Best lakes around Adlington are found within the broader North West England region, offering a variety of water bodies from reservoirs to country park lakes. Adlington is closely associated with Worthington Lakes, which includes a reservoir often referred to as "Adlington" in fishing circles. The area provides access to walking and cycling routes along former railway lines and canals, connecting to several notable lakes and country parks. These locations offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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Yarrow Valley Country Park was first established in 1987 on land previously used for bleaching, dyeing, calico printing, and mining. Once industrial activity had ended, the site lay derelict for 30 years until the late 1980's when Chorley Council acquired the site. Yarrow Valley Country Park, a 700-acre facility run by Chorley Council, includes a café (treeface) built using Heritage Lottery funds. There is a play area for children, with a dog protection order, and also an angling agreement at Yarrow Valley Country Park, which gives the fishing rights at Birkacre to Wigan & District Angling Association (WDAA). Yarrow Valley Country Park has been awarded Green Flag status since 2004. The 'park' is used by (dog) walkers, runners & cyclists. Share with care :)
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this place really does have it all! be it hiking around the reservoirs up to the pike, gravel riding on the trails and the roads around the area are great. There are plenty of café there too. Also go wild or ape tree top and ariel slides if that's what your in too.
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Green route, make sure follow the map as we didn’t and got lost
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This park has so much to offer beautiful lakes waterfalls many different routes which is great for the kids and dog walkers
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The engineer for the Rivington reservoirs was Thomas Hawksley and construction for the Liverpool Corporation Waterworks took place between 1852 and 1857. The Lower Rivington reservoir has two dams - the Millstone Embankment, which is 2,120 feet (646 m) long and 40-foot (12.2 m) high, and the Horwich Embankment, which is 1,660 feet (506 m) long and 61-foot (18.6 m) high. Filter beds were constructed at the foot of the Horwich Embankment, The original sand filters were replaced by a new treatment plant from where a pipeline runs to the service reservoirs at Eccleston, St Helens. The River Douglas was diverted through a paved channel in a deep cutting into Lower Rivington.
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A Flash is a unique industrial legacy to Wigan and there are many around the Wigan area. Each are lakes formed as a result of mining subsidence. Scotsmans flash the largest of the “Wigan Flashes” is a designated site of scientific interest. This is due to the abundance of rare plant species, several species of orchid, extensive reed beds and migrating birds such as Reed and Sedge Warbler. Scotsmans flash is a beautiful place for a stop to enjoy the views.
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Scotman's Flash is just 10 minutes from the centre of Wigan featuring a huge lake and lots of exciting experiences for everyone to enjoy. Scotman's Flash is the perfect place for water sports, whether you’re brand new to canoeing, sailing and kayaking or want to get your game on with courses and qualifications to match your skills.
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Lower Rivington Reservoir is at the end of the Rivington chain of reservoirs in Lancashire, England, with Upper Rivington Reservoir to the north, and Rivington Water Treatment Works to the south. The Rivington chain primarily supplies 70,000 households in the Wigan area. The chain was built to supply Liverpool.
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The region around Adlington offers several excellent options for walks and cycling. Roddlesworth Reservoirs, for instance, are surrounded by beautiful mature deciduous woodland with numerous trails perfect for relaxed rides or afternoon strolls. Worthington Lakes, including the reservoir often called 'Adlington' by anglers, also provides good paths for walking and cycling along an abandoned railway line and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Yarrow Valley Country Park is highly recommended, offering beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and various routes suitable for kids and dog walkers. Scotman's Flash is another family-friendly spot, known for water sports and its designation as a site of scientific interest due to diverse plant species and migrating birds.
For stunning panoramic views and tranquil natural landscapes, consider visiting Errwood Reservoir in the Peak District National Park. It offers a beautiful 5-mile circular walk and is often combined with the nearby Fernilee Reservoir for extended scenic trails. The Japanese Garden also provides varied scenery, including a waterfall bridge and a lake accessible via a stone-stepped path.
Trentabank Reservoir is an exceptional spot for wildlife viewing, particularly for birdwatchers. It's home to over 20 breeding pairs of herons, making it one of the best places in the Peak District to observe them. You can also spot birds of prey, red deer, and various wading birds throughout the year. Scotman's Flash is also a designated site of scientific interest, known for its extensive reed beds and migrating birds like Reed and Sedge Warblers.
Etherow Country Park Lake and Weir, one of the UK's first country parks, has a rich history. It was originally part of the Andrews Estate from the 1820s, which included a mine, mill, and mill pond. Today, it's a local nature reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Additionally, many of the 'flash' lakes around Adlington, like Scotman's Flash, are unique industrial legacies formed as a result of mining subsidence.
Beyond walking and cycling, the area offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, from easy strolls to more moderate routes, around the lakes. For detailed hiking options, explore the hiking guides around Adlington. Road cycling is also popular, with various routes available; check out the road cycling routes around Adlington for ideas.
Scotman's Flash is an excellent destination for water sports. It's a large lake offering exciting experiences for canoeing, sailing, and kayaking, with options for beginners and those looking for courses and qualifications.
The Rivington chain of reservoirs, including Lower Rivington Reservoir, offers many circular walking opportunities. You can hike around the reservoirs and even up to Rivington Pike. Errwood Reservoir also features a beautiful 5-mile circular walk, often combined with Fernilee Reservoir for a longer route.
While not a hidden gem in terms of being unknown, the trails around Roddlesworth Reservoirs offer a peaceful ramble through mature deciduous woodland, providing a tranquil experience away from busier spots. The connection of Worthington Lakes to Adlington via an abandoned railway line also offers unique, less-traveled paths.
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Many enjoy the peaceful walks through woodlands surrounding reservoirs like Roddlesworth Reservoirs, the scenic views from places like Redesmere Lake, and the family-friendly amenities and activities at spots like Yarrow Valley Country Park. The variety of landscapes, from industrial flash lakes to tranquil country parks, is also highly valued.
Redesmere Lake offers great views across to Jodrell Bank and the expansive Cheshire Plain, providing scenic vistas for those who appreciate broad landscapes. Errwood Reservoir also provides amazing panoramic views within the Peak District National Park.


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