Top 4 Lakes around Norley
Best lakes around Norley are predominantly located within or adjacent to Delamere Forest in Cheshire, UK. This region features extensive woodlands and a network of diverse lakes and wetlands. The area provides opportunities for observing local wildlife and engaging in various outdoor activities. Its landscape, shaped by historical drainage and re-flooding efforts, offers a blend of natural beauty and ecological interest.
Best lakes around Norley
- The most popular lakes is Blakemere Moss, a natural monument that is a flooded area of Delamere Forest, rich in biodiversity and designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is a location for birdwatching, home to species such as greylags, Canada geese, and mallards.
- Another must-see spot is Marbury Country Park, a forest with a wildlife-rich mere. Visitors can expect avenues of lime trees, an arboretum, and an outdoor swimming pool within the park.
- Visitors also love Black Lake Nature Reserve, Delamere Forest, a tranquil natural monument. This small pool and bog is home to many species of dragonfly and damselfly, as well as unusual mosses.
- Norley is known for its natural monuments, forests, and wetlands. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, many of which are integrated into larger woodland areas like Delamere Forest.
- The lakes around Norley are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 260 upvotes and 29 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Blakemere Moss
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Whitefield, Delamere Forest
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As for cycling, there are a couple of Blue rated wide 'crush & run' limestone chip affairs, ideal for families, could be boring for hard hitting off-road enthusiast but fear not there a a myriad of unofficial trails littered throughout the forest plus there's also an official 'Skills' area near the Manley area of the Forest, also easily accessed from 'Foxes Howell' on Ashton Rd.
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Black Lake Nature Reserve, Delamere Forest
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Marbury Country Park
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Tips from the Community
Lovely ride through Delamere Forest. You can't go wrong on a mtb or emtb. I entered the forest at New Pale and went round lots of trails to the holiday lodges and came out on Waterloo Lane.
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It does get busy around the visitors' centre and the Gruffalo trail. However, if you ride up Pale Hill and follow the perimeter of the forest, there are plenty of quiet trails to explore. Keep your eyes peeled for single tracks going through the forest, there lots of off-the-beaten-path routes to follow if you look for them.
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amazing walk just cant take the path next to the hatch mere nature reserve because it's very deep mud at the moment
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Could become overgrown in summer or muddy if wet. Interest spot to see
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Blakemere Moss at Delamere Forest is a reclaimed wetland area. The Moss was originally formed from two kettle holes (water filled hollows formed by a detached mass of glacial ice melted in situ towards the end of the last ice age). Delamere Forest is made up of more than 100 peatland basins and includes several sites of rare 'quaking' bogland, a phenomenon in which sphagnum mosses form a carpet above peaty water that appears to tremble when trodden on. The area was drained from the 1800's, supposedly by prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars and planted with trees, (mainly oak and Scot's Pine) between 1793-1815 to provide timber for shipbuilding. The Forestry Commission planted the moss with pine and western hemlock during the 1940s, which proved uneconomic. In the late 1990's the Commission allowed the area to re-flood again naturally.
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Marbury Country Park boasts avenues of lime trees, an arboretum, a wildlife-rich mere, and even has an outdoor swimming pool (£8 for adults, £5 for children). The park is nestled within Northwich Community Woodlands, where former industrial land is gradually being reclaimed by nature. For more information, visit: https://www.visitcheshire.com/things-to-do/marbury-country-park-and-outdoor-pool-p32091.
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Blakemere Moss is a flooded area of Delamere Forest. The lake is rich in biodiversity and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is a great place for birdwatching and is home to species such as greylags, Canada geese, black-headed gulls, coots, mallards, and lapwings. The area was drained in the 1800s, supposedly by prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars, and planted with trees. It was turned back into a lake in the 1990s and tree stumps still poke through the water’s surface.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes near Norley?
The lakes around Norley are predominantly located within or adjacent to Delamere Forest in Cheshire, UK. You'll find extensive woodlands, diverse lakes, and wetlands. Notable features include the re-flooded area of Blakemere Moss with its visible tree stumps, and the tranquil bog and small pool of Black Lake Nature Reserve.
Are there good opportunities for birdwatching near Norley's lakes?
Yes, Blakemere Moss is an excellent spot for birdwatching. It's a Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to various species such as greylags, Canada geese, black-headed gulls, coots, mallards, and lapwings.
Are there family-friendly activities available at the lakes around Norley?
Many areas around Norley's lakes are family-friendly. Blakemere Moss and Marbury Country Park are both suitable for families. Marbury Country Park even features an arboretum and an outdoor swimming pool, alongside its wildlife-rich mere.
What kind of wildlife can I observe near the lakes?
The wetlands and forests around Norley are rich in biodiversity. At Black Lake Nature Reserve, you can spot many species of dragonflies and damselflies, as well as unusual mosses. The general area, including Blakemere Moss, is also good for birdwatching.
Are there hiking or walking trails around the lakes near Norley?
Yes, Delamere Forest, which encompasses many of the lakes, offers numerous trails. You can find a variety of routes, including easy hikes, such as the 'Delamere Forest Café – Blakemere Moss loop from Norley' (5.1 km) or the 'Blakemere Moss loop from Norley' (5 km). For more options, explore the easy hikes around Norley guide.
Can I go running around the lakes near Norley?
Absolutely. The area provides several running trails. Popular options include the 'Blakemere Lake loop from Delamere' (4.2 km, easy) and the 'Blakemere Moss – Blakemere Moss loop from Norley' (5.1 km, moderate). You can find more running routes in the Running Trails around Norley guide.
Are there cycling routes near the lakes?
Yes, Delamere Forest offers cycling opportunities. Whitefield, Delamere Forest is a known spot with multi-use paths and trails. For road cycling, routes like the 'Delamere Forest Road loop from Delamere' (45.9 km, moderate) are available. Check the Road Cycling Routes around Norley guide for more details.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Norley?
Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. Many enjoy the diverse trails for walking, running, and cycling, as well as the opportunities for birdwatching, particularly at Blakemere Moss. The peaceful atmosphere of places like Black Lake Nature Reserve is also highly valued.
Is there a cafe or visitor center near the lakes?
Yes, near Whitefield, Delamere Forest, there is a modern visitor center and a cafe, making it a convenient spot for refreshments and facilities during your visit.
Are there any historical aspects to the lakes or surrounding forest?
Delamere Forest, where many of these lakes are located, was established as a hunting forest in the 11th century. Blakemere Moss itself has a history of being drained in the 1800s, supposedly by prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars, and then re-flooded in the 1990s, with tree stumps still visible as a reminder of its past.
Can I find quiet or 'hidden gem' spots among the lakes?
While popular, Delamere Forest also offers quieter areas. Black Lake Nature Reserve is described as a tranquil natural monument, a small pool and bog that offers a peaceful escape from busier paths. Exploring off the main routes, as suggested for Whitefield, Delamere Forest, can also lead to less crowded trails.
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