Canals, lakes and reservoirs
The Trent and Mersey Canal runs through South Derbyshire, allowing visitors to explore the sights and sounds of the lush green countryside from the comfort of narrow boats and barges.
South Derbyshire also has reservoirs and lakes around which a host of leisure activities can be enjoyed.
Mercia Swan Canal Boat Trips
Mercia Swan Canal Boat Trips offer journeys along the Trent and Mersey Canal from Mercia Marina, Willington, to various destinations between Stenson and Burton. Aqua Narrowboats and the New and Used Boat Company provide for longer trips and holidays.
Foremark Reservoir
Enjoy the excellent sailing facilities at Foremark Reservoir, home to Burton Sailing Club. The site covers 230 acres and is the best stretch of water in the area for sailing. There’s also a nature reserve, areas of woodland, grassland, heath and wetland to explore along marked footpaths.
www.stwater.co.uk/foremark-reservoir
Shardlow Marina
Situated in an historic village, Shardlow Marina is an ideal location for boaters as it is within easy reach of the Trent and Mersey Canal, Erewash Canal and the River Soar. Smithy's Marina Bar is the place for fine drinks, good food and cracking entertainment.
Staunton Harold Reservoir
Created in 1964, Staunton Harold is a wildlife habitat offering adventure playgrounds, fishing, bird watching, sailing and cycling, as well as countryside walks. Public footpaths lead to Calke Abbey and beyond to Foremark Reservoir.
www.derbyshireuk.net/staunton_harold_reservoir
Stenson Marina
Stenson Marina is great for boat trips. While visiting try the delicious food and drink at The Bubble Inn Restaurant or Stenson Lock Coffee and Tearooms. There’s also the Bubble Inn Farm Shop, which offers locally produced food.
Swarkestone Sailing Club
Swarkestone Sailing Club is a small and friendly club with about 250 members. It is an ideal venue to learn the basics of sailing, to dinghy cruise with friends or family, participate in club racing or just sit on the terrace with a drink and watch the sun set over Swarkestone Water.
Hall Croft Farm Lake, Hilton
Great for fishing, with the lake holding bream, roach, perch, pike and carp. Day tickets are required from the Post Office shop in Hilton.
Donkhill Fisheries, Catton
Two acre spring-fed trout fishing lake, with clear water under 10 feet deep, set in the heart of the countryside. Rainbow fish are stocked weekly.