Best lakes around Cuerden are primarily found within the expansive Cuerden Valley Park, a 650-acre area featuring diverse landscapes. The park encompasses Cuerden Lake, a reservoir constructed in the 19th century, surrounded by woodlands. This area follows the River Lostock and includes meadows, farmland, and historical features like the ruins of Lower Kem Mill. It offers a variety of natural settings for outdoor activities.
Last updated: June 30, 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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As the sun was shining and someone was navigating the water on a small rowing boat; this did not feel like a reservoir at all. For a short moment; I though I was on holiday, walking around a beautiful natural lake.
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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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Beyond Cuerden Lake within Cuerden Valley Park, popular spots include Brockholes Nature Reserve, known for its 250 acres of ancient woodland and diverse wildlife. The Roddlesworth Reservoirs are also highly regarded for their scenic trails through mature deciduous woodland.
Yes, several lake areas are great for families. Brockholes Nature Reserve offers a floating visitor center and various viewing points. Roddlesworth Reservoirs and Upper Roddlesworth Reservoir provide peaceful walks, and Yarrow Valley Country Park has diverse routes, waterfalls, and a children's play area.
Cuerden Valley Park is dog-friendly, offering over 10 miles of paths. Similarly, Roddlesworth Reservoirs and Yarrow Valley Country Park welcome dogs, though it's generally advised to keep them on a lead.
Cuerden Valley Park is a vibrant ecosystem. You might spot deer, owls, various bird species, and great crested newts in the ponds. Spring brings bluebells, and summer sees dragonflies and damselflies along the River Lostock. Brockholes Nature Reserve is specifically designed for wildlife viewing, with habitats ranging from wetlands to woodlands.
Yes, Cuerden Valley Park itself has historical significance, with landscapes designed by Humphry Repton. You can find restored features like the Walled Orchard and the ruins of the Lower Kem Mill. Lower Kem Mill Pond is a direct reminder of Lancashire's industrial past. Yarrow Valley Country Park also contains traces of former cloth mills and a colliery.
Cuerden Valley Park offers over 10 miles of well-marked paths for walking and cycling. For more structured activities, you can explore various routes. For running, consider trails like the 'Stepping Stones River Crossing loop' or the 'Cuerden Lake – Round Wood loop'. For easy hikes, options include 'Dragonfly Breeding Reserve loop' or 'Lower Kem Mill Pond loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the running trails guide and easy hikes guide around Cuerden.
Yes, Cuerden Valley Park has paths suitable for all abilities. For specific easy routes, you can find options like the 'Dragonfly Breeding Reserve loop' (4.09 km) or the 'Cuerden Lake loop' (3.96 km) which are ideal for beginners. These are detailed in the easy hikes guide around Cuerden.
Cuerden Valley Park has a visitor center with a café. Brockholes Nature Reserve features a unique floating café and visitor center. Yarrow Valley Country Park also provides a cafe and information center on site.
The lakes and Cuerden Valley Park are enjoyable year-round. Spring is beautiful with bluebells, and summer offers vibrant wildlife like dragonflies. The park is open 24/7, 365 days a year, allowing for visits in any season.
Yes, Cuerden Valley Park offers on-site parking. Specific parking details for other lake areas like Brockholes Nature Reserve or Yarrow Valley Country Park can often be found on their respective websites or local signage.
As of May 2020, fishing is no longer permitted at Cuerden Lake due to an expired agreement. However, the area remains ideal for peaceful strolls and enjoying nature.
Cuerden Valley Park is open to the public 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with disabled access and on-site parking available. It offers over 10 miles of well-marked paths suitable for various abilities.
Yes, Cuerden Valley Park has paths suitable for cycling. At Brockholes Nature Reserve, you can cycle on the Guild Wheel Cycle Route through the reserve. For mountain biking, routes like 'Roddlesworth Reservoirs – Ice Cream Chute Downhill Trail loop' are available, as detailed in the MTB trails guide around Cuerden.


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