Lakes around Anderton, Cheshire, encompass a variety of water bodies, including reservoirs, subsidence pools, and connected waterways. This region is characterized by its natural parks and historical landscapes, offering diverse recreational and wildlife-spotting opportunities. Many of these water features are integral to the area's natural environment and industrial heritage.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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Yarrow Valley Country Park was first established in 1987 on land previously used for bleaching, dyeing, calico printing, and mining. Once industrial activity had ended, the site lay derelict for 30 years until the late 1980's when Chorley Council acquired the site. Yarrow Valley Country Park, a 700-acre facility run by Chorley Council, includes a café (treeface) built using Heritage Lottery funds. There is a play area for children, with a dog protection order, and also an angling agreement at Yarrow Valley Country Park, which gives the fishing rights at Birkacre to Wigan & District Angling Association (WDAA). Yarrow Valley Country Park has been awarded Green Flag status since 2004. The 'park' is used by (dog) walkers, runners & cyclists. Share with care :)
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this place really does have it all! be it hiking around the reservoirs up to the pike, gravel riding on the trails and the roads around the area are great. There are plenty of café there too. Also go wild or ape tree top and ariel slides if that's what your in too.
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Green route, make sure follow the map as we didn’t and got lost
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This park has so much to offer beautiful lakes waterfalls many different routes which is great for the kids and dog walkers
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The engineer for the Rivington reservoirs was Thomas Hawksley and construction for the Liverpool Corporation Waterworks took place between 1852 and 1857. The Lower Rivington reservoir has two dams - the Millstone Embankment, which is 2,120 feet (646 m) long and 40-foot (12.2 m) high, and the Horwich Embankment, which is 1,660 feet (506 m) long and 61-foot (18.6 m) high. Filter beds were constructed at the foot of the Horwich Embankment, The original sand filters were replaced by a new treatment plant from where a pipeline runs to the service reservoirs at Eccleston, St Helens. The River Douglas was diverted through a paved channel in a deep cutting into Lower Rivington.
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A Flash is a unique industrial legacy to Wigan and there are many around the Wigan area. Each are lakes formed as a result of mining subsidence. Scotsmans flash the largest of the “Wigan Flashes” is a designated site of scientific interest. This is due to the abundance of rare plant species, several species of orchid, extensive reed beds and migrating birds such as Reed and Sedge Warbler. Scotsmans flash is a beautiful place for a stop to enjoy the views.
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Scotman's Flash is just 10 minutes from the centre of Wigan featuring a huge lake and lots of exciting experiences for everyone to enjoy. Scotman's Flash is the perfect place for water sports, whether you’re brand new to canoeing, sailing and kayaking or want to get your game on with courses and qualifications to match your skills.
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Lower Rivington Reservoir is at the end of the Rivington chain of reservoirs in Lancashire, England, with Upper Rivington Reservoir to the north, and Rivington Water Treatment Works to the south. The Rivington chain primarily supplies 70,000 households in the Wigan area. The chain was built to supply Liverpool.
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The lakes and nature parks in Anderton are rich in wildlife. At Scotman's Flash, a designated site of scientific interest, you can spot migrating birds like Reed and Sedge Warblers, and rare plant species including several types of orchids. Anderton Nature Park is a haven for water birds such as herons, swans, ducks, geese, and kingfishers, and is also known for spectacular orchid displays in June and July.
Yes, several lakes and parks are ideal for families. Scotman's Flash offers water sports and is just 10 minutes from Wigan's center. Roddlesworth Reservoirs and Yarrow Valley Country Park both feature numerous trails suitable for walks with children and are dog-friendly. Marbury Country Park also provides extensive parkland with surfaced paths, perfect for family outings.
The area around Anderton's lakes offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like the 'Pier to Pier and Lancashire Cycleway Loop' or explore the scenic 'View of Rivington Reservoir' loops. For gravel biking, consider routes such as 'Rivington Pike – Liverpool Castle Replica Ruins loop'. Many of these routes are accessible from the lakes and can be found in the cycling, road cycling, and gravel biking guides for Anderton.
Yes, Anderton Nature Park offers over 11 km of surfaced routes that are suitable for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, with accessible paths leading along the waterside and offering views of Haydn's Pool. Marbury Country Park also features a network of surfaced paths, making it accessible for many visitors.
Anderton Nature Park is a popular spot for fishing. Its three main pools – Pools One, Two, and Three – are well-stocked with a variety of coarse fish, including mirror carp, common carp, tench, bream, perch, and roach. A continuous restocking program ensures healthy fish stocks for anglers.
The lakes and waterways around Anderton have a rich industrial history. The pools at Anderton Nature Park were originally water storage cisterns for a salt works. The Rivington chain of reservoirs, including Lower Rivington Reservoir, historically supplied water to 70,000 households in the Wigan area and Liverpool. The Trent & Mersey Canal and River Weaver are also historically significant, connected by the world-famous Anderton Boat Lift, a marvel of Victorian engineering.
Absolutely. The Japanese Garden offers a unique viewpoint with Japanese Gardens and Lakes, featuring a waterfall bridge and a stone-stepped path leading to a serene lake. The Roddlesworth Reservoirs are distinctive for being surrounded by beautiful mature deciduous woodland, providing picturesque views for relaxed rides and walks.
Yes, the area is excellent for cycling. The paths around the Roddlesworth Reservoirs are ideal for relaxed rides through woodland. Marbury Country Park connects with national cycling routes, offering extensive parkland for exploration. Lower Rivington Reservoir is also a popular spot for gravel riding on its trails. You can find detailed routes in the cycling guides for Anderton.
Yarrow Valley Country Park, a site of former cloth mills and a small colliery, offers beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and many different routes. There is a cafe and an information center on site, making it a convenient stop for visitors.
While not directly on the lakes, the Trent & Mersey Canal and River Weaver are central to the area's recreational offerings and are directly accessible from Anderton Marina. Here, you can find narrowboat holidays and day boat hire, allowing you to explore scenic routes like the Four Counties Ring or shorter trips along the River Weaver, connected by the historic Anderton Boat Lift.
Scotman's Flash is a unique industrial legacy, formed as a result of mining subsidence. It is the largest of the 'Wigan Flashes' and is a designated Site of Scientific Interest due to its abundance of rare plant species, including several types of orchids, extensive reed beds, and its importance for migrating birds such as Reed and Sedge Warblers.
The Roddlesworth Reservoirs are distinctive because they are surrounded by beautiful mature deciduous woodland, which contrasts with the often more desolate hillsides found around other reservoirs. This unique setting makes them perfect for peaceful rambles, relaxed rides, and enjoying nature in a tranquil environment.


Still not found your perfect lake around Anderton? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.