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Chelwood

Top 14 Lakes around Chelwood

Best lakes around Chelwood, a village in Bath and North East Somerset, England, are primarily associated with Chew Valley Lake. This region features significant bodies of water that serve as water sources and offer natural landscapes. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife observation.

Best lakes around Chelwood

  • The most popular lakes is Chew Valley Lake, a viewpoint that is the 5th largest artificial lake in the UK, constructed to supply drinking water. It offers brilliant views…

Last updated: April 30, 2026

Chew Valley Lake

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Chew Valley Lake is the 5th largest artificial lake in the UK. It was constructed in the 1950s to supply drinking water for Bristol and the nearby area.

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Chew Valley Lake

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The fifth-largest man-made lake in the UK, Chew Valley Lake is a vast reservoir providing drinking water for Bristol and the surrounding area. The lake, opened by Queen Elizabeth II …

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Pond in Lord's Wood

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Lords Wood is a pretty woodland close to Pensford with some tranquil ponds at its heart and plenty of trails to explore. You can observe a great deal of wildlife …

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Woodland Pond

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A lovely, wildlife-rich pond set within tranquil woodland. Listen to the birds sing and gentle wind in the trees.

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Salt & Malt, Chew Valley Lake

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Chip shop with a picnic area overlooking the Chew Valley lakes. There are also public toilets an essential on long bike rides.

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Popular around Chelwood

Hiking around Chelwood

Road Cycling Routes around Chelwood

MTB Trails around Chelwood

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Cycling around Chelwood

Gravel biking around Chelwood

Tips from the Community

Sean Crow
February 20, 2026, Chew Valley Lake

The concrete outlet tower serves as the central control point for the reservoir's water supply. Connected by a bridge to the main dam, the tower houses sluice gates and valves that regulate the flow and distribution of water to the River Chew and the local water supply.

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Great stretch of road, I know I am nearly at Bristol, or just getting started. Either way I cannot help but stop and enjoy the view, just stunning.

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Don't let anyone stop you from swimming!

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Holly
March 17, 2025, Woodland Pond

I wouldn't go out of your way to come here... But, if you happen to be in / near here on a walk, then you may as well add it on! • Also, this pond is very deep in the woodland. There is a path all around it, and it is very pretty; it's mostly obscured from view (which is great) because this means that you can peek through the foliage and see birds who aren't aware you're there! Of course, they will be as soon as you move on! I have only been once, it was very muddy after & during rain, so I can't advise on other seasons.

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Gorgeous Woodland. Really stunning villages nearby, too. The fields in the vicinity can become *very* waterlogged after a lot of rain!!

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Bethan Owens
December 15, 2023, Chew Valley Lake

Chew Valley Lake is the 5th largest artificial lake in the UK. It was constructed in the 1950s to supply drinking water for Bristol and the nearby area. There are brilliant views of the lake and surrounding countryside as you pass along the dam.

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Hotswells
December 15, 2023, Chew Valley Lake

Chew Valley Lake formed by the construction of this dam on the River Chew in the 1950's. Built to provide drinking water for Bristol.

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Beautiful scenery and smooth enough road surface

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main lakes to visit around Chelwood?

The primary lake in the area is Chew Valley Lake, known for its significant size and scenic views. Additionally, you can explore tranquil spots like Pond in Lord's Wood and Woodland Pond, which offer more secluded natural settings.

What makes Chew Valley Lake a significant destination?

Chew Valley Lake is the fifth-largest artificial lake in the UK, constructed to supply drinking water to Bristol. It offers brilliant views of the lake and surrounding countryside, particularly from the dam, and is a popular spot for bird watching.

Is Chelwood a good area for bird watching?

Yes, Chew Valley Lake is a very popular destination for bird watching. There is parking available along the causeway, and you can often find a board displaying the birds you might see. Remember not to feed the birds bread.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?

Around lakes like Pond in Lord's Wood, you can observe various wildlife, including roe deer, badger, grey squirrel, fallow deer, and bird species such as great spotted woodpecker, nuthatch, treecreeper, and goshawk. Woodland Pond is also rich in wildlife, offering opportunities to listen to birds and observe nature.

Are there family-friendly lakes around Chelwood?

Yes, Chew Valley Lake is considered family-friendly, offering scenic views and accessible areas. There are also facilities like Salt & Malt, which has a picnic area and public toilets, making it convenient for families.

What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Chelwood?

The area around Chelwood's lakes is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, road cycling, and mountain biking. For detailed routes, explore the Gravel biking around Chelwood, Road Cycling Routes around Chelwood, and MTB Trails around Chelwood guides.

Are there walking trails around Chew Valley Lake?

Yes, there is a nice 14k loop around Chew Valley Lake. While generally enjoyable, it can be quite challenging in some places if it's windy. The surrounding fields can also become very waterlogged after heavy rain, so appropriate footwear is recommended.

