you fancy walking the full circuit of the reservoir I recommend that you wear some comfortable shoes as this covers a distance of 8 miles.

We visited for the first time on a damp day in February, and parked in the Millfields car park. You can see this on the map at:

Map


We headed around the water in a clockwise direction and went as far as the Sheepwash bird hide. The weather got quite wet at this point so we decided to turn back rather than continue the circuit.

Carsington Water from The viewing area at Millfields 

After walking across the dam we passed the sailing club and arrived at the Visitors Centre, where there are facilities, cafe and shops.  

Nature's structures - spotted close to the Visitor's Centre

We continued to the Wildlife Centre and spotted flocks of lapwings swirling in formation over the water.

Lapwings in flight

A hide along the path looked over a bird table in the woods and we stayed a short while to see what we could spot.  There were quite a few blue tits popping in and out.

Blue Tit 

As we approached the Sheepwash area we walked along the side of a field with sheep grazing at the side of the reservoir.  Despite the dull day it was a gentle, pastoral sight.

Sheep by Carsington Water

The path to the hides branches off towards the water and goes through a small wood.  Here we spotted a few clumps of snowdrops and some unusual fungi.  I think they were called Scarlet Elf Cap.

Snowdrops in the woods

Scarlet Elf Cap fungus

The Sheepwash bird hide was a good place to shelter as the rain started to fall.

The view was obscured at first but was a pleasing smudge of colours with the raindrops on the window.  

View through the raindrops

When I braved the weather and opened the window a blast of cold wet air blew in, but it was worth the chill because the view along the side of the reservoir was very attractive, with a lone dead tree and muted tones.

View from Sheepwash bird hide

I will definitely be coming back again - when the weather is kinder of course!