Best lakes around Cheslyn Hay are found within and near this Staffordshire village, offering diverse aquatic environments. The area benefits from its proximity to Cannock Chase, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which features numerous pools and reservoirs. Visitors can explore disused canal sections, dedicated fishing lakes, and larger country parks. These locations provide opportunities for wildlife observation, walking, and various water-based activities.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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may need to take detours due to festival dismantal or no access to other routes minor issue but amazing walk
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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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This is a great place to run, in the summer it offers cool over hsadows from the trees, and really makes you feel at one with nature. I would recommend anyone to run here, (always safely and in the day off course)
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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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Fantastic spot for a picnic or lunch. Or even to stop and sit down on the various benches around. Be warned, it can get busy as it is a hot spot of cannock chase.
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Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. Fairoak Pools in Cannock Chase is part of an easy, circular walking route, perfect for a relaxed family stroll. Chasewater Country Park Visitor Centre and Lake also offers extensive facilities, including a park for kids, making it suitable for family outings.
The lakes and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife. The 'Curly Wyrley' Canal Pools are popular with wild birds and host rare plants like floating water plantain. At Mill Green, you can spot small gatherings of teal, mallard ducks, and Canada geese, especially in winter. Stony Brook Pools is known for potential kingfisher sightings.
Absolutely. JC Fishing Lakes, located on Coppice Lane in Cheslyn Hay, are part of the Hatherton Reservoir and offer excellent fishing. They feature a Match Lake with carp up to 16lb and a larger Specimen Lake with carp up to 36lb. Memberships are available for various fishing preferences.
The area offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the easy "Essingtron & Quarry Lake loop" or more challenging options such as the "Chase Heritage Trail" in Cannock Chase. Cycling is also popular, with road cycling routes like "The Hartley Arms – River Penk loop" and gravel biking trails including "Sherbrook Valley – Springslade Lodge loop". For more details, explore the hiking, road cycling, and gravel biking guides.
Chasewater Country Park Visitor Centre and Lake is popular due to its large reservoir and diverse offerings. It provides opportunities for various water sports, walking, cycling, and even features a steam railway. Its extensive facilities and open water make it ideal for active recreation and family days out.
Yes, many areas around the lakes are dog-friendly. The woodland surrounding JC Fishing Lakes is a pleasant environment for dog walkers. Chasewater Country Park is also a popular spot for dog walking, though it's advisable to check specific regulations for certain areas or times of year.
The 'Curly Wyrley' Canal Pools are a disused section of the canal twisting between Great Wyrley and Essington. These three pools are known for their peaceful setting, attracting wild birds, and being home to rare, protected plants like floating water plantain and grass wrack pondweed, making them great for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Certainly. Fairoak Pools offers a peaceful setting within Cannock Chase, perfect for watching the sunshine on the water. Stony Brook Pools provides a gorgeous spot to rest by the pool, with visitors often enjoying the sound of rushing water and hoping to spot a kingfisher.
Yes, Rough Wood Nature Reserve is located nearby. It's situated in the oldest and largest woodland in Walsall, featuring paths, ponds, streams, and meadows. It's a fantastic place to explore and is home to many species of birds, amphibians, mammals, and plants, offering a great connection with nature.
Visitors particularly enjoy the tranquil beauty and opportunities for relaxation. Many appreciate the peaceful atmosphere at spots like Fairoak Pools, finding it a beautiful place to sit and take in the scenery. The diverse trails, from easy family walks to more challenging mountain biking routes like the Monkey Trail, also receive high praise for their fun and engaging features.
While specific details on wheelchair accessibility for all lakes are limited, areas within Cannock Chase, such as those around Fairoak Pools, often feature well-maintained, easy walking routes suitable for families. For detailed accessibility information, it's recommended to check local council or park websites, such as the South Staffordshire Council site for Cheslyn Hay at sstaffs.gov.uk.
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering a different experience. Spring and summer are ideal for walking and water sports, while autumn brings beautiful foliage. Winter can be great for birdwatching, especially at Mill Green where teal, mallards, and Canada geese gather. For specific events or conditions, checking local park information is always a good idea.


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