Top 13 Lakes around Nailstone
Lakes near Nailstone walks offer opportunities to explore diverse natural landscapes. While Nailstone is a historic village, nearby Sence Valley Forest Park features Horseshoe Lake, a significant natural attraction. This area, part of the National Forest, was developed on a former opencast coal mining site, now transformed into a haven for wildlife and visitors. The region provides various points of interest near Nailstone lakes, including woodlands and trails.
Best lakes around Nailstone
- The most popular lakes is Thornton Reservoir,…
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park
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Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve
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Groby Pool
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Thornton Reservoir
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Bagworth Heath Woods
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Tips from the Community
A great place for a simple circuit of the lake or to hook up to other nearby walks. Owned by the forestry commission, the car parks are no longer free . Card or payment by app only (cash not accepted).
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Sence Valley Forest Park is a significant area of woodland planting which has transformed the former opencast coal mining site, in north-west Leicestershire, into a haven for wildlife and visitors. The coal mine closed in 1996 and only two years later 98,000 Corsican pine, larch and poplars trees were planted. Another 100 acres of land was bought in 2018 and this was planted with a range of coniferous and broadleaved trees, as a sustainable forest for the future.
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The main path through the nature reserve (i.e. the one marked on komoot) takes you nowhere near the ponds or bird hide. You have to take the path off to the right near the Severn Trent Water station.
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The cafe at the garden centre is perfect for a mid ride cob
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The building across the water, Pool House, is a Grade II listed building.
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The first recorded reference to Groby Pool was in 1295, and there is evidence of a mill associated with Groby Pool from that time until the 1900s. The last was a saw mill in Sheet Hedges Wood.
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A relatively new nature reserve that is being taken back by nature. The waters meander in a natural way, the land is allowed to flood in heavy rain, and as you walk through you’ll feel like you’re leaving the rest of the world behind. Loads of birdwatching - it's a great site for Warblers, Whitethroat, Rereed and Sedge warbler. Also Grey Partridge, Little Ringed Plover, Snipe, Little Owl and Kingfisher have been spotted too. Add to this birds of prey including Osprey, Merlin, Buzzard, Kestrel and Peregrine have all been seen, along with the more locally rare marsh harrier, hen harrier and Montagu’s harrier. They've even had a red-footed falcon! Best pack your binoculars and start working through that list.
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Thornton Reservoir is a small area of water situated on the edge of the National Forest in a peaceful and picturesque location. It offers a network of trails and footpaths around the reservoir and through the neighbouring woodland areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes around Nailstone?
Visitors frequently enjoy Thornton Reservoir, known for its traffic-free trail and abundant wildlife. Other popular spots include Bagworth Heath Woods, a reclaimed colliery site with lakes and diverse habitats, and Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park, offering pleasant walks.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Nailstone?
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park, Bagworth Heath Woods, and Groby Pool are all categorized as family-friendly, offering easy walks and natural exploration.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see at the lakes near Nailstone?
The lakes around Nailstone offer diverse natural features. You'll find woodlands, grasslands, and open water, often supporting rich wildlife. For instance, Groby Pool features woodland, wet and dry grassland, marsh, and reed swamp, while Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve is a haven for birdwatching, including various warblers and birds of prey.
Are there accessible trails for wheelchairs or strollers around the lakes?
Yes, Thornton Reservoir offers a traffic-free, paved path around its perimeter, making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. It also has plenty of benches for resting.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes, besides walking?
Beyond walking, the area around Nailstone offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including mountain biking and road cycling. For example, there are several easy MTB routes around Snibston Country Park and fishing ponds, and moderate road cycling loops like the Bosworth Battlefield loop via Ashby Canal. You can explore more options on the MTB Trails around Nailstone guide, the Cycling around Nailstone guide, and the Road Cycling Routes around Nailstone guide.
What historical aspects are associated with the lakes in this region?
Many lakes in the region have interesting historical connections. For example, Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park and Bagworth Heath Woods are both situated on former opencast coal mining sites, now transformed into natural havens. Groby Pool has a recorded history dating back to 1295, with evidence of a mill from that era, and its Pool House is a Grade II listed building.
Are there good spots for birdwatching near Nailstone?
Yes, Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve is an excellent spot for birdwatching. It's known for warblers, whitethroats, reed and sedge warblers, and various birds of prey like buzzards, kestrels, and even rarer sightings such as marsh harriers and red-footed falcons. Remember to bring binoculars!
Is there parking available at the lakes?
Parking is generally available at key locations. For instance, Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park has a car park, though charges may now apply, payable by card or app only. It's always advisable to check specific location details for the most current parking information.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Nailstone?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and summer offer lush greenery and active wildlife, making them ideal for walks and birdwatching. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter provides a tranquil, often crisp, experience. The paved paths at places like Thornton Reservoir make it accessible even in wetter conditions.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes?
Many of the natural areas and trails around the lakes are dog-friendly. For example, the traffic-free trail around Thornton Reservoir is popular with dog walkers. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially around wildlife, and check for any specific local restrictions.
What makes Sence Valley Forest Park unique?
Sence Valley Forest Park, home to Horseshoe Lake, is unique because it was transformed from a former opencast coal mining site into a thriving haven for wildlife and visitors. Extensive tree planting has created a diverse landscape, offering short walks and serving as a starting point for the National Forest Birthday walk.
Are there any circular walks around the lakes?
Yes, many lakes offer circular walking routes. Thornton Reservoir has a popular traffic-free circular trail. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park also provides short circular walks around the lake and through the surrounding woods.
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