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Lancashire

Hesketh-With-Becconsall

Top 6 Lakes around Hesketh-With-Becconsall

Best lakes around Hesketh-With-Becconsall are situated on the West Lancashire Coastal Plain, an area characterized by its flat, marshy landscape. This region features both natural meres, formed at the end of the last ice age, and man-made lakes. The area is known for its wetland habitats and proximity to the River Ribble estuary. These lakes offer opportunities for observing local wildlife and engaging in outdoor activities.

Best lakes around Hesketh-With-Becconsall

  • The most popular lakes is Fairhaven Lake and Spitfire Memorial, a man-made monument and lake. It is a popular spot where the River Ribble meets the Irish Sea, featuring a Spitfire memorial and a footpath along the seaward side.
  • Another must-see spot is Fairhaven Lake, a man-made monument and lake with facilities. Visitors can find boat rides, dining options, bird watching, nature walks, and an adventure playground.
  • Visitors also love Martin Mere Wetland Centre, a lake and other natural feature. This vast marsh was historically the largest body of fresh water in England, formed in a depression in glacial drift.
  • Hesketh-With-Becconsall is known for its natural meres, wetland centers, and man-made lakes. The area offers a variety of water bodies to explore, from ancient marshes to recreational lakes with facilities.
  • The lakes around Hesketh-With-Becconsall are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 40 upvotes and 4 photos shared across highlights.

Last updated: May 22, 2026

Martin Mere Wetland Centre

Highlight (Segment) • Lake

Martin Mere was formed at the end of the last ice age, when water filled a depression in the glacial drift. Since then its size has varied as water levels have risen and fallen. The original giant lake can be seen on Christopher Saxton's map from 1579 and stretched from Rufford in the east, to Churchtown (then known as North Meols) in the west. To the north of the lake were the villages of Mere Brow and Holmeswood, the site of Holmeswood Hall, built by the Heskeths as a hunting lodge. South of the lake was the Scarisbrick Hall estate, Martin Hall and Tarlefarwood, now known as Tarlscough

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Where the River Ribble meets the Irish Sea, Fairhaven Lake is a popular spot with families. The region's RAF connections are underlined by a tremendous Spitfire memorial. An exact replica of a Submarine Spitfire fighter plane is thrust aloft on a supporting pole and plinth.

The footpath on the seaward side makes for a lovely little stroll and a great place to spot the estuary's waders. North Wales is also visible on clear days, whilst there are plenty of spectacular sunsets throughout the year.

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Fairhaven Lake

Highlight • Monument

Fairhaven Lake is an extremely popular destination and offers a choice of boat rides, a snack or meal by the waterside, bird watching, nature walks, tennis, bowling, adventure playground, an eighteen hole adventure golf course, and a Spitfire memorial.

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Haslam Park Lake and Savick Brook Bridges

Highlight (Segment) • Bridge

Haslam Park
Tip1


Quote from the Park's website:
"The park's paths are perfect for walking/cycling"
tinyurl.com/Haslam-Park


The park is a good start point, with parking, to explore Haslam Nature Reserve, the Ribble Link, the Lancaster Canal, Cottam's excellent park and cycle paths and new routes via Cottam including Edith Rigby Way.

Two Park Carparks
1) Cottam Lane
2) Bristow Ave
For nearby parking see:
komoot.com/highlight/4092174


Tap/click the lake photo for a slideshow. Tap to the next photo. See Tip8 on how to use a slideshow for a web browser or the Komoot app.

The segment highlight route through the park (purple on a planned tour - photo13) is the Tour1 route, one of 4 local bike tours, links below.

Photos 4 to 9 and 12 are in the order of the segment route, which starts at point A on photo3, the park map. The route follows points a-b-c-f-d-e on photo3, to its end at (h). Tour1 then crosses the Savick Brook bridge (h), continues through the park and enters the Nature Reserve just before it joins the canal at point (i), bridge 14. The slideshow continues to the canal - the continuation of Tour1. The straight line, (a) to (e), is explained in Tip2.

4 Short Loop Tours

When starting these tours, select Stick to Original Route.

They're mostly off-road - suitable for children with adult. You can start in the park or open the tour for parking options.

Tour1: 7 Mile - Haslam Park, Lancaster Canal, Ribble Link Loop via Preston Marina
Start/End - Haslam Park
komoot.com/tour/610244459
You may, because of Tour1's route through the Nature Reserve, prefer Tour2 first.


Try split-screen to show a slideshow along the highlight route beside descriptions in the tips below. See Tips 9 and 10 - how to 'split-screen'.

For more on highlights see:
komoot.com/help/highlights


Tour2: 7 Mile - Cottam via Lancaster Canal Ribble Link Loop
Start/End - Haslam Park
komoot.com/tour/1118780163


Tour2 follows the canal, the Ribble Link, then Guild Wheel to UCLan Arena, child-friendly park paths to Cottam and mostly off-road paths back to and along a quiet stretch of the canal - bridge 19 to 17.

