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United Kingdom
England
West Midlands Region
Staffordshire
Cannock Chase

Hednesford

Top 13 Lakes around Hednesford

Best lakes around Hednesford are primarily found within or bordering the expansive Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This region offers a variety of water bodies, from large reservoirs to serene ponds and smaller pools. Key locations include Chasewater Country Park and Lake, Sher Brook Pond, and Fairoak Pools, providing diverse natural landscapes. The area is known for its opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife observation.

Best lakes around Hednesford

  • The most popular lakes is Fairoak Pools, a lake that offers a tranquil setting within Cannock Chase Forest. These pools are known for their rich habitat for wildlife, including swans, ducks, and occasionally deer.
  • Another must-see spot is Sher Brook Pond and Stone Bridge, a forest location featuring a picturesque pond and stepping stones. Visitors can expect a serene natural experience, ideal for pausing and appreciating the beauty of Cannock Chase AONB.
  • Visitors also love Chasewater Country Park Visitor Centre and Lake, a viewpoint and expansive reservoir. This location is special for its wide array of activities, including watersports, nature trails, and a heritage steam railway.
  • Hednesford is known for large reservoirs, tranquil ponds, and smaller forest pools. The variety of lakes provides opportunities for watersports, wildlife spotting, and peaceful walks.
  • The lakes around Hednesford are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 200 upvotes and 38 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: June 30, 2026

Monkey Trail, Cannock Chase

Highlight • MTB Park

Really nice trails. Possibly only suitable for the bravest of beginners due to the variety of obstacles. Great chance to fine tune your mountain bike skills both on uphill and down hill courses

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Fairoak Pools

Highlight • Lake

Just beautiful to watch the sunshine on the water. To sit in peace in the sunshine and take it all in.

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Stony Brook Pools

Highlight • Natural

Enjoy a moment on the footbridge to hear the rushing water beneath.

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Plenty of parking at the visitor centre, a great park for the kids, pretty views, watersports, crazy golf, steam engines and museum just up the road from the car park... lots to do here on a sunny day!

Lots of the tracks around the reservoir can be boggy even in summer so good waterproof footwear is a must if you intend to walk the whole way round! 😊

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A picturesque location at the woodland's edge, perfect for pausing and savouring the beauty of the surroundings and what Cannock Chase AONB has to offer.

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Popular around Hednesford

MTB Trails around Hednesford

Road Cycling Routes around Hednesford

Hiking around Hednesford

Cycling around Hednesford

Running Trails around Hednesford

Gravel biking around Hednesford

Tips from the Community

Richard
July 1, 2025, Fairoak Pools

may need to take detours due to festival dismantal or no access to other routes minor issue but amazing walk

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Lovely place to stop mid ride to take in the scenery.

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Where do you park?

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A picturesque location at the woodland's edge, perfect for pausing and savouring the beauty of the surroundings and what Cannock Chase AONB has to offer.

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having just been in the area for 3 days and ridden all of these: Perry's blue, a new route post Commonwealth games, from the Birches visitor centre, is suitable for even the newest of MTB'ers - there is nothing technically hard. But there are some really fun berms even for experienced to enjoy and it has some good Red optional diversions as well. Follow the Dog is the next one up - a "light and fruity middling" Red - whilst some sections are steep, some are technical, some are loose/narrow/twisty - none are all 3 are at the same time. Suitable as a first time Red. And finally, Monkey is a proper hard red - some brutal sequential switchback climbs (Lung Buster), adverse camber rocky drops verging to "very dark oaky" red (Tom/Dick/Harry on Original Monkey). And the parts that are actually marked black are verging on Danny MacAskill.... Definitely not one for a first red.

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A gorgeous spot to rest on the blue route by the pool with a bench. If you sit here for long enough you might catch a sighting of the kingfisher on the hunt or fish coming to the surface to look for bugs.

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Plenty of parking at the visitor centre, a great park for the kids, pretty views, watersports, crazy golf, steam engines and museum just up the road from the car park... lots to do here on a sunny day! Lots of the tracks around the reservoir can be boggy even in summer so good waterproof footwear is a must if you intend to walk the whole way round! 😊

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New additions to trails have opened in the last month or so! (May 2021) The blue has added some nice sections that give opportunity for progression with some easy berms and pump sections. The red some new jumps, berms and rock gardens at the start near the trail centre and birches valley car park

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Frequently Asked Questions

What family-friendly activities are available at the lakes near Hednesford?

