Top 20 Lakes around Pott Shrigley

For varied walking and hiking, Errwood Reservoir in the Goyt Valley offers a beautiful 5-mile (8 km) circular walk with panoramic views. You can also combine this with a 3-mile (4.8 km) circular walk around its neighbor, Fernilee Reservoir, which features well-maintained footpaths through woodlands and moors. For more options, explore the easy hikes around Pott Shrigley or running trails that often pass by these scenic water bodies.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Etherow Country Park Lake and Weir is a local nature reserve with diverse habitats, perfect for exploring with children. Trentabank Reservoir is also family-friendly, offering opportunities to observe wildlife. Both locations provide beautiful scenery and fresh air for a family outing.

Trentabank Reservoir in Macclesfield Forest is an excellent spot for wildlife observation, known for its significant heronry with over 20 breeding pairs. You might also spot birds of prey, red deer, and various wading birds. Rostherne Mere, a National Nature Reserve and Ramsar site, is crucial for its wintering wildfowl populations and diverse birdlife, though direct access to the mere is restricted to protect the wildlife.

Near Errwood Reservoir, you can explore the remnants of an old village and the ruins of Errwood Hall, which become visible when water levels are low. Etherow Country Park, one of the UK’s first country parks, originated as the Andrews Estate in the 1820s and includes a former mine, mill, and mill pond. The Macclesfield Canal, with its 19th-century engineering like the Bosley Locks, also offers a glimpse into the industrial past.

While many paths around the reservoirs offer beautiful scenery, some, like the full circuit around Fernilee Reservoir, are not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs due to varied terrain. However, many areas within Etherow Country Park and along the Macclesfield Canal towpaths offer generally flatter and more accessible sections for leisurely strolls.

Many of the trails around the lakes are suitable for dogs, provided they are kept under control. Fernilee Reservoir offers well-maintained footpaths ideal for dog walking. The towpaths along the Macclesfield Canal are also popular for walks with canine companions. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding dogs, especially in nature reserve areas.

At Errwood Reservoir, the Errwood Sailing Club uses the water for sailing. Toddbrook Reservoir is a popular spot for sailing, fishing, and canoeing. The Macclesfield Canal offers opportunities for narrowboat holidays, walking, and picnicking along its tranquil towpaths. For cycling enthusiasts, there are gravel biking routes around Pott Shrigley that include scenic sections near these water bodies.

Yes, parking is available at several locations. There is free parking at Errwood Reservoir. Redesmere Lake also has a small promenade and parking area at its southern end. For other locations, it's advisable to check specific access points, as parking facilities can vary.

The lakes offer beauty throughout the year. Spring brings seasonal bluebells around Fernilee Reservoir and active breeding seasons for birds. Autumn provides stunning foliage. Winter is particularly good for birdwatching at places like Rostherne Mere, which attracts diverse wildfowl. Summer is ideal for longer walks and outdoor activities. The best time depends on your preferred activities and what you wish to see.

While specific cafes directly at every lake are not always present, the surrounding villages and towns near Pott Shrigley offer various options. For example, there is a lovely pub halfway around Trentabank Reservoir, making it a perfect resting spot during a walk. The areas around the Macclesfield Canal also have accessible pubs and cafes in nearby towns like Bollington and Macclesfield.

Redesmere Lake is an attractive, man-made lake constructed in the eighteenth century as a feeder for the ornamental lakes of Capesthorne Hall. It's particularly noted for its diverse population of waterfowl and other birdlife, making it a haven for birdwatchers. A local legend also speaks of a floating island that once moved across the lake.

Yes, it's very feasible to combine visits. Errwood Reservoir and Fernilee Reservoir are located close to each other in the Goyt Valley, allowing for a combined walking experience. Similarly, Trentabank Reservoir is part of Macclesfield Forest, which offers various walks that can be linked to other local attractions.