Tour3: 9 Mile - Preston Marina, Lancaster Canal, Cottam, Edith Rigby Way, River Ribble Loop
Start/End - Preston Marina
komoot.com/tour/1247289251


Tour4: 8.5 Mile - Preston Marina, River Ribble, Ribble Link, Edith Rigby Way, Canal Loop
komoot.com/tour/1309854803
Similar to Tour3 but in reverse.

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Worden Park Pond

Highlight • Lake

Worden Park
As well as offering more than 60 hectares of meadows, woodlands and playing fields, Worden Park also includes a range of attractions in its historic grounds.
Situated on the outskirts of Leyland, the park is less than a quarter of a mile from the town centre.
The park has held the Green Flag Award since the scheme began in 1997, the only site north of London to have done so.
It has a beautiful pond to stop at very pieceful in the morning.

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Popular around Hesketh-With-Becconsall

Road Cycling Routes around Hesketh-With-Becconsall

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Tips from the Community

Lol Pro And Her Dog 🇬🇧 🐕🌻
July 1, 2024, Fairhaven Lake

Fairhaven Lake is an extremely popular destination and offers a choice of boat rides, a snack or meal by the waterside, bird watching, nature walks, tennis, bowling, adventure playground, an eighteen hole adventure golf course, and a Spitfire memorial.

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Worden Park As well as offering more than 60 hectares of meadows, woodlands and playing fields, Worden Park also includes a range of attractions in its historic grounds. Situated on the outskirts of Leyland, the park is less than a quarter of a mile from the town centre. The park has held the Green Flag Award since the scheme began in 1997, the only site north of London to have done so. It has a beautiful pond to stop at very pieceful in the morning.

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Martin Mere was formed at the end of the last ice age, when water filled a depression in the glacial drift. Since then its size has varied as water levels have risen and fallen. The original giant lake can be seen on Christopher Saxton's map from 1579 and stretched from Rufford in the east, to Churchtown (then known as North Meols) in the west. To the north of the lake were the villages of Mere Brow and Holmeswood, the site of Holmeswood Hall, built by the Heskeths as a hunting lodge. South of the lake was the Scarisbrick Hall estate, Martin Hall and Tarlefarwood, now known as Tarlscough

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Martin Mere is a mere near Burscough, in Lancashire, England, on the West Lancashire Coastal Plain. The mere is a vast marsh, around grid reference SD 41 15 that was, until it was drained, the largest body of fresh water in England.

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Martin Mere was formed at the end of the last ice age, when water filled a depression in the glacial drift. Since then its size has varied as water levels have risen and fallen. The original giant lake can be seen on Christopher Saxton's map from 1579 and stretched from Rufford in the east, to Churchtown (then known as North Meols) in the west. To the north of the lake were the villages of Mere Brow and Holmeswood, the site of Holmeswood Hall, built by the Heskeths as a hunting lodge. South of the lake was the Scarisbrick Hall estate, Martin Hall and Tarlefarwood, now known as Tarlscough. The mere originally drained out in two places; at the western end the arm of the mere known as the Wyke drained into the Pool (or Old Pool) at what is now Crowland Street, Blowick, while at its eastern end it flowed into the river Douglas at Rufford. Active management of the mere began in 1692 when Thomas Fleetwood of Bank Hall cut a channel in an attempt to drain it.

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Lovely pond to spend a few moments by watching the ducks & moorhens. With an easy access boardwalk and new paths.

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Tip10 How To View In Split-Screen Instructions for a Windows PC/Laptop Easy to do in Windows 10/11. You have a choice - you can open the same webpage in two different web browsers displayed on the two halves of the screen or open the same webpage using a single web browser in two windows on the two halves. The instructions below are minimal. For a more detailed explanation see Comment10 in this link: https://www.komoot.com/tour/610244459 These instructions use a single web browser, e.g. Chrome. 1) First open this webpage on your Windows PC/Laptop, maximise it and scroll to these instructions. Copy the web address. You will need to paste it - see below. 2) Locate this browser's tab on the taskbar. Opposite click on it and click 'Open new window'. When opened maximise it if necessary and then paste the web address into the new window and scroll to these instructions so that you can continue to follow them. 3) Press and hold the Windows key and press the left arrow key. The active window will move the left side of the split screen. 4) You should now see the right hand half of the first window. Click that window to display it 'on top'. These instructions should still be visible on the right. Check that it is full screen. Press and hold the Windows key again and press the right arrow key. 5) The two windows should now display, left and right. You have a split-screen. You may need to make a small adjustment (drag) if the windows overlap slightly at the join. Scroll one window to display the photos and the other for the photo descriptions in Tip1.

