Top 17 Lakes around Poynton-With-Worth
Best lakes around Poynton-With-Worth offer diverse water features for recreation and nature observation. The area is characterized by its blend of natural beauty and historical significance, including the ornamental Poynton Pool and the scenic Macclesfield Canal. These water bodies provide accessible paths for walking, opportunities for wildlife spotting, and insights into the region's industrial past. The surrounding landscape features green, rural settings with views over the Cheshire Plain and historic structures.
Best lakes around Poynton-With-Worth
- The most popular lakes is Errwood Reservoir, a man-made reservoir that supplies drinking water. It offers a 5 km circular walk with panoramic views.
- Another must-see spot is Etherow Country Park Lake and Weir, a natural monument and one of the UK’s first country parks. It is a local nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, rich in wildlife and diverse habitats.
- Visitors also love Roman Lakes, Marple, a man-made lake with a rich heritage, originally used to power Mellor Mill. It is surrounded by gardens and woodland, offering a quiet sanctuary.
- Poynton-With-Worth is known for its reservoirs, country park lakes, and historical mill ponds. These provide a variety of settings for outdoor activities, from leisurely strolls to more challenging trails.
- The lakes around Poynton-With-Worth are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 270 upvotes and 40 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Errwood Reservoir
Highlight • Structure
There is a beautiful 5-mile (8 km) circular walk around Errwood reservoir with some amazing panoramic views and a lovely 3-mile (4.8 km) circular walk around Fernilee reservoir if you wanted to combine both.
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Etherow Country Park Lake and Weir
Highlight • Natural Monument
Today, the park is a local nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest. A range of habitats can be found on the 32-acre (12.8 ha) site. Open water, tall fenn, reed swamp, carr and mixed deciduous woodland all provide for the wildlife that make the reserve so vibrant.
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Descent from Pym's Chair to Errwood Reservoir
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
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Roman Lakes, Marple
Highlight • Structure
Built by industrialist Samuel Oldknow, it was the largest cotton mill in the world when it was completed in 1793. At its peak it employed more than 550 people.
Surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodland, the man-made lakes were originally millponds formed by diverting the River Goyt, which runs by their side
After the mill was destroyed by fire in 1892, the Roman Lakes were turned into a pleasure park with rowing boats, a dance hall and amusements that attracted thousands of people from the surrounding towns and villages
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Toddbrook Reservoir
Highlight • Natural Monument
It’s a popular spot for walkers, as well as for sailing, fishing and canoeing. It was originally built to be a feeder for the Peak Forest Canal and opened in 1838.
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Tips from the Community
Still work going on to secure the Dam Wall after the breach in 2019
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The Errwood Circular route offers panoramic views during the 7.2 km walk, which should take around 2 hours. It's advised to wear walking shoes or boots, especially after rain, as the narrow path on the far side can get muddy.
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The Errwood Reservoir was completed in 1967, it supplies drinking water to Stockport and the surrounding area.
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a really fast descent from Pym's chair, down to Erwood reservoir
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Brilliant place to visit and easy to walk to from Errwood Hall Car Park - Buxton SK11 0AR. Great little work with a doggo by your side, especially when the ice cream van is around which also sells doggo ice cream for £2.50 a tub!! Treat for the furry friend :)
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A nice ride down but be careful. It is narrow and usually lots of cars heading back up. The bottom section is very rough with major potholes. Many punctures on that section.
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The Park itself first of all started off as part of the “Andrews” estate originating in the 1820’s. At the time it incorporated a mine, a cotton mill and the lake. Later on in 1968 it became one of England’s first country parks, and now attracts over a quarter million visitors a year. They come to enjoy the natural beauty of ancient woodland along the river valley; in the foothills of the Peak District National Park. Mr George Andrew originally built the mill and made the man made lake (Canal). He also required a large workforce for the operation of the mill; so George also built a lot of the houses, along with the Church and School. Also a lot of the street names are named after members of the Andrew’s family. Etherow Country Park has steadily grown over the years, and now covers an area of around 200 acres. It lies at the heart of the Etherow-Goyt Valley, this is also the start of The Goyt Way, which is a 10 mile walk to Whaley Bridge. The River Etherow flows through the park which is the source for the lakes and was originally used as a reservoir to power the water wheel; which in turn provided motorized power for the cotton mill. Later on, they used the canal to transport coal for heating and keeping the cotton dry, via a horse drawn canal barge from further downstream. One of the water wheels (Big Lily) that powered the mill would use 50 million gallons of water per day; which would come down the canal and pass through what is now the car park to drive “Big Lilly”
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular lakes and water features around Poynton-With-Worth?
