Discover Carsington Waterside
If you’re looking for a fantastic day out in the Derbyshire countryside, Carsington Water has plenty to offer! Situated on the shores of beautiful Carsington Water, this exciting outdoor adventure hub brings together cycling, paddleboarding, kayaking and, coming soon, open water swimming and lakeside sauna experiences.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, an adventure with friends or simply looking for a new way to enjoy the great outdoors, Carsington Waterside is a wonderful place to explore.
Created by the experienced team behind Hassop Station and Monsal Trail Cycle Hire, Carsington Waterside is all about helping people enjoy the countryside, get active and make the most of this beautiful reservoir setting.
With spectacular waterside views, traffic-free cycling trails and plenty of activities to choose from, it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours or a whole day!
Cycle Hire at Carsington Waterside
One of the best ways to explore Carsington Water is on two wheels!
Carsington Waterside offers a fantastic cycle hire service, with direct access to the scenic 8-mile traffic-free route around the reservoir.
The route takes you through beautiful Derbyshire countryside, with lovely views across the water and plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the surroundings along the way.
Whether you’re looking for a gentle family bike ride or something a little more adventurous, there’s a great selection of bikes and equipment available to suit different ages and abilities.
Cycle hire options include:
- Hybrid bikes
- Electric bikes
- Tagalongs
- Child seats
- Bike trailers
All bike hire includes a helmet and a pre-ride safety check, with every bike regularly inspected and maintained by the experienced team.
The friendly staff are also on hand to help with bike fitting, route recommendations and any questions before you head off.
With traffic-free trails, wonderful scenery and connections to the wider National Trail network, Carsington Waterside is a fantastic starting point for a cycling adventure in Derbyshire.
Paddleboarding & Kayaking at Carsington Water
Fancy getting out onto the water instead?
Carsington Waterside offers paddleboard, kayak and canoe hire, giving visitors the chance to experience the reservoir from a completely different perspective.
With a sheltered launch area and beautiful views across Carsington Water, it’s a brilliant activity for beginners and more experienced paddlers alike.
Whether you’re enjoying a relaxing paddle along the shoreline, trying paddleboarding for the first time or planning an afternoon of adventure with family and friends, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Equipment available includes:
- Red Equipment stand-up paddleboards
- Single kayaks
- Tandem kayaks
- Canoes
All equipment is professionally maintained and prepared before each session, helping visitors enjoy a safe and comfortable experience on the water.
Advance booking is recommended, particularly during weekends, school holidays and busy summer periods.
Paddleboarding & Kayaking for Groups
Looking for something a little different for a group celebration or team-building day?
Carsington Waterside also offers group activity experiences, including giant stand-up paddleboards that can accommodate up to six people!
These Mega SUP’s are a brilliant way to enjoy some fun on the water together.
Raft-building activities are also available for organised groups, making Carsington Waterside a fantastic option for hen and stag parties, corporate outings and other group occasions.
Contact the team directly to discuss group bookings and available activities.
Bring Your Own Paddleboard, Kayak or Canoe
If you already have your own equipment, Carsington Waterside also welcomes visitors who would prefer to bring their own paddleboard, kayak or canoe.
Self-launch access costs £15 per craft for the day and includes use of the designated launch point, facilities and important site safety information.
All self-launch visitors must hold valid public liability insurance. Inflatable kayaks must also meet the site’s minimum safety requirements, so visitors should contact the team before arriving to check that their craft is permitted.
Age restrictions and supervision requirements apply to paddle hire, so it’s important to check the full booking conditions before your visit.
A Fantastic Day Out for Families, Friends & Groups
One of the lovely things about Carsington Waterside is the variety of experiences available in one beautiful location.
Families can enjoy a bike ride around the reservoir, friends can take to the water for a paddleboarding adventure, and groups can get together for a fun outdoor activity day.
And with the exciting addition of sauna and swimming experiences planned for the future, there will be even more reasons to visit.
Carsington Waterside is also ideally located for visitors travelling from across Derbyshire, the Peak District, Nottingham, the Midlands and South Yorkshire.
Whether you’re visiting for an hour in the afternoon or making a full day of it, there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and spectacular countryside.
Open Water Swimming & Lakeside Sauna
Enjoy the ultimate combination of adventure and relaxation at Carsington Waterside! Their organised open water swimming sessions offer a fantastic way to experience Carsington Water, with a designated swimming area supervised by a qualified lifeguard and a choice of a 400-metre loop or shorter 50-metre route. Afterwards, unwind in their beautiful six person Hekla lakeside sauna, surrounded by stunning reservoir views. Sauna sessions last 50 minutes, with hot and cold showers and changing facilities available. Whether it’s a refreshing swim, a relaxing sauna session or a little of both, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the Derbyshire countryside. Advance bookings and walk-ins are welcome, subject to availability, with a 10% discount when booking all six sauna spaces.
About Carsington Waterside
Carsington Waterside is the latest venture from the team behind Hassop Station and Monsal Trail Cycle Hire, a well-established outdoor destination in the Peak District.
Drawing on years of experience in cycle hire and helping visitors explore the local countryside, the team has created a new outdoor activity hub on the shores of Carsington Water.
Their aim is to bring together adventure, wellbeing and a love of the outdoors, providing welcoming experiences for individuals, families and groups.
With cycling and paddlesports already available and exciting wellness activities on the way, Carsington Waterside is a brilliant addition to Derbyshire’s outdoor attractions.
Visit Carsington Waterside
Advance booking is recommended for activities, particularly during busy periods. Visitors should check current availability, age restrictions and activity requirements before travelling.
Whether you’re exploring the reservoir by bike, enjoying a paddle on the water or looking forward to the upcoming wellness experiences, Carsington Waterside is a fantastic place to discover a different side of Derbyshire.
Get outdoors, enjoy the scenery and make your next adventure one to remember!
📍 Explore Near Carsington Waterside – The Perfect Outdoor Escape
Discover attractions, walks, pubs, and bus stops within the local area
- Ashbourne Information Point 4.8 miles
- Carsington Water Circular (8 miles) ✨ NEW 0 miles
- Tissington Walk via Parwich (4 miles) test ✨ NEW 4.1 miles
- High Peak Trail via Minninglow Hill (3 miles) ✨ NEW 5 miles
- Matlock Bath Circular Walk (6 Miles) ✨ NEW 5.7 miles
- Wildhive, Callow Hall 5.3 miles
- Farmyard Inn, Youlgrave 8 miles
- Hopton Hall Holiday Cottages 1.3 miles
- Stainsborough Hall 1.9 miles
- Stainsborough Cottages 1.9 miles
- Standlow Farm 1.9 miles
- 🚌 Visitor Centre (Adj) ← 110 111 0.1 mi 110, 111 ✨ NEW 📋 Timetable
- 📍 Distances are straight-line (as the crow flies) and approximate.
🎪 Coming Up
📍 Distances are straight-line approximations.
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