Best lakes around Tarporley offer diverse natural landscapes within Cheshire, England. The area is characterized by its woodlands, such as Delamere Forest, which hosts several significant lakes and wetlands. These bodies of water provide habitats for various wildlife and serve as focal points for outdoor activities. The region's lakes contribute to its appeal as a destination for nature exploration and recreational pursuits.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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Lovely ride through Delamere Forest. You can't go wrong on a mtb or emtb. I entered the forest at New Pale and went round lots of trails to the holiday lodges and came out on Waterloo Lane.
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It does get busy around the visitors' centre and the Gruffalo trail. However, if you ride up Pale Hill and follow the perimeter of the forest, there are plenty of quiet trails to explore. Keep your eyes peeled for single tracks going through the forest, there lots of off-the-beaten-path routes to follow if you look for them.
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amazing walk just cant take the path next to the hatch mere nature reserve because it's very deep mud at the moment
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Could become overgrown in summer or muddy if wet. Interest spot to see
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Nestled within the picturesque landscapes, Hurleston Reservoir runs alongside the Hurleston junction, the point where the Llangollen Canal intersects with the Shropshire Union Canal. There are plenty of canal features to see and Snugburys Ice cream shop is just around the corner. https://snugburys.co.uk/
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Blakemere Moss at Delamere Forest is a reclaimed wetland area. The Moss was originally formed from two kettle holes (water filled hollows formed by a detached mass of glacial ice melted in situ towards the end of the last ice age). Delamere Forest is made up of more than 100 peatland basins and includes several sites of rare 'quaking' bogland, a phenomenon in which sphagnum mosses form a carpet above peaty water that appears to tremble when trodden on. The area was drained from the 1800's, supposedly by prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars and planted with trees, (mainly oak and Scot's Pine) between 1793-1815 to provide timber for shipbuilding. The Forestry Commission planted the moss with pine and western hemlock during the 1940s, which proved uneconomic. In the late 1990's the Commission allowed the area to re-flood again naturally.
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2 Different places. Blakemere lake for fishing is in Shropshire. Blakemere Moss in Delamere Forest is not for fishing and is near Northwich Cheshire.
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For excellent birdwatching and rich biodiversity, visit Blakemere Moss within Delamere Forest. It's a Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to greylags, Canada geese, black-headed gulls, coots, mallards, and lapwings. Another tranquil spot is Black Lake Nature Reserve, known for dragonflies, damselflies, and unusual mosses.
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly experiences. Whitefield, Delamere Forest, has multi-use paths suitable for families and a visitor centre. Blakemere Moss is also family-friendly with its natural beauty. Additionally, Manley Mere is a popular spot for water-based activities and family outings, and Hurleston Reservoir and Canal Bridges is near Snugburys Ice cream shop, making it a pleasant stop for families.
The Tarporley area is excellent for anglers, with several lakes managed by the Tarporley & District Angling Club. You can find Carp up to 30lb, Tench, and Bream at Little Mill, while Oulton Mill Pool and Little Budworth Mill Pool are known for large Carp and various silverfish. Willow Pool offers a variety of coarse fish, and Farm Pool and The Dell are perfect for float and pole fishing for Crucian Carp, Tench, and silverfish in peaceful settings. Goose Green Farm Fishing Lakes also offer four fully-stocked coarse fishing lakes.
While specific details on fully accessible paths for all lakes are limited, Goose Green Farm Fishing Lakes has invested in a staging area on one of its lakes, making it suitable for disabled anglers. For general recreation, many multi-use paths are being developed in areas like Delamere Forest, which may offer easier access.
Blakemere Moss has a unique history, having been drained and planted with trees in the 1800s (reportedly by Napoleonic War prisoners) before being restored to a lake in the 1990s, with tree stumps still visible. Whitefield, Delamere Forest, itself was established as a hunting forest in the 11th century.
The lakes around Tarporley offer various outdoor activities. You can find numerous trails for exploring nature and wildlife in Delamere Forest, particularly around Whitefield and Blakemere Moss. For specific routes, you can explore options like easy hikes around Tarporley, or for cycling enthusiasts, there are gravel biking and MTB trails. Find more details on routes at Easy hikes around Tarporley, Gravel biking around Tarporley, and MTB Trails around Tarporley.
Yes, Delamere Forest, which hosts several significant lakes, features many trails. For instance, you can find routes like the 'Blakemere Moss – Whitefield, Delamere Forest loop from Delamere' or the 'Whitemoor Trail' for mountain biking. For easy hikes, consider routes like the 'Lockgate Coffee House loop from Tarporley' or the 'Tarporley Township Milestone loop from Tarporley'. You can explore these and more on the Easy hikes around Tarporley guide.
The lakes around Tarporley can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and active wildlife, ideal for birdwatching and water-based activities. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter provides a peaceful, serene atmosphere for walks, especially around lakes like those in Delamere Forest. The best time depends on your preferred activities and scenery.
Delamere Forest, home to lakes like Whitefield and Blakemere Moss, has a modern visitor centre and cafes. Additionally, near Hurleston Reservoir, you'll find Snugburys Ice cream shop just around the corner.
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscapes, from serene birdwatching spots to well-stocked fishing havens. The peaceful forest settings, like those in Delamere Forest, are highly valued for their trails and wildlife. The komoot community has shown strong appreciation, with over 260 upvotes and 29 photos shared, highlighting the area's appeal for nature exploration and recreational pursuits.
Yes, Delamere Forest offers several cycling routes, including blue-rated wide 'crush & run' limestone chip paths ideal for families, as well as unofficial trails and an official 'Skills' area for more experienced riders. You can find detailed routes, such as the 'Blakemere Moss – Whitefield, Delamere Forest loop from Delamere', in the Gravel biking around Tarporley and MTB Trails around Tarporley guides.
Many outdoor areas around Tarporley, especially those with walking trails like Delamere Forest, are generally dog-friendly. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially in nature reserves or areas with livestock and ground-nesting birds, and to check specific signage at each location for any restrictions.


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