Top 13 Lakes around Hatherton
Lakes around Hatherton, a village in Staffordshire, England, offer access to local water bodies and are within reasonable proximity to several notable lakes and reservoirs in the wider Staffordshire and Cheshire areas. The region provides opportunities for enjoying natural waters, with settings ranging from tranquil pools to larger recreational reservoirs. While Hatherton itself features smaller, local water bodies, the surrounding area presents a diverse array of lakes with various attractions.
Best lakes around Hatherton
- The most popular lakes is Monkey Trail, Cannock Chase, a mtb_park that features challenging and fun trails. It offers a chance to fine-tune mountain bike skills on both uphill and downhill courses, with trails ranging from green to black.
- Another must-see spot is Fairoak Pools, a lake and viewpoint. Visitors can find a peaceful spot to sit and enjoy the sunshine on the water, making it a beautiful location for rest.
- Visitors also love Stony Brook Pools, a natural area with a lake and forest. This spot is ideal for resting on the blue route, with a footbridge offering views of rushing water and potential sightings of kingfishers.
- Hatherton is known for various types of lakes, including natural pools, reservoirs, and lakes integrated into nature reserves and common land. The area offers a variety of water features to explore, from tranquil spots for relaxation to larger bodies of water with recreational activities.
- The lakes around Hatherton are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 200 upvotes and 38 photos contributing to the guide.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Monkey Trail, Cannock Chase
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Fairoak Pools
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Stony Brook Pools
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Rough Wood Nature Reserve
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Chasewater Country Park Visitor Centre and Lake
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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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Tips from the Community
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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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes and water features around Hatherton?
Visitors to the Hatherton area frequently enjoy Fairoak Pools for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views, especially at sunset. Stony Brook Pools is also popular for its natural setting with rushing water and potential kingfisher sightings. For those seeking more active pursuits, the Monkey Trail at Cannock Chase offers challenging mountain biking trails near a lake.
Are there family-friendly lakes near Hatherton?
Yes, several lakes in the region are great for families. Fairoak Pools and Stony Brook Pools are both noted as family-friendly spots. Further afield, Westport Lake in Stoke-on-Trent is an excellent choice, featuring a lakeside cafe, abundant wildlife, well-maintained footpaths, and often hosts family activities. Chasewater Country Park Visitor Centre and Lake also offers plenty of facilities and activities for families.
Where can I go for a walk or hike around the lakes?
Many lakes offer walking opportunities. Rough Wood Nature Reserve provides paths, ponds, streams, and meadows ideal for exploring. Bateswood Pool, a nature reserve near Madeley, Cheshire, offers serene lakeside environments and hiking routes. Westport Lake has well-maintained footpaths suitable for leisurely strolls, and Tittesworth Water provides tranquil walking trails.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes?
The lakes around Hatherton are rich in wildlife. At Stony Brook Pools, you might spot kingfishers. Rough Wood Nature Reserve is home to many species of birds, amphibians, mammals, and plants. Westport Lake is known for its abundant wildlife, and Rudyard Lake is a prime birdwatching location with diverse bird species.
Are there opportunities for cycling near the lakes?
Absolutely. The Monkey Trail at Cannock Chase is a dedicated mountain bike park with challenging and fun trails ranging from green to black. For more general cycling, you can explore various routes around the region. You can find more cycling options in the MTB Trails around Hatherton guide and the Road Cycling Routes around Hatherton guide.
What are the best lakes for photography?
Blithfield Reservoir offers particularly stunning scenic views, especially in the early morning, making it a great spot for photography enthusiasts. Tittesworth Water is also ideal for photography due to its picturesque reflections, especially during the golden hour.
Can I find cafes or amenities near the lakes?
Yes, some lakes offer amenities. Westport Lake features a lakeside cafe, and Chasewater Country Park Visitor Centre and Lake has a visitor centre with facilities. Near Hurleston Reservoir, you can find the popular Snugburys Ice Cream shop for a treat.
Is Hatherton Reservoir accessible to the public?
Hatherton Reservoir is primarily noted for potential fishing activities. However, specific information regarding public access, permits, and recreational facilities is scarce, suggesting it may have limited public amenities compared to larger recreational reservoirs in the wider region.
Are there any historical or cultural points of interest near the lakes?
Rudyard Lake has a notable historical connection; it's a reservoir constructed in the 18th century to supply the Caldon Canal and gained popularity for recreation thanks to the North Staffordshire Railway. Famously, the parents of author Rudyard Kipling named their son after the lake due to its beauty.
What other outdoor activities are available near Hatherton's lakes?
Beyond walking and cycling, you can find various outdoor activities. Rudyard Lake is a significant recreational hub offering a diverse range of activities both on and around the water. For running enthusiasts, there are numerous trails available; explore options in the Running Trails around Hatherton guide.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Hatherton?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, but specific times offer unique experiences. Early mornings are particularly stunning for photography at Blithfield Reservoir. Summer and warmer months are ideal for family activities at places like Westport Lake and for enjoying water-based recreation at Rudyard Lake. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter walks can offer a peaceful, serene experience, though some paths might be boggy, so waterproof footwear is recommended.
Most popular attractions around Hatherton
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