Best lakes around Cotton Edmunds are found in the surrounding region, particularly within Delamere Forest. Cotton Edmunds itself is a small, rural area historically part of Christleton, without significant lakes directly within its boundaries. The nearby Delamere Forest provides natural lake environments for outdoor activities and nature observation. This area features diverse landscapes, including woodlands, wetlands, and small ponds.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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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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Nice spot for a quiet rest as I cycle the country lanes into and out of Chester.
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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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Lovely place for a quick stop...there's always plenty of birdlife on or around the pond. The ducks generally boss the place,so don't mess with them :-)
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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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The lakes in the Delamere Forest area, such as Blakemere Moss and Black Lake Nature Reserve, offer diverse natural environments. You'll find wetlands, peatland basins, and 'quaking' bogland, which are home to various bird species like greylags and mallards, as well as dragonflies, damselflies, and unusual mosses. The surrounding area is primarily woodland.
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Blakemere Moss and Whitefield, Delamere Forest offer easy walking trails. Christleton Duck Pond is also a lovely spot for a quick stop with plenty of birdlife, popular with families.
The Delamere Forest area provides opportunities for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking, birdwatching, and cycling. There are also dedicated routes for mountain biking and gravel biking. For more details on specific routes, you can explore the MTB Trails around Cotton Edmunds or Gravel biking around Cotton Edmunds guides.
Yes, Delamere Forest was established as a hunting forest in the 11th century. Blakemere Moss, originally drained in the 1800s (reportedly by Napoleonic War prisoners) and planted with trees for timber, was re-flooded in the 1990s, with tree stumps still visible as a historical reminder.
The lakes are enjoyable year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for observing dragonflies and damselflies at Black Lake Nature Reserve and for general outdoor activities. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides tranquil, less crowded walks, especially for birdwatching at Blakemere Moss.
Delamere Forest, which hosts lakes like Whitefield and Blakemere Moss, has visitor centers and designated parking areas. The area has undergone redevelopment, including the construction of a modern visitor center and additional parking to accommodate visitors.
While the main lakes are within Delamere Forest, there are running trails in the broader area around Cotton Edmunds. You can find various routes, including those along the Shropshire Union Canal Path. For detailed running routes, refer to the Running Trails around Cotton Edmunds guide.
Blakemere Moss is a unique reclaimed wetland area within Delamere Forest, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It's known for its rich biodiversity, excellent birdwatching opportunities, and the visible tree stumps poking through the water, a remnant of its past as a drained and forested area.
Black Lake Nature Reserve is a tranquil spot within Delamere Forest, featuring a small pool and bog. It's a haven for numerous species of dragonflies, damselflies, and unusual mosses, making it an ideal place for quiet contemplation and observing specialized flora and fauna.
Delamere Forest, where many of the notable lakes are located, is generally dog-friendly, offering many trails for walking. While specific dog-friendly amenities vary, the forest environment provides ample space for walks with your dog.
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural beauty, from the rich biodiversity and birdwatching at Blakemere Moss to the tranquil atmosphere of Black Lake Nature Reserve. The extensive network of trails in Whitefield, Delamere Forest, and the peaceful, scenic views are also highly valued by the komoot community.
Delamere Forest, home to several lakes, has a railway station (Delamere Station) which provides access to the forest. This makes it possible to reach the lakes and trails via public transport, though specific routes to individual lake access points may require further local travel.


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