Accessibility at Foremark

Visitors exploring the accessible footpath at Foremark, Derbyshire in woodland surrounded by trees — Visitors exploring the accessible footpath at Foremark, Derbyshire | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Owned by Severn Trent and cared for in partnership with the National Trust, the reservoir and 230-acre nature reserve at Foremark is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, as well as Carver's Rocks, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. With its open spaces, woodland trails, a public bridleway and views across the water, Foremark is enjoyed by families, walkers and nature enthusiasts alike. Read more to find out how you can best access this special place.

Arrival and parking

The car park entrance is accessible 644m (704 yards) from a T-junction with Repton Road, with brown signs in place nearby (picnic area symbol).

On entering Foremark, the road forks - the left turn heads to the main car park near to the visitor facilities, and the right turn takes you to the secondary car park near the dam wall.

There are four speed bumps along the entry and exit road to the main car park, and five speed bumps from the entry road to the dam wall car park.
There are two tarmacked car parks at Foremark, and grassed areas are used for additional parking on busier days, or when visitors prefer.

There are multiple payment machines, located in each car park. Parking is free for National Trust members and blue badge holders.

There are five marked, designated spaces for accessible parking in the main car park, but there are no marked spaces in the car park near the dam wall.

The nearest drop-off is in the main car park, which is less than 50m from the visitor facilities and has level access.

There are two family parking spaces in the main car park.
All dogs, including assistance dogs, are welcome at Foremark.

There are water bowls outside the visitor facilities.

Dogs must be kept out of the water, for their safety.

Visitor purchasing refreshments from the kiosk at Foremark, Derbyshire — The refreshment kiosk at Foremark | © National Trust/Rod Kirkpatrick

Visitor facilities

There are ladies and gents toilets, as well as one accessible toilet.

There is a permanent ramp on the approach to the accessible toilet.

Lighting in all of the toilet facilities is a mix of natural and fluorescent lighting.

There are automatic hand driers in all toilet facilities: these are hot air dryers and considered quite loud.

In the accessible toilet, a pull cord alarm activates both sound and light.

Baby changing facilities are located in the accessible toilet.
The kiosk is located 16m from the accessible parking spaces.

There is no access inside the kiosk for the public; instead, all refreshments are available from two staffed serving points.

There is no dropped counter.

Staff will come out to provide assistance when required.

There are induction loops at the till points.

Double-handed mugs, large-handled crockery and straws are available on request.

There is level access from the main car park across grass to the picnic areas, located in front of the kiosk and near the dam wall car park.

The picnic areas include accessible benches, which have a larger overhang on one side of the table.
Sensory bags including ear defenders and fidget toys are available to borrow. Please ask a member of staff to provide this.

Visitors with young children and a dog having refreshments at a picnic bench at Foremark, Derbyshire — Enjoying a snack at Foremark | © National Trust \ Rod Kirkpatrick

Exploring outdoors

There are two way-marked walks: the shorter, green route is 1.25km (0.7 miles) and the longer, orange route is 2.25km (1.4 miles).

There are other connecting paths that can be explored but are not way-marked.

There is also a bridleway to the west of the reservoir, which is used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Many of these paths through the wooded area are uneven, with some shallow steps in places.

There is a map available to show these routes on the noticeboard near the main car park.
The trail is 237m long. It has a hard, tarmac surface with a gentle slop.

There are picnic benches along the trail

A shorter foorpath leads from the kiosk towards the reservoir edge and back towards the car park. This route provides views of the reservoir and the surrounding area. The start and end points of the trail are within 50m of the accessible car parking spaces.

A further route of 350m leads from the dam wall car park to the visitor facilities. The path is hard-crushed gravel surface and tarmac. The path is 1600m wide or more.

Images shows a path surrounded by trees of white blossom either side. — Spring at Foremark | © National Trust/David Goacher

Visual story

Our Visual Story can help you prepare for your visit to Foremark and contains information and photos of the key features and facilities that you will encounter on your visit.

A visual guide to Foremark