Best lakes around Ashfield offers a variety of natural settings for outdoor activities. The area features several lakes and ponds, often integrated into nature reserves and woodlands. These locations provide opportunities for walking, enjoying viewpoints, and observing local wildlife. The landscape includes diverse terrain, from easy paths to areas with elevation, providing options for different activity levels.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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Small Pond, clear water, we spotted some beautiful roach with silver body & red fins, mother moorhen & chicks hiding in the flora
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Portland Park has woodland, grassland, and a number of wetland areas found in the valley of a tributary of the River Erewash, bounded by used and disused railway lines. The meadow area was once a limestone quarry, which was infilled during the 1950s and the park is known locally as ‘The Quarries’. The site is based on a band of magnesium limestone that enables many rare plant species to grow, making it a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
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Really needed a better camera for the resident kingfisher but it's there if you look hard enough.
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Didn't see any flowers maybe due to the time of year..but I snapped a swallow
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Mellow gravel around the scenic lake, makes a nice extension to a Bestwood Country Park ride. Lakes constructed in the 1980's from the defunct water mills on the River Leen which suplied the Robinson's Cotton Mills. Now designated as an area of outstanding beauty.
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Kings Mill Reservoir is a Local Nature Reserve offering a number activities. Visitors can walk the perimeter of the lake. The one mile walks takes in the views across the lake, with plenty of waterfowl and birds to spot on the way round. The visitor centre is home to the The Mill Adventure Base where you can try various land and water activities such as mountain biking, climbing and kayaking.
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Supposedly the highest point in Nottinghamshire, man-made with the spoil from the Silverhill Pit.
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Miniature boat pond, a good spot for model boat enthusiasts.
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Visitors frequently enjoy Pond at Silverhill Wood, known for its scenic wood and easy gravel path. Other popular spots include Brierley Water Pond, a fisherman's pond with easy access, and Kings Mill Reservoir, which offers beautiful views and an activity center.
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Pond at Silverhill Wood, Kings Mill Reservoir, and Brierley Water Pond are all categorized as family-friendly. Portland Park also offers family-friendly trails and wetland areas.
The lakes and ponds around Ashfield are set within diverse natural landscapes. You'll find woodlands, grasslands, and wetland areas. For example, Portland Park is a nature reserve with rare plant species due to its magnesium limestone band. Pond at Silverhill Wood is surrounded by scenic woods, and Brierley Water Pond is known for its wildlife.
Yes, the area is good for birdwatching. The Birdwatching Trail by the Pond is specifically highlighted for its abundant bird life. Brierley Water Pond is also noted for its wildlife.
You'll find a variety of trails. Pond at Silverhill Wood features an easy, wide gravel path. Many routes are suitable for easy hikes, such as the 'Pond at Silverhill Wood – Silverhill Wood Lake loop' or the 'Brierley Forest – Brierley Water loop'. For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Ashfield guide.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Kings Mill Reservoir has a route that allows you to cycle around it, connecting to Sutton Lawn. Brierley Water Pond is easily accessible via the Brierley Branch cycleway. For more cycling routes, check the Cycling around Ashfield guide.
Yes, Portland Park is a nature reserve located on the site of a former railway station and is known locally as 'The Quarries' due to its past as a limestone quarry. Pond at Silverhill Wood is supposedly the highest point in Nottinghamshire, man-made from the spoil of the Silverhill Pit.
Kings Mill Reservoir features an activity center with pontoons, offering opportunities for water-based activities. It also has a miniature boat pond, popular with model boat enthusiasts, and scenic views for walking or cycling around.
Yes, there are mountain biking opportunities. Routes like the 'Teversal Station – Brierley Water Pond loop' are available. You can find more detailed routes and information in the MTB Trails around Ashfield guide.
The lakes offer beauty throughout the year. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the lush greenery and outdoor activities. In June, you might even spot common spotted orchids near Pond at Silverhill Wood. Autumn brings colorful foliage, and winter can offer peaceful, crisp walks, though some trails might be affected by weather.
Visitors particularly enjoy the scenic beauty, the variety of walking and cycling paths, and the peaceful natural settings. The presence of wildlife, especially birds, and the family-friendly amenities at places like Kings Mill Reservoir and Pond at Silverhill Wood are also highly valued.


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