Top 8 Lakes around Whixall
Best lakes around Whixall are characterized by a unique blend of wetland environments and glacial meres. The area is famously associated with Fenn's, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve, featuring numerous small pools and flooded fields. Additionally, Whixall provides access to the broader "Shropshire Lake District," which includes notable meres like Cole Mere and Blake Mere, accessible via the Llangollen Canal. This region offers diverse aquatic habitats, from peat bogs to natural lakes, supporting a variety of wildlife.
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Last updated: May 2, 2026
Hanmer Mere
Highlight • Natural Monument
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The Mere, Ellesmere
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Colemere Picnic Spot
Highlight • Parking
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Brown Moss Pond
Highlight • Natural
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Colemere Lake
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Tips from the Community
Hanmer Mere (Welsh: Llyn Hanmer) is a natural lake and a site of Special Scientific Interest in Wrexham County Borough, Wales. The village of Hanmer is at the northern end of the lake. The lake is 18 hectares (44 acres) in extent.
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Hanmer is home to one of the nine Meres in this part of the world and it is a beautiful tranquil place. Having the bulk of St Chad's church looking down over the whole scene just adds to the ambience of the whole place.
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Colemere's a great place to stop off for a break, there's a bench and a nice picnic lawn by the car park. It's also a very nice walk around the mere if you can spare the time on your ride.
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Handy place to stop if you want a nice quite spot by a lake. There's also a small store on the corner if you want to buy a snack or drink.
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Colemere is one of Shropshire's most beautiful meres. Almost entirely surrounded by woodland and grassland, it's a haven for wildlife - keep an eye out for wildfowl and wading birds, wildflowers including a number of different species of orchid.
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With a lot of pleasure I stopped by and sat on a bench admiring the beauty of the Mere.
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The 'moss' in Brown Moss actually refers to a peat bog rather than any particularly mossy nature. This reserve is teeming with wildlife from insects to birds and has several walking trails criss-crossing its modest expanse. Largely a marsh and wetland area, some of the residents here include great-crested newts, dragonflies and frogs. This is one of the country's most important reserves for plant species too, so come with keen eyes, ready to spot unusual flora.
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The meres and mosses of northern Shropshire are rather unique places and Ellesmere's is the largest of the lot. The lake lies alongside the historic town and is surrounded by lovely parkland and gardens, particularly popular in the warmer months. Home to thriving wildlife, the Mere is a fascinating place, left by receding glaciers eons ago. Dawn and dusk, winter or summer, this lake has many personalities and all are stunning. In the summertime, you can hire rowing boats and mess about on the water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural features can I explore around Whixall?
Whixall is renowned for Fenn's, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve, one of Britain's largest lowland raised bogs. This area features small pools, flooded fields, and vast peatland, supporting rare plants and diverse wildlife. You can also visit glacial meres like Colemere Lake and Blake Mere, accessible via the Llangollen Canal.
Are there family-friendly lakes or activities near Whixall?
Yes, several spots are great for families. The Mere, Ellesmere offers parkland, gardens, and opportunities to hire rowing boats in summer. Colemere Lake is surrounded by woodland and grassland, perfect for tranquil walks and wildlife spotting. Whixall Moss also has boardwalks suitable for family walks.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at Whixall Moss?
Whixall Moss is a haven for wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot curlew, skylark, Marsh Harrier, and Short-eared Owl. The area is also rich in invertebrates, including 29 species of dragonflies and damselflies, and rare raft spiders. Look out for rare plants like round-leaved sundew and bog rosemary in the unique peat environment.
What are the best walking trails around Whixall's lakes and mosses?
You can find numerous walking trails. Whixall Moss offers boardwalks and paths, including the 'Mammoth Tower' trail for panoramic views. For meres, there's an excellent circular walk around Colemere Lake. You can explore more options, including easy hikes, on the easy hikes around Whixall guide or the hiking around Whixall guide.
Is Whixall Moss accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs?
Whixall Moss features dedicated pathways and boardwalks designed to improve accessibility, making parts of the reserve suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. For specific accessible routes, it's advisable to check local information upon arrival.
Where can I park when visiting Whixall Moss?
Parking for Whixall Moss is available at Morris's Bridge Car Park. From there, you can access the reserve's trails and boardwalks.
Are there any dog-friendly walking routes around the lakes?
Many of the walking trails around Whixall Moss and the meres like Colemere Lake are dog-friendly. However, always keep dogs under control, especially in nature reserves where wildlife is present, and be mindful of livestock in surrounding fields.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes and mosses around Whixall?
The area offers beauty year-round. Spring and summer bring wildflowers, orchids, and active birdlife, with opportunities for rowing at The Mere, Ellesmere. Autumn provides stunning colours, while winter offers a tranquil experience and opportunities for spotting wintering birds. Each season highlights different aspects of the unique landscape.
Can I cycle around the lakes near Whixall?
Yes, the Llangollen Canal, which connects to meres like Cole Mere and Blake Mere, offers scenic cycling opportunities. You can find various road cycling routes in the area, including those passing by Colemere Picnic Spot, by checking the Road Cycling Routes around Whixall guide.
What is <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/2936147" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brown Moss Pond</a> known for?
Brown Moss Pond is part of a peat bog nature reserve, teeming with wildlife from insects like dragonflies to great-crested newts and frogs. It's also recognized as an important site for rare plant species, offering several walking trails to explore its modest expanse.
Are there any viewpoints to enjoy the scenery around Whixall's canals and lakes?
Yes, the 'Mammoth Tower' at Whixall Moss provides panoramic views over the 2,500-acre Mosses. Additionally, the Llangollen Canal towpath offers picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and meres like Cole Mere and Blake Mere. Hanmer Mere also offers a quiet spot to sit and admire the lake's beauty.
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