Top 20 Lakes around Withnell

Several lakes in the Withnell area are excellent for families. Brockholes Nature Reserve is a 250-acre site with a floating visitor village and various habitats, perfect for exploring nature. Entwistle Reservoir offers scenic, family-friendly and dog-friendly walking routes, benches for picnics, and a redwood forest. Lower Rivington Reservoir, part of the Rivington chain, also provides a variety of land and water-based activities through the Anderton Centre, and features attractions like Go Ape nearby.

Yes, many lakes offer easy walking trails. Entwistle Reservoir has a scenic loop that takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete. The Roddlesworth Reservoirs are surrounded by mature deciduous woodland with numerous trails ideal for a relaxed stroll. Additionally, the eastern bank of Lower Rivington Reservoir provides many footpaths for walking and exploring.

The lakes and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife. At Brockholes Nature Reserve, you can observe a wide variety of species in its wetlands, woodlands, and lakes, including breeding wading birds, osprey, otter, and bittern. The Withnell Local Nature Reserve, though not a large lake itself, features a stream, pond, and marshy areas that host amphibians like frogs, toads, and newts. Many reservoirs, like Lower Rivington Reservoir, are also good spots for nature enthusiasts to see various local wildlife.

The lakes around Withnell can be enjoyed throughout the year. For instance, the Roddlesworth Reservoirs are perfect for a peaceful ramble at any time of year due to their beautiful woodland surroundings. Brockholes Nature Reserve is open from 6 am to 9 pm during summer and until 7 pm during winter, offering different experiences with the changing seasons.

Yes, many trails are dog-friendly. The Roddlesworth Reservoirs welcome dog-walkers, though it's requested to keep dogs on a lead. Entwistle Reservoir is also very dog-friendly, making it a great spot for walks with your canine companion.

Many of the lakes in the area, particularly the reservoirs, have significant historical importance. The Rivington chain of reservoirs, including Lower Rivington Reservoir, were originally built between 1852 and 1857 to supply water to Liverpool. Entwistle Reservoir, with its dam built in 1832, was once the highest in Britain and played a crucial role in providing drinking water, supplying about 50 percent of Bolton's water.

For anglers, Junior Lodge Withnell Fold is a popular carp and coarse fishery managed by the Withnell Angling Club. It's home to various fish species, including Bream, Roach, Carp, Perch, and Pike, offering superb freshwater fishing opportunities. Night fishing is also permitted outside of the closed season.

Beyond walking, the area offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find excellent cycling routes, including touring, road cycling, and mountain biking trails. For example, there are routes like 'Roddlesworth Reservoirs – Roddlesworth Woods loop' for cycling and 'Rivington Pike, The Pigeon Tower and Anglezarke Reservoir loop' for mountain biking. You can explore more options on the Cycling around Withnell, Road Cycling Routes around Withnell, and MTB Trails around Withnell guide pages.

Yes, you'll find options for refreshments. Entwistle Reservoir is near the Strawberry Duck pub for food and drinks. Lower Rivington Reservoir has several cafes nearby. Brockholes Nature Reserve features a floating cafe and visitor center, perfect for a coffee after exploring.

Visitors frequently praise the scenic beauty, peaceful settings, and extensive recreational opportunities. The area is often likened to a miniature Lake District. People enjoy the well-maintained trails for walking and cycling, the chance to observe diverse wildlife, and the family-friendly atmosphere. The historical significance of the reservoirs also adds to the appeal, offering a blend of nature and heritage.

While popular spots can attract visitors, the extensive network of trails around reservoirs like Roddlesworth Reservoirs and the Rivington chain offers many paths. Exploring less-trafficked routes or visiting during off-peak hours can help you find a more tranquil experience. The sheer number of options means you can often find a peaceful spot away from the main hubs.

The Withnell Local Nature Reserve is a 4.7-hectare designated conservation area near Withnell. It's a former railway cutting that now serves as an important wildlife corridor. The reserve features a stream, pond, and marshy areas, making it a good spot for nature walks and observing amphibians like frogs, toads, and newts.