Derbyshire Walks
Staunton Harold Reservoir sits in the heart of the National Forest, on the border between Derbyshire and Leicestershire. Created in 1964 to supply drinking water to Leicester and the East Midlands, the 210-acre reservoir was developed from one of the six ponds on the neighbouring Calke Abbey estate. Today the National Trust runs the visitor site, while Severn Trent continues to manage the reservoir itself.
We have three walks here on the Derbyshire Walks app. The shortest is an easy there-and-back stroll along the main track beside the water, planned to suit wheels. The second keeps the same starting point but adds a loop into the surrounding countryside, making a short circular outing with a little woodland and some gentle climbs.
The third is the big adventure for those with time and energy. It follows the reservoir to its far end, passes the Calke Abbey information board and the hamlet of Calke, and explores the old mining valley of Dimminsdale and Spring Wood. It then returns through open countryside past The Coppice and Melbourne Pool. Distances range from 1.4 to 7 miles.
Download the Derbyshire Walks App to follow these routes with real-time GPS navigation.
On a computer? Scan the QR code with your phone's camera to get the Derbyshire Walks app.
Staunton Harold Reservoir walk 01
An easy there-and-back stroll along the main track beside Staunton Harold Reservoir, set among the National Forest on the Derbyshire and Leicestershire border. The ground is almost flat and the walk was planned to suit wheels, so it works well for families with pushchairs, wheelchair users or anyone who simply wants a relaxed hour by the water.
Staunton Harold Reservoir walk 02
A compact circuit that begins by the reservoir and then wanders out through the neighbouring countryside, using quiet lanes, a permissive path through Broadstone Holt and field footpaths before returning to the water. It is a good choice if you want a little more variety than the lakeside track, without committing to a long day out.
Staunton Harold Reservoir walk 03
A 7 mile adventure that follows Staunton Harold Reservoir to its far end, passes Calke Abbey's information board and the hamlet of Calke, and explores the old mining valley of Dimminsdale and Spring Wood. The return crosses open countryside past The Coppice and Melbourne Pool. Expect some uneven ground and a few moderate climbs along the way.
Navigate the walks
It's like sat-nav, but for footpaths.
Choose a walk and follow the pointer showing your live position on the route map, so you always know you're on the right path.
The app works without a phone signal, so you can keep following the route wherever the walk takes you.
On a computer? Scan the QR code with your phone's camera to get the Derbyshire Walks app.
Explore the area
1.25-5.5 miles
2.75 miles
3-6.75 miles
1.75 miles
6.5 miles
2.25-5 miles
2.25-4 miles
5.75 miles
4.75-6.75 miles
2.25-3.5 miles
2.25 miles
1.5-2.25 miles
3-5.5 miles
1.25-4 miles
2.5-6.5 miles
Explore the county
See where the walks start, explore the area and tap a pin to find a route for your next adventure.
Search Derbyshire walks