Errwood Reservoir, reservoir in the United Kingdom
Errwood Reservoir is a man-made lake in the Goyt Valley in Derbyshire, formed by a dam that holds back water collected from the surrounding hills. Wooded slopes and open moorland run right up to the water's edge, giving the place a enclosed, valley feel.
The reservoir was completed in 1967 to supply water to nearby towns, and its construction required the demolition of farms and homes that had stood in the valley for generations. The company Lehane, Mackenzie and Shand carried out the works.
The Goyt Valley, where the reservoir sits, still shows traces of the farming life that once filled the area, from old stone walls to the ruins of former houses. Walkers pass these remnants naturally as they follow the paths around the water.
The site is easiest to reach by car, and several free car parks are spread along the valley road close to the water. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon tends to mean fewer people on the paths.
During dry spells, the water level can drop enough to expose the foundations and stone walls of buildings that were demolished before the valley was flooded. Visitors can actually walk among these remains and stand where houses once stood.
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