Top 15 Lakes around Worthington
Best lakes around Worthington are situated in a region characterized by a blend of natural landscapes and industrial heritage. The area features numerous lakes, reservoirs, and country parks, many of which are former industrial sites transformed into natural havens. This landscape offers diverse opportunities for outdoor activities, from tranquil walks to water sports. The region's geography includes woodlands, river valleys, and open water bodies, providing varied environments for exploration.
Best lakes around Worthington
- The most popular lakes is Scotman's Flash…
Last updated: June 22, 2026
The Japanese Garden
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Scotman's Flash
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Lower Rivington Reservoir
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Yarrow Valley Country Park
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Orrell Water Park
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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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A nature reserve and coarse fishery, Orrell Water Park is open all-year round for residents, visitors and day ticket fishing. Beautiful woodland surrounds two disused reservoirs and is home to a diverse group of birds and insects, with over 100 bird species and a wide variety of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies recorded. Trying to have a break or eat a sandwich is impossible here due to the ducks, geese and swans all trying to get to your food. A beautiful place with a coffee shop at the top which sells a few cakes etc but no toilets.
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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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Beautiful lake to visit with a nice coffee shop at the top of the hill.
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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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Beautiful woodland surrounds two disused reservoirs and is home to a diverse group of birds and insects, with over 100 bird species and a wide variety of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies recorded. Good cycling paths
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the lakes around Worthington unique?
The lakes around Worthington are distinctive due to their origins, often being former industrial sites transformed into natural havens. Many are 'flashes' formed by mining subsidence, while others are historic man-made reservoirs. This blend offers a unique landscape for outdoor activities.
Are there any lakes with significant natural or ecological value?
Yes, Scotman's Flash is a designated Site of Scientific Interest. It's known for its diverse plant species, including several types of orchids, extensive reed beds, and as a habitat for migrating birds like Reed and Sedge Warblers.
What kind of water sports can I do at the lakes near Worthington?
Scotman's Flash is an excellent spot for water sports, offering opportunities for canoeing, sailing, and kayaking. You can find courses and qualifications there to match your skill level.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Worthington?
Absolutely. Several lakes are great for families. Yarrow Valley Country Park features beautiful lakes and waterfalls with many different routes suitable for kids. Orrell Water Park also has a children's play area and is a lovely nature reserve for all ages.
Where can I find easy walks or accessible paths around the lakes?
For easy walks, The Japanese Garden offers a pleasant walk with various stages to explore. Yarrow Valley Country Park also provides many different routes, some of which are suitable for easy strolls. For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Worthington guide.
Are the lakes in Worthington dog-friendly?
Yes, many areas are dog-friendly. Yarrow Valley Country Park is particularly popular with dog walkers, offering numerous routes to explore with your pet. Orrell Water Park is also pet-friendly.
What historical insights can I find near the lakes?
The lakes often have a rich history. Lower Rivington Reservoir, for instance, is part of a chain built between 1852 and 1857 to supply water to Liverpool. Yarrow Valley Country Park is on the site of former cloth mills, dyeing works, and a small colliery, with traces of its industrial past still visible.
Are there opportunities for cycling or gravel riding near the lakes?
Yes, the area around the lakes is great for cycling. You can enjoy gravel riding on trails around Lower Rivington Reservoir. For more routes, check out the Gravel biking around Worthington guide.
Can I go fishing at the lakes near Worthington?
Yes, fishing is an option. Orrell Water Park is a coarse fishery open all year round, offering day ticket fishing. Scotman's Flash is also suitable for fishing.
Are there cafes or facilities near the lake walks?
Yes, you'll find convenient facilities. Lower Rivington Reservoir has plenty of cafes nearby. Yarrow Valley Country Park has a cafe and information centre on site, and Orrell Water Park also features a lovely little cafe.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Worthington?
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse outdoor activities available, from tranquil walks and picnics at spots like The Japanese Garden to water sports at Scotman's Flash. The transformation of former industrial sites into beautiful natural havens, offering woodlands, river valleys, and open water bodies, is also highly valued.
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