From the visitor centre follow the popular, signposted route southwards past the children’s play area and sailing club to cross the huge dam. On the far side go left to visit the viewing area near the valve tower if you wish. Continue along the main route a little further before turning left into the car park and picnic site at Millfields.

Head out of the far end of the car park, following the orange footprint waymarkers for the walking route along the eastern shore of the reservoir. Go past the Stone Shelter with its unusual collection of wooden furnishings. When you reach a tarmac lane by Upperfields Farm turn left, then right for the continuation of the route.

The winding track now dips and climbs above the shore, diverting a long way around the inlet of Fish Trail Creek. At a fork go right for the walking route up through Big Covert and Hall Wood, carpeted with bluebells in the spring. Drop down to rejoin the cycle route, which then skirts an area of reedbed to reach the gate on to the main road at the northern end of the reservoir.

Unless you decide to continue on the trail between the road and the reservoir edge, past Brown Ale Bay to Sheepwash, cross the road carefully for a short track on the far side up to a lane. Turn left and follow the lane past the scattered cottages of Hopton, then the distinctive perimeter wall of Hopton Hall, all the way to the village of Carsington. 

Turn left just beyond the Miners Arms pub, through the gap between buildings, and left again beyond its car park on the far side. Turn right on to a narrow lane and at the bend by Wash Farm go straight ahead on a wide track to reach the main road once more. Cross with care and take the path to Sheepwash.    

At the far side of Sheepwash car park follow the waymarked walking route southwards, signposted to the visitor centre. You can divert to several bird hides along this stretch. Joining up with the cycle route once more, continue around several inlets until you reach the wildlife centre. Beyond here it’s a short walk back to the main visitor centre and the start of the walk.