Where can I find parking for the lakes?

For Chew Valley Lake, there is car parking available along the causeway, making it easily accessible. Parking for Pond in Lord's Wood is very limited, so plan accordingly.

Are there any cafes or pubs near the lakes?

Yes, near Chew Valley Lake, you can find Salt & Malt, which is a popular chip shop with a picnic area overlooking the lake, offering coffee, cake, and fish and chips. The Blue Bowl pub is also mentioned as having a lovely fire in winter, providing a welcoming stop.

What is the best time to visit the lakes around Chelwood?

While specific seasonal advice isn't detailed for all lakes, the area is generally enjoyable year-round. However, be aware that fields around Chew Valley Lake can become very waterlogged after heavy rain. The Blue Bowl pub with its winter fire suggests the area is also pleasant during colder months.

Are the trails around the lakes dog-friendly?

Yes, Woodland Pond is specifically categorized as dog-friendly, offering tranquil woodland paths for walks with your pet. Many other trails in the area are also suitable for dog walking, but always check local signage for any restrictions.

Are there accessible trails around Chelwood lakes?

Chew Valley Lake is noted for being easily accessible, with parking right by the edge of the lake, which can be helpful for those who cannot walk long distances. Some sections of the lake's perimeter are wheelchair accessible.

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

CornwallDevonCompton MartinNorton MalrewardStanton DrewDundryNempnett ThrubwellLong AshtonCompton DandoHinton BlewettPublowEast HarptreeStowey-SuttonChew StokeWest HarptreeChew MagnaWhitchurchCameleyWinfordKeynshamMarksburyGloucestershireSt. HilaryConstantineCrowanWendronTimsburyBath and North East SomersetFarmboroughButcombeCluttonFarrington GurneyHigh LittletonPaultonUbleyBlagdonBarrow GurneySt KeverneBreageBackwellWiltshireWringtonBurringtonHanhamSomersetPerranarworthalKeaMylorPenrynGwinear-GwithianBudockPonsanoothFeockOldlandGwennapFlax BourtonStithiansTowednackLudgvanMawnanHanham AbbotsMabeFalmouthCamborneWraxall And FailandSithneyDorsetStoke GiffordWinterbourneMarazionPenzanceZennorAlmondsburyMadronSt. Martin-In-MeneageAbbots LeighChacewaterBittonChurchillPill & Easton-In-GordanoSt. BrewardSaltfordGweekSt. ErthFiltonPatchwayDyrham And HintonIlloganMidsomer NortonCarn BreaRedruthBlislandSt. DayCarharrackFrampton CotterellBrockleyWarlegganAltarnunSt. NeotBlunsdonStanton FitzwarrenDownend and Bromley HeathHayleBradley StokeStoke Lodge And The CommonSt. AgnesWick And AbsonSistonPortreathSt. Just-In-RoselandGerransLattonLannerCongresburyCorstonRedlynchMawgan-In-MeneageWesterleighSt. Michael'S MountLandfordSt. CleerDoyntonCardinhamSedgehill And SemleyNorth SomersetNailseaHanningtonPilning And Severn BeachSt. Anthony-In-MeneageSt. KewFoweyCleeveKelstonNorth StokePucklechurchEmersons GreenDobwalls And TrewidlandPhilleighWestfieldCamertonPerranuthnoeSt. IvesCrickladeSt. JustMorvahSancreedLongbridge DeverillLydiard TregozeLydiard MillicentPurtonKenwynDodingtonOlvestonMaiden Bradley With YarnfieldSouth MarstonWest KnoyleEast KnoyleMereYattonCharltonPristonHighworthMinetyLeighAshton KeynesManaccanWellowGermoeSt. PinnockRadstockSt. TeathVeryanSt. Austell BayCarlyonSt. SampsonSt. BlaiseTreverbynSt. AustellRoyal Wootton BassettHaydon WickNorth HillStratton St. MargaretLiskeardLinkinhorneLewannickSt. Paul Malmesbury WithoutWickwarSt. BuryanPaulBrokenboroughHorningshamKilmingtonBrixton DeverillKingston DeverillIron ActonClapton-In-GordanoTickenhamPortisheadPortburyGrade-RuanMullionCuryYateCity of BristolHortonEgloshayleMaker-With-RameSt. JohnSaltashAntonyTorpointMillbrookOakseyCrudwellDavidstowHankertonSt. MabynBrinkworthBraydonSodburyPentewan ValleyHawkesburyNewton St LoeCastle EatonDuloeLanreathTormartonSt. TudyMarshfieldRuanlanihorneCromhallMichaelstowCamelfordBoconnocSt. VeepSt. WinnowChiseldonWroughtonBadmintonWanborough

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