Top 19 Lakes around Barnt Green

Several lakes in the area offer family-friendly activities. Lickey Hills Country Park Pond and Stone Fort provides woodlands, a play area, and a visitor centre. Arrow Valley Lake in Arrow Valley Country Park features picnic areas, bike hire, and a children's play park. The Earlswood Lakes also offer scenic walks and are generally considered family-friendly.

The lakes near Barnt Green have rich historical connections. The Bittell Reservoirs were constructed in the 1820s to feed the Worcester and Birmingham Canal. Similarly, the Earlswood Lakes, including the Engine House and Engine Pool, were built to supply the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, with the engine house being a Grade II listed building. Lickey Hills Country Park, home to the Lickey Hills Country Park Pond and Stone Fort, was donated by the Cadbury family and has historical significance as former Royal hunting grounds.

Yes, Upper Bittell Reservoir is a popular spot for water sports. It is home to the Barnt Green Sailing Club, offering sailing and windsurfing. During summer months, it's also used for open water swimming by a local triathlon club.

The Bittell Reservoirs are excellent for birdwatching, especially in winter for wildfowl and gulls, and in spring/autumn for terns and waders. You might spot Great Crested Grebes, Goldeneye, and Goosander. Lickey Hills Country Park and Arrow Valley Lake also boast abundant wildlife, making them great spots for nature observation.

You'll find numerous walking and hiking opportunities. There are public footpaths around the Bittell Reservoirs, including a popular 8 km loop trail. Lickey Hills Country Park offers many woodland and hill walks, with Beacon Hill Toposcope providing expansive views. Earlswood Lakes and Arrow Valley Lake also feature well-maintained paths for scenic strolls. For more detailed routes, explore the hiking guide for Barnt Green.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Both Upper and Lower Bittell Reservoirs offer fishing, with Lower Bittell and Mill Shrub Pool stocked with rainbow trout, and Upper Bittell providing coarse fishing for bream, pike, and carp. Arrow Valley Lake is also a well-known fishing destination, particularly for bream and other silverfish.

Yes, for refreshments, Lickey Hills Country Park has a visitor centre with a cafe. Arrow Valley Lake also features a cafe on the water's edge within its country park. Additionally, the village of Barnt Green itself offers various cafes.

The lakes offer beauty year-round. Spring and autumn are ideal for birdwatching at the Bittell Reservoirs. Summer is great for water sports at Upper Bittell and family outings at Arrow Valley Lake. The woodlands of Lickey Hills Country Park are beautiful in all seasons, especially with wildflower displays in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn.

Yes, the area provides various cycling opportunities. Arrow Valley Lake has paths suitable for cyclists, with both paved and off-road sections. You can find numerous routes that incorporate the scenic lake areas. For a comprehensive list of cycling tours, refer to the cycling guide for Barnt Green or the road cycling guide.

Parts of the Bittell Reservoirs are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to their ecological importance. They provide a crucial habitat for wildfowl and gulls, especially during winter, and attract a variety of terns and waders in spring and autumn. More information can be found on Wikipedia.

Yes, several locations offer designated picnic areas. Upper Bittell Reservoir is an excellent place for hiking and picnicking, with specific spots to enjoy a meal by the water. Arrow Valley Lake also provides extensive picnic areas within its country park, making it ideal for family outings.

The Earlswood Lakes consist of three 22-acre reservoirs: Terry's Pool, Windmill Pool, and Engine Pool. They were historically constructed in the 1820s to supply water to the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal. The area offers beautiful scenery for walking and is often graced by sailing boats. The Engine House, installed in 1823, is a notable historical feature.