Best lakes around Whittle-Le-Woods, a village in Lancashire, England, offers access to several notable lakes and reservoirs. These bodies of water provide opportunities for nature appreciation and walks. The area is also traversed by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the Lancaster Canal, which offer historical significance and towpath walking routes. Whittle-Le-Woods provides a natural landscape for outdoor activities.
Last updated: July 3, 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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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 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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Brockholes was previously a major quarry extraction site. The land was bought by the Trust in January 2007, and the reserve opened to the public at Easter 2011. It has been regenerated as a mosaic of key habitats such as pools, reedbeds and woodland. The reserve is aimed less at dedicated bird-watchers and nature lovers than the general public of the big cities. The riverbank is covered in steaming ferns and rampant Himalayan balsam. Brockholes offers a wide range of events throughout the year and over 250 acres of trails and hides. It has already seen record numbers of breeding wading birds along with visitors such as osprey, otter and bittern. Now it's a beautiful nature reserve with amazing wildlife.
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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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You'll find a variety of walking trails. For instance, the Roddlesworth Reservoirs offer numerous trails through beautiful mature deciduous woodland, perfect for peaceful rambles. Yarrow Valley Country Park also provides many different routes, including paths along lakes and waterfalls. For longer excursions, you can explore the towpaths of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal or the Lancaster Canal, which pass through the area.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Brockholes Nature Reserve is a fantastic option, offering 250 acres to explore with ancient woodland, lakes, and wildlife viewing points. It also has a floating cafe and visitor center. Yarrow Valley Country Park is another family favorite with lakes, waterfalls, and diverse routes suitable for children and dog walkers.
Beyond the lakes themselves, you can discover diverse natural features. Brockholes Nature Reserve features wetlands, woodlands, and the River Ribble. The Roddlesworth Reservoirs are notable for their surrounding mature deciduous woodland. Additionally, The Japanese Garden offers a unique viewpoint with Japanese Gardens and Levers Bridge, providing varied sights during a walk.
The area around Whittle-Le-Woods offers various outdoor activities. You can find excellent routes for mountain biking, such as the 'Ice Cream Chute Downhill Trail' or routes around Anglezarke Reservoir. There are also numerous running trails, including those along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. For more details on these activities, you can explore the MTB Trails around Whittle-Le-Woods or Running Trails around Whittle-Le-Woods guides.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Top Lock Pools in Whittle-le-Woods are well-known fishing spots, containing both Mirror and Common carp. Low Mill Lodge, also in Whittle-le-Woods, is another location favored by anglers for carp fishing. These are often member waters run by local angling clubs.
The lakes and reservoirs around Whittle-Le-Woods can be enjoyed year-round. The mature deciduous woodlands surrounding places like Roddlesworth Reservoirs offer beautiful scenery in all seasons, from lush greens in spring and summer to vibrant colors in autumn. Winter walks can also be very peaceful, though paths might be muddy, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
Many of the lakes are quite accessible. For example, Top Lock Pools are easily reached off Junction 8 of the M61 and the A674. Brockholes Nature Reserve is conveniently located just off the M6 motorway. While specific public transport routes vary, the proximity to major roads makes many sites reachable by car, often with parking facilities available.
The area is rich in historical waterways. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the Lancaster Canal both pass through the region, offering historical significance and opportunities for walks along their towpaths. Whittle-Le-Woods was historically home to the Walton Summit Branch of the Lancaster Canal, highlighting its past importance in canal transport.
Many trails around the lakes are dog-friendly. For instance, dog-walkers are welcome at Roddlesworth Reservoirs, provided dogs are kept on a lead. Yarrow Valley Country Park is also popular with dog walkers. Always check local signage for specific rules and regulations regarding pets at each location.
Yes, you can find options for refreshments. Brockholes Nature Reserve features a floating cafe and visitor center. The Rivington chain of reservoirs, which includes Lower Rivington Reservoir, has several cafes nearby. Yarrow Valley Country Park also has a cafe and information center on site.
Visitors particularly appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility. The mature deciduous woodlands surrounding reservoirs like Roddlesworth provide a peaceful setting for walks. The diverse habitats at Brockholes Nature Reserve are highly valued for wildlife observation. Many also enjoy the variety of trails suitable for different activity levels and the family-friendly atmosphere of places like Yarrow Valley Country Park.


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