Many lakes around Hednesford offer excellent family-friendly activities. At Chasewater Country Park Visitor Centre and Lake, you can enjoy watersports, a heritage steam railway, and extensive parkland for picnics and play. Fairoak Pools and Sher Brook Pond and Stone Bridge are ideal for gentle walks, wildlife spotting, and enjoying nature, with stepping stones at Sher Brook Pond being a popular feature for children.

Are there accessible trails around the lakes for buggies or wheelchairs?

Yes, several areas offer accessible paths. Chasewater Country Park Visitor Centre and Lake generally has paths suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. At Fairoak Pools, a 2.5-mile circular trail is mostly surfaced, and while there are some stepping stones, an alternative path is available for buggies and wheelchairs.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes?

The lakes are rich in wildlife. At Fairoak Pools, you might spot swans, ducks, grey squirrels, and occasionally deer. Chasewater Country Park Visitor Centre and Lake is a haven for diverse habitats and birdlife, with bird hides available for enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for kingfishers and fish at Stony Brook Pools.

Are there opportunities for watersports near Hednesford?

Absolutely! Chasewater Country Park Visitor Centre and Lake is the primary destination for watersports. Here you can enjoy sailing, wakeboarding, water skiing, zorbing, donut rides, and paddleboarding.

What are the best lakes for walking or hiking near Hednesford?

For serene walks, Sher Brook Pond and Stone Bridge offers picturesque trails within Cannock Chase AONB. Fairoak Pools also provides a lovely 2.5-mile circular walk through the forest. For longer routes, you can explore the extensive paths around Chasewater Country Park Visitor Centre and Lake, though some sections can be boggy.

Can I find cycling trails around the lakes?

Yes, the area around Hednesford, particularly within Cannock Chase, is popular for cycling. The Monkey Trail, Cannock Chase offers challenging mountain biking. For more general cycling, the trails around Fairoak Pools are suitable for bikes, and Chasewater Country Park Visitor Centre and Lake has paths that can be cycled. You can find various cycling routes in the area, including road cycling options, by checking the Road Cycling Routes around Hednesford guide.

Are the lakes and trails dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are generally welcome at the lakes and on the trails around Hednesford, especially within Cannock Chase AONB. Chasewater Country Park Visitor Centre and Lake explicitly welcomes dogs. Always ensure your dog is under control and follow local guidelines, especially around wildlife and livestock.

What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Hednesford?

The lakes offer beauty year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for watersports and enjoying the lush greenery and wildlife. Autumn brings stunning foliage, particularly within Cannock Chase. Even in winter, the lakes provide peaceful walking opportunities, though paths can be boggy, so appropriate footwear is recommended.

Are there any historical points of interest near the lakes?

Yes, the area around Fairoak Pools in Fairoak Valley has an interesting coal mining history from the late 19th century. Additionally, Chasewater Country Park Visitor Centre and Lake features a heritage steam railway, offering a nostalgic experience.

Where can I find facilities like cafes or parking near the lakes?

Chasewater Country Park Visitor Centre and Lake has excellent facilities, including a visitor centre, gift shop, cafe, and onsite parking. For other lakes within Cannock Chase, parking is usually available at designated car parks, and you may find cafes or pubs in nearby villages. You can check the Lichfield District Council website for more details on Chasewater.

What are some easy hiking routes around the lakes?

For easy hikes, consider the circular trail around Fairoak Pools, which is about 2.5 miles. The paths around Sher Brook Pond and Stone Bridge also offer gentle walks. You can find more easy hiking options in the Easy hikes around Hednesford guide, including routes like the 'Cannock Chase War Cemetery – Sher Brook Stepping Stones loop'.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Hednesford?

Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquil settings, the opportunities for wildlife spotting, and the variety of activities available. Many enjoy the peaceful moments by the water, the picturesque views, and the chance to relax amidst nature. The diverse trails for walking and cycling, and the family-friendly amenities, are also highly valued.

Most popular routes around Hednesford

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

Norton CanesBrereton And RavenhillBrindley HeathRugeleyCannock WoodBridgtownHeath Hayes And WimbleburyCannock Chase AonbCannock Chase

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