Visitors frequently enjoy Errwood Reservoir for its panoramic views and circular walk. Etherow Country Park Lake and Weir is another favorite, known for its rich wildlife and historical significance as one of the UK’s first country parks. Additionally, Roman Lakes, Marple offers a quiet sanctuary with a rich heritage. Poynton Pool and the Macclesfield Canal are also central to the region's water features.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Poynton-With-Worth?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Poynton Pool, located within Poynton Park, offers accessible paths, open grassy areas for picnics, a play area, and a cafe. Etherow Country Park Lake and Weir and Roman Lakes, Marple are also noted as family-friendly destinations.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes?
The lakes are rich in wildlife. Poynton Pool is a haven for waterfowl like great crested grebes, mute swans, and tufted ducks, as well as diverse insect life. Etherow Country Park Lake and Weir is a local nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to over 200 plant species and more than a hundred bird species. Toddbrook Reservoir also supports many bird species, including herons and ducks.
Do any of the lakes have historical significance?
Absolutely. Poynton Pool was created in the 1760s and once served local industry. The Macclesfield Canal, completed in 1831, played a vital role in the coal and cotton industries and features historic structures. Etherow Country Park Lake and Weir originated as part of the Andrews Estate in the 1820s, with a mine, mill, and mill pond. Roman Lakes, Marple has a heritage stretching back to the 18th century, originally powering the mighty Mellor Mill.
Are there accessible walking routes around Poynton-With-Worth lakes?
Yes, there are accessible options. Poynton Pool offers well-maintained paths suitable for walks, pushchairs, and wheelchairs. The Macclesfield Canal towpath, part of the Middlewood Way, provides a mostly level and accessible route for walking, cycling, and horse riding.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
The area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, running, and gravel biking on numerous trails. For hiking, explore routes like 'View of the Cage and Lyme Park – The Lantern, Lyme Park loop' or 'Macclesfield Canal at Poynton – Lyme Hall & Park loop'. Running enthusiasts can try 'Middlewood Way – Poynton Town Centre loop'. Gravel biking routes include 'Sett Valley Trail – Sett Valley Cafe loop'. For more details on these and other routes, visit the hiking, running, and gravel biking guides for Poynton-With-Worth. The Macclesfield Canal is also popular for boating and leisurely strolls along its scenic towpath.
Are there cafes or facilities near the lakes?
Yes, you'll find facilities at some locations. Poynton Park, home to Poynton Pool, has a cafe, toilets, and a play area. The Nelson Pit Visitor Centre, located on the Macclesfield Canal in Higher Poynton, offers information, parking, and toilets. Roman Lakes, Marple also has facilities for visitors.
When is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Poynton-With-Worth?
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the best conditions for outdoor activities, with lush greenery and active wildlife. Autumn provides stunning foliage, while winter can offer peaceful, crisp walks, though some paths might be muddy. Always check local weather conditions before your visit.
Where can I find parking for lake trails in the area?
Parking is available at several key locations. For Poynton Pool, parking is typically found within Poynton Park. Along the Macclesfield Canal, the Nelson Pit Visitor Centre in Higher Poynton offers parking. For specific details on Poynton Pool and Park, you can check the Poynton Town Council website.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Poynton-With-Worth?
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural beauty, from the tranquil waters of Poynton Pool to the scenic stretches of the Macclesfield Canal. The historical context of sites like Roman Lakes, Marple and the wildlife at Etherow Country Park Lake and Weir are also highly valued. Many enjoy the accessible paths for walking and cycling, and the overall peaceful atmosphere for relaxation and nature observation.
Are the lakes around Poynton-With-Worth dog-friendly?
Most outdoor areas around the lakes, including Poynton Pool and the Macclesfield Canal towpath, are generally dog-friendly, especially for walks. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, particularly around wildlife and other visitors, and to check for any specific local restrictions or signage at individual sites.
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