Top 15 Lakes around Heath Charnock
Best lakes around Heath Charnock include the Rivington chain of reservoirs, which function as significant "lakes" for visitors. This village in Lancashire, England, is known for its proximity to these expansive water bodies, offering scenic beauty and recreational activities. The area provides a variety of walking routes, from easy strolls to more challenging hikes, catering to different interests. The landscape is often likened to a "miniature Lake District."
Best lakes around Heath Charnock
- The most popular lakes is Roddlesworth Reservoirs, a trail surrounded by beautiful mature deciduous woodland. These paths are suitable for a relaxed ride or peaceful ramble at any time of year.
- Another must-see spot is The Japanese Garden, a viewpoint featuring gardens and lakes with a bridge. It offers a pleasant walk with various sights and is a popular spot for picnics.
- Visitors also love Lower Rivington Reservoir, an other man-made feature at the end of the Rivington chain. This reservoir is a hub for recreation, offering watersports and land-based activities, with surrounding footpaths popular for walking, running, and cycling.
- Heath Charnock is known for its reservoirs, country parks, and ornamental gardens. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from large water bodies to smaller, quieter natural escapes.
- The lakes around Heath Charnock are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 300 upvotes and over 180 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
The Japanese Garden
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Roddlesworth Reservoirs
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Lower Rivington Reservoir
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Yarrow Valley Country Park
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Lower Kem Mill Pond
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Tips from the Community
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 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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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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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes and reservoirs around Heath Charnock?
The Rivington chain of reservoirs, which includes Anglezarke Reservoir, Upper Rivington Reservoir, and Lower Rivington Reservoir, are among the most popular. Other well-loved spots include Roddlesworth Reservoirs, known for their beautiful woodland trails, and The Japanese Garden, a scenic viewpoint with lakes and a bridge.
Are there family-friendly activities around the lakes near Heath Charnock?
Yes, many areas are great for families. Lower Rivington Reservoir is a hub for recreation with watersports and land-based activities. Yarrow Valley Country Park offers beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and various routes suitable for children and dog walkers. The Japanese Garden is also a pleasant walk and a popular picnic spot.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see at these lakes?
You'll find a diverse landscape, often described as a 'miniature Lake District.' Anglezarke Reservoir features attractive woodlands, especially vibrant in autumn, and is a haven for wildlife. Upper Rivington Reservoir has a designated nature reserve and offers views of Winter Hill and Rivington Pike. Yarrow Valley Country Park boasts lakes, rivers, forests, and waterfalls.
Are there historical landmarks or interesting sites near the lakes?
Yes, the Rivington chain of reservoirs themselves are historical, built in the mid-19th century for water supply. Anglezarke Reservoir features the historic Tudor-style Waterman's Cottage, and when water levels are low, submerged ruins like Lister Mill can be seen. Lower Rivington Reservoir has a distinctive folly, a replica of Liverpool Castle, on its Rivington bank. Yarrow Valley Country Park has traces of former cloth mills, dyeing works, and a small colliery.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Heath Charnock?
The area offers extensive opportunities for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, running, and mountain biking on various trails. For easy hikes, explore routes like the Anglezarke Reservoir loop or the Rivington Pike Tower loop from Rivington. Running trails include the Rivington Reservoir Dam loop, and mountain biking routes like the View of Rivington Reservoir loop are also available. You can find more details on these activities in the easy hikes, running trails, and MTB trails guides for Heath Charnock.
Are there accessible paths for wheelchairs or easy walks around the lakes?
Many of the footpaths around the Rivington reservoirs are well-maintained and suitable for easy walks. The Upper Rivington Reservoir loop, for example, is a scenic 5 km trail with minimal elevation gain, ideal for hiking. Lower Rivington Reservoir also has surrounding footpaths popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists, making it an enjoyable stroll.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes near Heath Charnock?
Yes, many areas are dog-friendly. Roddlesworth Reservoirs are particularly welcoming to dog-walkers, provided dogs are kept on a lead. Yarrow Valley Country Park also has routes suitable for dog walkers.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Heath Charnock?
The area is beautiful year-round. The woodlands around Anglezarke Reservoir are especially attractive in autumn. The trails around Roddlesworth Reservoirs are perfect for a relaxed ramble at any time of year. After rain, you might even see ornamental waterfalls around Upper Rivington Reservoir.
Are there places to eat or drink near the lakes?
Yes, there are cafes and pubs in the vicinity. Lower Rivington Reservoir is close to several cafes. Yarrow Valley Country Park has a cafe and information centre on site. Many popular walks around Lower Rivington also lead towards Heath Charnock, offering opportunities for pub stops.
What makes Belmont Reservoir unique?
Belmont Reservoir is a smaller, freshwater lake built in 1826. It's known for being home to the Bolton Sailing Club and an important reserve for water birds, with 167 species recorded in the vicinity. It offers cracking views of the lake and is a peaceful spot.
Can I go fishing in the lakes?
Fishing is a notable activity at Upper Rivington Reservoir, where you can find species like Bream, Roach, Perch, Chub, Rudd, and Pike. However, some restrictions apply, and day tickets may be limited.
What is the difference between lakes and reservoirs in this region?
While many of the significant water bodies in this area are technically reservoirs, built for water supply (like the Rivington chain), they function as large 'lakes' for visitors. They offer similar recreational opportunities and scenic beauty, often with well-maintained paths and natural surroundings, making them popular for outdoor activities.
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