Best lakes around Colwich are primarily found within the wider Staffordshire region, offering diverse natural landscapes. The area features a mix of reservoirs, natural pools, and forest lakes. These bodies of water provide opportunities for various outdoor activities, from mountain biking trails to tranquil viewpoints. The geography includes significant natural monuments and areas designated for their ecological importance.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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may need to take detours due to festival dismantal or no access to other routes minor issue but amazing walk
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A picturesque location at the woodland's edge, perfect for pausing and savouring the beauty of the surroundings and what Cannock Chase AONB has to offer.
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having just been in the area for 3 days and ridden all of these: Perry's blue, a new route post Commonwealth games, from the Birches visitor centre, is suitable for even the newest of MTB'ers - there is nothing technically hard. But there are some really fun berms even for experienced to enjoy and it has some good Red optional diversions as well. Follow the Dog is the next one up - a "light and fruity middling" Red - whilst some sections are steep, some are technical, some are loose/narrow/twisty - none are all 3 are at the same time. Suitable as a first time Red. And finally, Monkey is a proper hard red - some brutal sequential switchback climbs (Lung Buster), adverse camber rocky drops verging to "very dark oaky" red (Tom/Dick/Harry on Original Monkey). And the parts that are actually marked black are verging on Danny MacAskill.... Definitely not one for a first red.
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Blithfield reservoir was built in 1953 to supply drinking water to the surrounding area. The reservoir and surrounding woodland have been designated as a a SSSI due to the important bird life in the area. The causeway that crosses the reservoir gives good views across the water so do stop and have a look around.
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A gorgeous spot to rest on the blue route by the pool with a bench. If you sit here for long enough you might catch a sighting of the kingfisher on the hunt or fish coming to the surface to look for bugs.
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A lovely view over the reservoir, but not the nicest road to ride, especially when there's a lot of traffic. 🌊
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Visitors frequently enjoy Fairoak Pools, known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views, especially at sunset. Another favorite is Stony Brook Pools, a natural area with a river and lake perfect for wildlife spotting. The Blithfield Reservoir Causeway also offers excellent views across the water.
Yes, several spots are great for families. Fairoak Pools is considered family-friendly, offering a calm environment. Stony Brook Pools is also ideal for families, with a footbridge where you can observe local wildlife. Additionally, the Blithfield Reservoir Causeway is a family-friendly spot to enjoy views.
The area offers a variety of activities. For mountain biking enthusiasts, Monkey Trail, Cannock Chase provides challenging trails. You can also find numerous hiking and gravel biking routes. For example, explore the gravel biking routes around Colwich or enjoy hiking trails, including easy options like those around Shugborough Estate.
Yes, there are many hiking opportunities. For easy walks, consider the Shugborough Estate loop or the Seven Springs to Abrahams Valley loop in Cannock Chase. For more moderate options, you can find trails like the Sherbrook Stepping Stones loop. You can find detailed routes in the hiking guide for Colwich.
The lakes and surrounding areas boast diverse natural beauty. You'll find tranquil forest settings, rivers, and viewpoints offering scenic vistas. For instance, Sher Brook Pond and Stone Bridge is a picturesque spot at the woodland's edge, while Stony Brook Pools is known for its river and opportunities to spot kingfishers.
Visitors particularly appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and scenic views. Many enjoy watching the sunshine on the water at Fairoak Pools or taking a moment to rest on the footbridge at Stony Brook Pools to observe wildlife. The challenging yet rewarding mountain bike trails at Monkey Trail are also highly rated.
Yes, several locations offer great views. Fairoak Pools is a popular viewpoint, especially for sunsets. The Blithfield Reservoir Causeway provides expansive views across the water. Additionally, Sher Brook Pond and Stone Bridge offers a picturesque spot to take in the woodland scenery.
Walking trails around Cannock Chase vary in difficulty. You can find easy hikes, such as the Seven Springs to Abrahams Valley loop. There are also moderate and difficult trails available, catering to different fitness levels. For example, the hiking guide lists moderate routes like the Sherbrook Stepping Stones loop.
Absolutely. The Monkey Trail at Cannock Chase is a prominent mountain bike park featuring challenging trails with varied obstacles, suitable for fine-tuning skills on both uphill and downhill courses. The trails range from green to black, offering something for all skill levels. More options can be found in the gravel biking guide.
While the lakes themselves are primarily natural attractions, the nearby Shugborough Estate is a significant historical site. You can find easy walking routes that pass by landmarks like Essex Bridge and offer views of Shugborough Hall, providing a blend of nature and heritage.
The natural areas around Colwich's lakes are home to various wildlife. At Stony Brook Pools, visitors have a chance to spot kingfishers and fish. The Blithfield Reservoir and its surrounding woodland are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the important bird life in the area, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching.


Still not found your perfect lake around Colwich? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.