Top 6 Lakes around Hilldale
Best lakes around Hilldale offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The area features country parks, wetland centers, and water parks, often with historical significance. These locations provide spaces for outdoor activities, wildlife observation, and family-friendly excursions. Visitors can explore a variety of water bodies, from large wetlands to smaller ponds, set within woodlands and natural reserves.
Best lakes around Hilldale
- The most popular lakes is Yarrow Valley Country Park, a facilities and lake area with waterfalls and diverse routes. This park is known for its beautiful lakes and is suitable for families and dog walkers.
- Another must-see spot is Martin Mere Wetland Centre, a significant lake and wetland habitat. It is recognized as a vast marsh and was historically one of the largest bodies of fresh water in England, offering extensive wildlife viewing.
- Visitors also love Orrell Water Park, a nature reserve with two disused reservoirs. It is surrounded by woodland, home to a diverse group of birds and insects, and includes a children’s play area.
- Hilldale is known for country park lakes, wetland centers, and natural ponds. These locations offer a variety of water bodies to explore, from large historical mere sites to smaller, tranquil ponds.
- The lakes around Hilldale are appreciated by the komoot community. The area's highlights have received 37 upvotes and feature 20 photos, showcasing their appeal to visitors.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Yarrow Valley Country Park
Highlight • Rest Area
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Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
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Orrell Water Park
Highlight • Natural
Beautiful woodland surrounds two disused reservoirs and is home to a diverse group of birds and insects, with over 100 bird species and a wide variety of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies recorded.
There is also a children’s play area and free parking available on site.
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Lower Kem Mill Pond
Highlight • Lake
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Worden Park Pond
Highlight • Lake
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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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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Green route, make sure follow the map as we didn’t and got lost
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A nature reserve and coarse fishery, Orrell Water Park is open all-year round for residents, visitors and day ticket fishing. Beautiful woodland surrounds two disused reservoirs and is home to a diverse group of birds and insects, with over 100 bird species and a wide variety of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies recorded. Trying to have a break or eat a sandwich is impossible here due to the ducks, geese and swans all trying to get to your food. A beautiful place with a coffee shop at the top which sells a few cakes etc but no toilets.
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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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Beautiful lake to visit with a nice coffee shop at the top of the hill.
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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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Beautiful woodland surrounds two disused reservoirs and is home to a diverse group of birds and insects, with over 100 bird species and a wide variety of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies recorded. Good cycling paths
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes and natural areas around Hilldale?
The most popular spots include Yarrow Valley Country Park, known for its beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and diverse routes. Another highly regarded location is Martin Mere Wetland Centre, a significant wetland habitat and historically one of England's largest freshwater bodies. Orrell Water Park, with its two disused reservoirs surrounded by woodland, is also a favorite.
Are there family-friendly lakes and activities in the Hilldale area?
Yes, several lakes around Hilldale are ideal for families. Yarrow Valley Country Park offers diverse routes suitable for children and dog walkers. Martin Mere Wetland Centre is a family-friendly wetland habitat, and Orrell Water Park features a children’s play area alongside its natural beauty.
What kind of natural features and wildlife can I expect to see at Hilldale's lakes?
The lakes around Hilldale offer diverse natural landscapes. At Yarrow Valley Country Park, you'll find beautiful lakes and waterfalls. Martin Mere Wetland Centre is a vast marsh and wetland habitat, perfect for extensive wildlife viewing, especially birds. Orrell Water Park, with its woodland, is home to over 100 bird species and a wide variety of butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies. Lower Kem Mill Pond also boasts plenty of wildlife.
Are there historical sites or points of interest near the lakes?
Yes, some lake areas have historical significance. Yarrow Valley Country Park was formerly the site of cloth mills, dyeing works, and a small colliery, with interesting traces of its industrial past still visible. Martin Mere Wetland Centre is a historical mere site, formed at the end of the last ice age, and was once the largest body of fresh water in England. Lower Kem Mill Pond is also associated with historical sites, being part of the former Cuerden Hall estate.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Hilldale?
Beyond enjoying the lakes themselves, the Hilldale area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, including easy to moderate tours like the Leeds and Liverpool Canal – Scotman's Flash loop from Parbold. For hikers, there are options ranging from easy to difficult, such as the Fairy Glen Waterfalls – Parbold Hill Viewpoint loop from Parbold or the Canal Walk Near Parbold – The Millhouse Pub loop from Parbold.
Are there hiking trails available near Hilldale's lakes?
Absolutely. The area around Hilldale's lakes provides a variety of hiking trails. For moderate walks, consider the Fairy Glen Waterfalls – Parbold Hill Viewpoint loop from Parbold. If you're looking for an easier stroll, the Canal Walk Near Parbold – The Millhouse Pub loop from Parbold is a good option. More challenging routes like the Canal Walk Near Parbold – Fairy Glen Waterfalls loop from Parbold are also available.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Hilldale?
Visitors frequently praise the diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. Many appreciate the beautiful lakes and waterfalls at Yarrow Valley Country Park, noting its suitability for families and dog walkers. The extensive wildlife viewing at Martin Mere Wetland Centre is also a highlight, as is the peaceful woodland and birdwatching at Orrell Water Park. The komoot community has shown its appreciation with 37 upvotes and 20 photos for the area's highlights.
Are there cafes or facilities available at the lake parks?
Yes, some of the lake parks offer facilities. Yarrow Valley Country Park has a cafe and information center on site. Orrell Water Park also features a lovely little cafe. Additionally, Martin Mere Wetland Centre has a small cafe and shop at its visitor center.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes around Hilldale?
Yes, many of the lake areas are dog-friendly. Yarrow Valley Country Park is specifically mentioned as being great for dog walkers. Orrell Water Park is also pet-friendly, making it a good choice for walks with your canine companion.
What kind of cycling routes are available near Hilldale's lakes?
The Hilldale area provides various cycling routes, often incorporating scenic lake views or canal paths. You can find easy to moderate routes, such as the Leeds and Liverpool Canal – Scotman's Flash loop from Parbold (28.3 km, easy) or the Twin Lakes Velo Café – Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop from Heskin (38.6 km, moderate).
Is there parking available at the lake parks?
Yes, parking is generally available. For instance, Orrell Water Park offers free parking on site, making it convenient for visitors.
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