Top 6 Lakes around Whitegate And Marton
Best lakes around Whitegate And Marton are situated in Cheshire, England, offering a diverse collection of aquatic landscapes. The region is characterized by "meres" and "flashes," which are ecologically significant natural features. These areas provide varied experiences for nature enthusiasts, walkers, and anglers. The landscape includes both natural lakes and those formed by historical events like mining subsidence.
Best lakes around Whitegate And Marton
- The most popular lakes is Blakemere Moss, a natural monument that is a flooded area within Delamere Forest. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and an exceptional spot for birdwatching.
- Another must-see spot is Marbury Country Park, a forest featuring a wildlife-rich mere. This park includes avenues of lime trees and an arboretum, and is part of the Northwich Community Woodlands.
- Visitors also love Black Lake Nature Reserve, Delamere Forest, a tranquil natural monument. This small pool and bog is recognized for its abundant insect life, including various species of dragonfly and damselfly.
- Whitegate And Marton is known for its meres and flashes. These include natural lakes and those formed by subsidence, offering a variety of environments to explore.
- The lakes around Whitegate And Marton are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 250 upvotes and 29 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Blakemere Moss
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Whitefield, Delamere Forest
Highlight • Trail
As for cycling, there are a couple of Blue rated wide 'crush & run' limestone chip affairs, ideal for families, could be boring for hard hitting off-road enthusiast but fear not there a a myriad of unofficial trails littered throughout the forest plus there's also an official 'Skills' area near the Manley area of the Forest, also easily accessed from 'Foxes Howell' on Ashton Rd.
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Black Lake Nature Reserve, Delamere Forest
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Marbury Country Park
Highlight • Forest
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Pickmere Lake
Highlight • Rest Area
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Tips from the Community
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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the path around east side is very muddy in parts definitely need boots or wellies, not walking shoes like me lol
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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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Pickmere Lake is a popular spot in Cheshire for open water swimming. Lawns and Picnic tables as well as car parking are available throughout the site.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes around Whitegate And Marton?
Among the most popular lakes are Blakemere Moss, a natural monument within Delamere Forest known for its biodiversity, and Marbury Country Park, which features a wildlife-rich mere and an arboretum. Visitors also frequently enjoy Black Lake Nature Reserve, Delamere Forest, recognized for its abundant insect life.
Are there family-friendly lakes or walks in the area?
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly experiences. Blakemere Moss in Delamere Forest is suitable for families, offering circular treks. Marbury Country Park is also family-friendly, with its mere, lime tree avenues, and even an outdoor swimming pool. Delamere Forest itself has multi-use paths ideal for families.
Where can I go for birdwatching or to observe wildlife?
Blakemere Moss is an exceptional spot for birdwatching, home to species like greylags, Canada geese, and lapwings. Black Lake Nature Reserve is renowned for its insect life, including numerous species of dragonfly and damselfly. Croxton Flash also serves as an important haven for various birds and insects.
Are there opportunities for fishing near Whitegate And Marton?
Yes, Marton Hole, located just off the Whitegate Way near Marton, is a popular spot for anglers. It's known for its considerable depth and challenging fishing opportunities, with large carp, tench, perch, chub, and even some grayling and brown trout. Access involves an approximately one-mile walk from the Whitegate station car park.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around these lakes?
Beyond walking and wildlife observation, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can explore gravel biking routes, such as those detailed in the Gravel biking around Whitegate And Marton guide, or try mountain biking on trails like those found in the MTB Trails around Whitegate And Marton guide. Cycling routes are also available, as highlighted in the Cycling around Whitegate And Marton guide.
Are there any lakes suitable for wild swimming?
Alderford Lake, located in Whitchurch, is a privately owned lake popular for wild swimming and leisurely walks, often described as having a 'Mediterranean' ambiance on warm days. Pickmere Lake is also a popular spot in Cheshire for open water swimming.
What are 'flashes' and 'meres' in this region?
The region around Whitegate And Marton is characterized by 'meres' and 'flashes.' Meres are natural lakes, often with significant ecological value. Flashes, like Croxton Flash, are characteristic of the region and were formed by mining subsidence, creating important wetland habitats for wildlife.
Can I find historical or unique natural formations around the lakes?
Yes, Blakemere Moss has a unique history, having been drained in the 1800s and re-flooded in the 1990s, with visible tree stumps adding to its distinctive character. It was originally formed from two kettle holes. Marton Hole, a deep lake, was formed over a century ago due to land collapse from salt mining.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes?
The lakes offer beauty year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the abundant insect life, birdwatching, and water activities. Autumn brings vibrant foliage, while winter offers tranquil, often misty, landscapes for quiet walks. Always check local conditions before visiting.
Are there any quiet or 'hidden gem' lakes to explore?
Black Lake Nature Reserve offers a tranquil and serene environment for quiet contemplation, often considered a hidden gem within Delamere Forest. Marton Hole, while popular with anglers, also provides a secluded and peaceful setting due to its access requiring a walk.
Are there any lakes with facilities like cafes or rentals?
Alderford Lake offers a cafe and provides paddleboard, canoe, and kayak rentals. While Pickmere Lake has lawns and picnic tables, it does not have a shop for refreshments nearby. Delamere Forest, which hosts Blakemere Moss and Black Lake, has a visitor center with facilities.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Whitegate And Marton?
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural beauty, from the rich biodiversity of Blakemere Moss to the tranquil setting of Black Lake Nature Reserve. The opportunities for birdwatching, peaceful walks, and the unique character of the 'meres' and 'flashes' are frequently highlighted. The area's appeal is reflected in over 250 upvotes and 29 photos shared by the komoot community.
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