Best lakes around Heskin, Lancashire, offer diverse natural landscapes for outdoor activities. The area features a mix of reservoirs, country parks, and wetland centers, providing opportunities for walking trails and wildlife observation. Heskin itself is a village known for its peaceful rural setting, with nearby lakes contributing to its appeal for visitors seeking natural escapes. These aquatic environments are integral to the region's geography and provide habitats for various flora and fauna.
Last updated: August 27, 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 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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The Heskin area features a variety of aquatic environments, including reservoirs, country park lakes, and wetland centers. These range from historical water supply systems to natural habitats, offering diverse landscapes for exploration.
Yes, several spots are great for families. Yarrow Valley Country Park is particularly suitable, offering lakes, waterfalls, and various routes, along with historical traces. The Japanese Garden is also family-friendly, known for its scenic walks and picnic opportunities. Additionally, Lower Rivington Reservoir provides ample space for hiking and gravel riding, with cafes and even an aerial adventure park nearby.
You can discover diverse natural features. For instance, Yarrow Valley Country Park boasts beautiful lakes and waterfalls. The area also includes large man-made reservoirs like Lower Rivington Reservoir, which are part of historical water supply systems. Wetland centers like Martin Mere Wetland Centre offer vast marshlands and are significant for wildlife observation.
Yes, the lakes often have historical significance. Lower Rivington Reservoir is a notable example, being part of a chain built in the 1850s to supply water to the Wigan area. Yarrow Valley Country Park also holds historical traces of former cloth mills, dyeing works, and a colliery. Lower Kem Mill Pond is another historical site, once part of the Cuerden Hall estate.
The area around Heskin's lakes is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails of varying difficulty, with options like the easy 'Easter Monday Walk Trail' or the moderate 'Croston Village' loop. For cycling enthusiasts, there are MTB trails and gravel biking routes, including those around the Rivington Reservoirs. You can find more details on specific routes in the hiking guide, MTB trails guide, and gravel biking guide for Heskin.
Yes, some facilities cater to accessibility. Heskin Old Hall Farm Fishery, mentioned in regional research, has Pond 2 which is particularly accessible for anglers with limited mobility. Lakeside Coarse Fishery also offers disability access to some pegs and a motorized buggy for a small fee, enhancing visitor-friendliness.
Several locations offer refreshments. Lower Rivington Reservoir has plenty of cafes nearby. Yarrow Valley Country Park also features an on-site cafe and information centre.
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and the opportunities for outdoor activities. Many enjoy the peaceful settings for walking and picnicking, such as at The Japanese Garden. The extensive trail networks for hiking and cycling around reservoirs like Lower Rivington Reservoir are also highly rated, along with the family-friendly amenities and historical elements found in places like Yarrow Valley Country Park.
Yes, Heskin is known for its coarse fishing lakes. Heskin Old Hall Farm Fishery offers affordable fishing across three well-stocked ponds, known for its peaceful atmosphere. Lakeside Coarse Fishery is another popular choice, featuring two pools with a high-density stocking of various fish species, available for year-round fishing.
Absolutely. Many of the trails around Heskin's lakes are suitable for easy walks. For example, the 'Easter Monday Walk Trail' near Eccleston is an easy 5.6 km loop. The Japanese Garden offers a brilliant little walk that is scenic and suitable for a picnic. You can explore more easy options in the hiking guide for Heskin.
The lakes around Heskin can be enjoyed year-round. Fisheries like Heskin Old Hall Farm Fishery and Lakeside Coarse Fishery are open throughout the year. For walking and outdoor activities, spring and summer offer pleasant weather, while autumn provides beautiful scenery. Winter walks can also be peaceful, though conditions may vary.
Yes, Martin Mere Wetland Centre is a significant location for wildlife. It is a vast marsh, historically the largest body of fresh water in England, and provides a crucial habitat for various flora and fauna, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts.


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