Best lakes around Clayton-Le-Woods are situated in Lancashire, a region characterized by its varied natural landscapes. The area offers a mix of woodlands, river valleys, and open spaces, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. Clayton-Le-Woods itself is positioned near larger towns like Preston and Chorley, with good access to the M6 motorway. The local environment includes several water bodies, ranging from natural lakes to managed reservoirs and parkland ponds.
Last updated: May 22, 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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Green route, make sure follow the map as we didn’t and got lost
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Lots of hideaways to stop and admire the wildlife
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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 cycle route N55 passes through Cuerden, a lovely traffic free route, easy on any bike imo, I use a gravelbike. It can get very busy, and as a cyclist, you'll need to be vigilant of the many dogs that are let off lead. I'm not sure if there's a public space order here, as there are in most parks.
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650 acres of green oasis for you to explore, discover and relax in, with the River Lostock meandering through; close to junction 29 of the M6, between Preston and Chorley; The Park is owned and managed by Cuerden Valley Park Trust
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Cuerden Valley Park is a precious emerald surrounded by increasing urban development. As a country park it is differently managed from places such as Witton Park and Beacon Fell
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Cuerden Valley Park is a precious emerald surrounded by increasing urban development. As a country park it is differently managed from places such as Witton Park and Beacon Fell being run by a trust rather than a local authority. Its 650 acres were originally part of the estate of Cuerden Hall one time home of the Towneley Parker family. (Cuerden Hall )It is thanks to the Trust and the voluntary effort of a friends group that Cuerden Valley Park has managed to withstand the pressures of modern life to offer a haven for wildlife and a place for people to exercise and relax. Broadly the park is a green corridor between Wigan Road (A49) and the A6 running north to south following the course of the River Lostock for about 2 ½ miles. At its widest it is about half a mile. It has a beautiful pond with plenty of wildlife and fish the path can get a little bumpyso gravel or MTB would be best.
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For scenic walks, consider Brockholes Nature Reserve with its 250 acres of trails and ancient woodland. Roddlesworth Reservoirs offer numerous paths through mature deciduous woodland, perfect for a peaceful ramble. Yarrow Valley Country Park also provides many different routes around its lakes and waterfalls.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Brockholes Nature Reserve is designed for family days out, offering wildlife viewing points and a floating visitor center. The Japanese Garden provides a scenic walk with a waterfall bridge that children often enjoy. Yarrow Valley Country Park has many routes suitable for kids, and Lower Kem Mill Pond within Cuerden Valley Park is also family-friendly with plenty of wildlife.
Roddlesworth Reservoirs are very dog-friendly, though dogs must be kept on a lead. Yarrow Valley Country Park is also a popular spot for dog walkers, offering various routes around its lakes.
Yes, Brockholes Nature Reserve features a floating cafe and visitor center. Yarrow Valley Country Park also has a cafe and information centre on site. For pubs, you'll find options in nearby towns like Chorley or Preston, which are easily accessible from the lake areas.
The lakes around Clayton-Le-Woods are rich in wildlife. Brockholes Nature Reserve, a former quarry regenerated into a mosaic of habitats, is known for diverse wildlife, including breeding wading birds, osprey, otter, and bittern. Lower Kem Mill Pond in Cuerden Valley Park also boasts plenty of wildlife and fish.
Beyond walking, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, from easy to difficult, by exploring Cycling around Clayton-Le-Woods. For runners, there are moderate trails available in Running Trails around Clayton-Le-Woods. Mountain biking enthusiasts can discover easy to moderate routes in MTB Trails around Clayton-Le-Woods.
Yes, Yarrow Valley Country Park is built on the site of former cloth mills, dyeing works, and a small colliery, with traces of its industrial past still visible. Brockholes Nature Reserve was previously a major quarry extraction site before its regeneration into a nature reserve.
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and active wildlife, with longer opening hours at places like Brockholes Nature Reserve (6am-9pm). Autumn brings beautiful foliage, especially around Roddlesworth Reservoirs with their mature deciduous woodland. Winter walks can be peaceful, though some facilities may have reduced hours.
While specific details on full wheelchair accessibility for all trails are not provided, many nature reserves and country parks often have some accessible paths. It's recommended to check the official websites for specific accessibility information for individual locations like Brockholes Nature Reserve or Yarrow Valley Country Park before your visit.
At Brockholes Nature Reserve, you are allowed to cycle on the Guild Wheel Cycle Route that passes through the reserve. For other lakes, cycling may be restricted to specific paths or not permitted. You can find more cycling options in the wider area by looking at Cycling around Clayton-Le-Woods.
While Worden Park lake is not detailed in the provided data, Lower Kem Mill Pond is located within Cuerden Valley Park. Cuerden Valley Park is a 650-acre green corridor managed by a trust, offering a haven for wildlife and a place for exercise and relaxation, with the River Lostock meandering through it. It's known for its natural beauty and wildlife, with paths that can be a little bumpy.


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