🐾 Dog-Friendly Foremark Nature Reserve at a Glance
🦮 Lead Rules: Off-lead areas, but leads are required near wildlife-sensitive zones and visitor areas
🚶 Walk Length: 2.5 miles Woodland & Reservoir Loop
🌳 Terrain: Woodland tracks, sandy paths, shoreline trails, gentle gradients
💧 Water Access: No dog swimming in the reservoir
👀 Highlights: Reservoir views, shady woods, wildlife, picnic spots
🚻 Facilities: Toilets, cafe kiosk (seasonal), picnic areas, benches
🅿️ Parking: Large pay-and-display car park at main entrance
About
The walking at Foremark is wonderfully versatile. Most paths are easy underfoot, so you can turn it into a long, looping wander or keep it short and simple depending on your mood. Owned by Severn Trent and cared for in partnership with the National Trust, the Foremark reservoir, along with the 230-acre nature reserve, is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, lowland heath and includes Carver’s Rocks, a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Most dogs love the variety here. The mixed terrain keeps things interesting, and the wide paths mean you can walk comfortably even on busier days.
You’re in a brilliant pocket of South Derbyshire here, and there’s plenty close by if you want to turn your outing into a full day. Calke Abbey is just up the road, a beautiful National Trust estate with parkland walks and woodlands. Staunton Harold Reservoir sits moments away, offering another loop dog walk and a dog-friendly cafe. And if you fancy something with a bit more mystery, the Dimminsdale Nature Reserve is tucked between wooded slopes and flooded quarries, to the south of Staunton Harold Reservoir. All three are perfect for dogs and their owners who enjoy time in the countryside.
Dog Access and Rules
Dogs are welcome to explore Foremark, and can be off-lead in many areas as long as they’re under close control. Must be on a short lead around the car parks, visitor facilities, playground, picnic benches, and along the Bridleway.
No swimming for dogs, as the reservoir has dangerous undercurrents and risks of blue-green algae.
Access and Facilities
There are water bowls at the kiosk, and dog waste bins are available near the bridleway and at the start of the way-marked paths. Please remember to bring plenty of poo bags.
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