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Slideshows Tip8 A Komoot slideshow in a web browser differs slightly from a slideshow in the Komoot app. These notes assume that you are using an Android phone or a Windows PC/laptop and that the slideshow is in a Highlight and not a Tour. You may wish to open this highlight on 2 devices to easily compare the photos alongside relevant comments - or display on the 2 halves of a split-screen (see Tips 9 and 10). To start the slideshow - tap the first photo. On a web browser - on e.g. an Android phone or a Windows PC: 1) To end slideshow - tap/click 'Close x' at top-right. 2) To move to next slide - tap/click the current slide. 3) To move back one slide - tap/click thumbnail image on left. To enlarge a slide on an Android - 'tap and hold' and then tap: 1) Chrome 'Preview image'. 2) Firefox 'Open image in new tab' - then tap SWITCH. Zoom-in with 'pinch zoom'. To reverse the above: 1) Chrome: tap the X at the top-right of the Preview image. 2) Firefox: if using split-screen, 1st tap the image to give it focus and then tap the left arrow 'back' button at bottom of screen - probably a left-pointing chevron. To Enlarge a Slide On a Windows PC a) Click the image with the opposite mouse button (maybe the right buttton) then click 'Open image in new tab' with the other button. b) Click on the new tab to open it. c) Click the enlarged image to enlarge it some more - use the scroll bars to move over the image. d) Click the image to to reduce it. e) Close the new tab. In the Komoot App slideshow: 1) To end - tap the left arrow at top-left of slideshow. 2) To move to next slide - flick left. 3)To move back one slide - flick right. 4) To enlarge a slide - double tap. 5) To reverse the above - double tap. 6) To zoom-in - 'pinch zoom'.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there family-friendly lakes to visit around Hesketh-With-Becconsall?

Yes, several lakes in the area are ideal for families. Fairhaven Lake offers boat rides, an adventure playground, and nature walks. The Martin Mere Wetland Centre is excellent for wildlife spotting and has ranger tours. Haslam Park Lake also provides paths suitable for family walks and cycling.

What kind of natural features can I expect to see at the lakes in this region?

The lakes around Hesketh-With-Becconsall are situated on the West Lancashire Coastal Plain, characterized by flat, marshy landscapes. You'll find both natural meres, formed after the last ice age, and man-made lakes. The area is rich in wetland habitats, especially near the River Ribble estuary, making it excellent for observing local wildlife and diverse bird species.

Are there easy walking trails around the lakes near Hesketh-With-Becconsall?

Yes, many lakes offer easy walking opportunities. Fairhaven Lake and Spitfire Memorial features a lovely footpath along its seaward side. Haslam Park Lake has paths perfect for walking and cycling, connecting to the Haslam Nature Reserve and Lancaster Canal.

What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?

Beyond walking, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including easy touring bicycle loops like the 'Lytham Windmill – Fairhaven Lake loop from Freckleton' or the 'Southport Pier – Southport Pier loop from Hesketh Bank'. There are also mountain biking trails and running routes available. For more details, explore the Cycling, MTB, and Running guides for Hesketh-With-Becconsall.

Is there parking available at the lakes?

Yes, parking is available at several locations. For example, Haslam Park has two car parks, one on Cottam Lane and another on Bristow Ave, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the area.

What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Hesketh-With-Becconsall?

The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and autumn are particularly good for bird watching at places like Martin Mere Wetland Centre due to migratory birds. Summer offers pleasant conditions for boat rides and outdoor activities at Fairhaven Lake. Even in winter, the footpaths provide opportunities for peaceful walks and spotting waders along the estuary.

Are there any historical or cultural points of interest near the lakes?

Yes, the Fairhaven Lake and Spitfire Memorial is a significant cultural landmark, commemorating the region's RAF connections with an exact replica of a Spitfire fighter plane. The area's history also includes the ancient Martin Mere, once the largest body of freshwater in England, with a rich past tied to glacial formations and historical drainage efforts.

Can I find accessible trails around the lakes?

Many of the paths around the lakes are generally flat and suitable for a wide range of visitors. Haslam Park, for instance, explicitly mentions its paths are perfect for walking and cycling, suggesting good accessibility. The footpaths at Fairhaven Lake are also well-maintained.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in Hesketh-With-Becconsall?

Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse offerings of the lakes. The tranquil atmosphere, opportunities for wildlife observation, and the well-maintained paths for walking and cycling are frequently highlighted. The facilities at places like Fairhaven Lake, including boat rides and dining options, also contribute to a positive experience. The region's unique wetland habitats and historical significance are also a draw.

Are there opportunities for bird watching near the lakes?

Absolutely. The region is known for its wetland habitats and proximity to the River Ribble estuary, making it a prime location for bird watching. Martin Mere Wetland Centre is specifically managed by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust and offers hides and ranger tours for excellent bird and animal spotting. The seaward footpath at Fairhaven Lake is also a great place to spot estuary waders.

Are dogs allowed on the trails around the lakes?

While specific rules can vary by location, many public parks and trails around the lakes, such as those at Haslam Park and along the footpaths at Fairhaven Lake, are generally dog-friendly. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with wildlife or other visitors, and to check local signage for any specific restrictions.

Can I find circular walks around the lakes?

Yes, the flat terrain and interconnected paths in the region lend themselves well to circular walks. For example, the paths within Haslam Park and its connection to the Ribble Link and Lancaster Canal offer possibilities for creating various loop routes. The footpath around Fairhaven Lake also provides a pleasant circular stroll.

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