Best lakes around Cheswick Green offer diverse outdoor experiences, featuring a mix of man-made reservoirs and natural parklands. The area provides various options for easy walks around lakes, catering to different activity levels. These landscapes are shaped by historical engineering projects and natural river systems, creating unique environments for exploration. Visitors can find family friendly walks and opportunities to connect with local history.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
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Although the route suggested by Komoot was good there were some problems in the wooded section between the two railway crossings. The path was closed and therefore needed to find a detour.
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Closed up nothing really to see apart from the building
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Discover Sarehole Mill, an important place for J.R.R. Tolkien by watching this short film as part of Secret Birmingham. https://youtu.be/4adrUuejmGU Secret Birmingham is a digital guided cycling and walking tour of heritage sites in the South of the city, developed by ecobirmingham and theatre company C&T.
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The Blythe Valley Countryside Park is 87 acres in size. The circular path includes several small lakes and a bird hide. The site is like a cross between New Hall Valley Country park in Sutton Coldfield and Plantsbrook in Pype Hayes and is home to a mixture of conservation woodland, 38,000m² of new woodland, grassland, hedgerows, streams and wetland. The 3.5km path is be great for cycling and running, too. Work on the business park commenced in August 1998 and was a joint development between Solihull MBC, Doughty Hanson & Co Real Estate and Liberty Property Trust. The River Blythe has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and there are local damp willow woodlands, emergent reeds and wet grassland. In a rare UK approach, storm water from the built up area is cleaned by several processes en route to the river.
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The engine house is Grade II listed and was built to contain the original beam engine that pumped water from the reservoirs up to the higher level of the feeder river. It has been in continual operation since 1823, though in 1936 the beam engine was dismantled and replaced by the electric pumps. You can see the in-fill brickwork where the chimney was removed, marking the arrival of electricity. The building is typical of an engine house; one tall narrow room for the beam engine and lower storey ancillary rooms surrounding it. For this particular engine house the lower storey extension was added post 1846, when the canal was taken over by the Great Western Railway Company due to the decline of canal usage. This is telling in other details such as the workshop bench made out of railway sleepers and the reclaimed platform edging bricks on the stairs. The wooden beams for the upper floors are visible in between the brickwork and you can also see the structural ties that were added after construction, as the building needed more support to cope with the vibration of the machine.
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The Earlswood Lakes were constructed in the 1820s to provide water to the Stratford upon Avon canal. Construction took nearly 5 years to complete, and the labour force included prisoners of war from the Napoleonic wars.The cost of construction was £297,000. There are three lakes. Terry's Pool lake cover 20 acres (8.1 ha). The lakes are fed by tributaries of the River Blythe, and in turn outfall into that river also.
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Yes, several lakes in the area are great for families. Engine House and Engine Pool, Earlswood Lakes, Windmill Pool Lake, and Blythe Valley Park Circular Walk are all categorized as family-friendly, offering accessible environments for all ages.
The lakes around Cheswick Green are rich in history. The Engine House and Engine Pool, Earlswood Lakes features a Grade II listed engine house, operational since 1823, and the lakes themselves were constructed in the 1820s using labor that included Napoleonic War prisoners. Sarehole Mill, a 250-year-old watermill, is also nearby and is famous for its association with J.R.R. Tolkien.
Yes, the area offers many options for easy walks. Blythe Valley Park Circular Walk has a 3.5 km path suitable for circular lake walks. You can also find numerous easy hiking routes, such as the Terry's Pool Reservoir – Earlswood Lakes loop, which is just over 3 km. For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Cheswick Green guide.
Beyond walking, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. The lakes are popular for running, with several routes available, including a moderate 10 km loop around Earlswood Lakes. Mountain biking is also an option, with trails like the Canal Pathway and Lock Gates loop. You can find detailed routes in the MTB Trails around Cheswick Green and Running Trails around Cheswick Green guides.
The lakes offer a mix of man-made reservoirs and natural parklands. At Blythe Valley Park Circular Walk, you'll find conservation woodland, grasslands, hedgerows, streams, and wetlands, including a bird hide. The River Blythe, which feeds some of the lakes, is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Yes, Sarehole Mill, a historic watermill, features an onsite bakery and cafe where you can enjoy freshly baked goods, tea, and coffee. This provides a pleasant stop during your visit to the area's lakes.
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but summer offers opportunities for extended walks and outdoor activities. Spring and autumn provide beautiful scenery with changing foliage, while winter can offer peaceful, crisp walks. Always check local conditions before your visit.
Visitors appreciate the diverse outdoor experiences, from easy walks around the lakes to exploring historical engineering projects. The blend of natural parklands and man-made reservoirs, like the Earlswood Lakes, provides unique environments for exploration and connection with local history. The area is also well-regarded for its family-friendly options and circular walking paths.
Yes, Blythe Valley Park Circular Walk offers a 3.5 km circular path that takes you around several small lakes. The Earlswood Lakes area also provides opportunities for circular routes, such as the Terry's Pool Reservoir – Windmill Pool Lake loop, which is an easy 6.3 km hike.
The Earlswood Lakes, including Engine House and Engine Pool and Windmill Pool Lake, are significant 19th-century engineering projects. Constructed in the 1820s, they were built to supply water to the Stratford upon Avon canal. The Engine House, in particular, is a Grade II listed building that has been in continual operation since 1823, showcasing the area's industrial heritage.
While the main lakes are well-known, exploring the smaller, conservation-focused wetlands within areas like Blythe Valley Park can offer a quieter experience. These areas often feature diverse wildlife and less-trafficked paths, providing a sense of discovery.


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