Top 3 Lakes around Haighton
Lakes around Haighton, a small rural civil parish in Lancashire, England, are primarily found in the surrounding region near Preston. While Haighton itself does not feature major lakes, the broader area offers several water-based leisure facilities. These locations provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and wildlife observation. The landscape is characterized by a mix of natural reserves, parks, and managed water bodies.
Best lakes around Haighton
- The most popular lakes is Brockholes Nature Reserve, a lake that spans 250 acres, featuring ancient woodland and diverse wildlife viewing points. It also offers a floating cafe and visitor center, with paths suitable for walking and cycling on the Guild Wheel Cycle Route.
- Another must-see spot is Beacon Fell Tarn, a tranquil lake located within a forest. This spot provides well-marked trails for enjoying nature and is easily accessible from the Quarry Car Park.
- Visitors also love Haslam Park Lake and Savick Brook Bridges, a park with a lake offering paths for walking and cycling. It serves as a starting point for exploring the Haslam Nature Reserve and the Lancaster Canal, with parking facilities available.
- Haighton is known for its nature reserves, park lakes, and tarns. These include areas with facilities like cafes and visitor centers, as well as more secluded spots for quiet enjoyment.
- The lakes around Haighton are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 130 upvotes and 9 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: October 3, 2026
Brockholes Nature Reserve
Highlight • Lake
The reserve is open from 6am - 9pm during summer and until 7pm during winter. You can also bring your bike! Just bear in mind that you are only allowed to cycle on the Guild Wheel Cycle Route through the reserve. You can find more information, here: brockholes.org
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Haslam Park Lake and Savick Brook Bridges
Highlight (Segment) • Bridge
Tip1
Quote from the Park's website:
"The park's paths are perfect for walking/cycling"
tinyurl.com/Haslam-Park
The park is a good start point, with parking, to explore Haslam Nature Reserve, the Ribble Link, the Lancaster Canal, Cottam's excellent park and cycle paths and new routes via Cottam including Edith Rigby Way.
Two Park Carparks
1) Cottam Lane
2) Bristow Ave
For nearby parking see:
komoot.com/highlight/4092174
Tap/click the lake photo for a slideshow. Tap to the next photo. See Tip8 on how to use a slideshow for a web browser or the Komoot app.
The segment highlight route through the park (purple on a planned tour - photo13) is the Tour1 route, one of 4 local bike tours, links below.
Photos 4 to 9 and 12 are in the order of the segment route, which starts at point A on photo3, the park map. The route follows points a-b-c-f-d-e on photo3, to its end at (h). Tour1 then crosses the Savick Brook bridge (h), continues through the park and enters the Nature Reserve just before it joins the canal at point (i), bridge 14. The slideshow continues to the canal - the continuation of Tour1. The straight line, (a) to (e), is explained in Tip2.
4 Short Loop Tours
When starting these tours, select Stick to Original Route.
They're mostly off-road - suitable for children with adult. You can start in the park or open the tour for parking options.
Tour1: 7 Mile - Haslam Park, Lancaster Canal, Ribble Link Loop via Preston Marina
Start/End - Haslam Park
komoot.com/tour/610244459
You may, because of Tour1's route through the Nature Reserve, prefer Tour2 first.
Try split-screen to show a slideshow along the highlight route beside descriptions in the tips below. See Tips 9 and 10 - how to 'split-screen'.
For more on highlights see:
komoot.com/help/highlights
Tour2: 7 Mile - Cottam via Lancaster Canal Ribble Link Loop
Start/End - Haslam Park
komoot.com/tour/1118780163
Tour2 follows the canal, the Ribble Link, then Guild Wheel to UCLan Arena, child-friendly park paths to Cottam and mostly off-road paths back to and along a quiet stretch of the canal - bridge 19 to 17.
Tour3: 9 Mile - Preston Marina, Lancaster Canal, Cottam, Edith Rigby Way, River Ribble Loop
Start/End - Preston Marina
komoot.com/tour/1247289251
Tour4: 8.5 Mile - Preston Marina, River Ribble, Ribble Link, Edith Rigby Way, Canal Loop
komoot.com/tour/1309854803
Similar to Tour3 but in reverse.
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Cuerden Valley Park and Nature Reserve
Highlight • Waterfall
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Beacon Fell Tarn
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
Lovely little spot to stop, enjoy nature and recharge. Easily reached from the Quarry Car Park with well marked trails.
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Lots of hideaways to stop and admire the wildlife
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Beautiful park and lakes lovely place for a stop. Some of the path can be gravel so take care if on road wheels
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Brockholes was previously a major quarry extraction site. The land was bought by the Trust in January 2007, and the reserve opened to the public at Easter 2011. It has been regenerated as a mosaic of key habitats such as pools, reedbeds and woodland. The reserve is aimed less at dedicated bird-watchers and nature lovers than the general public of the big cities. The riverbank is covered in steaming ferns and rampant Himalayan balsam. Brockholes offers a wide range of events throughout the year and over 250 acres of trails and hides. It has already seen record numbers of breeding wading birds along with visitors such as osprey, otter and bittern. Now it's a beautiful nature reserve with amazing wildlife.
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Tip10 How To View In Split-Screen Instructions for a Windows PC/Laptop Easy to do in Windows 10/11. You have a choice - you can open the same webpage in two different web browsers displayed on the two halves of the screen or open the same webpage using a single web browser in two windows on the two halves. The instructions below are minimal. For a more detailed explanation see Comment10 in this link: https://www.komoot.com/tour/610244459 These instructions use a single web browser, e.g. Chrome. 1) First open this webpage on your Windows PC/Laptop, maximise it and scroll to these instructions. Copy the web address. You will need to paste it - see below. 2) Locate this browser's tab on the taskbar. Opposite click on it and click 'Open new window'. When opened maximise it if necessary and then paste the web address into the new window and scroll to these instructions so that you can continue to follow them. 3) Press and hold the Windows key and press the left arrow key. The active window will move the left side of the split screen. 4) You should now see the right hand half of the first window. Click that window to display it 'on top'. These instructions should still be visible on the right. Check that it is full screen. Press and hold the Windows key again and press the right arrow key. 5) The two windows should now display, left and right. You have a split-screen. You may need to make a small adjustment (drag) if the windows overlap slightly at the join. Scroll one window to display the photos and the other for the photo descriptions in Tip1.
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Slideshows Tip8 A Komoot slideshow in a web browser differs slightly from a slideshow in the Komoot app. These notes assume that you are using an Android phone or a Windows PC/laptop and that the slideshow is in a Highlight and not a Tour. You may wish to open this highlight on 2 devices to easily compare the photos alongside relevant comments - or display on the 2 halves of a split-screen (see Tips 9 and 10). To start the slideshow - tap the first photo. On a web browser - on e.g. an Android phone or a Windows PC: 1) To end slideshow - tap/click 'Close x' at top-right. 2) To move to next slide - tap/click the current slide. 3) To move back one slide - tap/click thumbnail image on left. To enlarge a slide on an Android - 'tap and hold' and then tap: 1) Chrome 'Preview image'. 2) Firefox 'Open image in new tab' - then tap SWITCH. Zoom-in with 'pinch zoom'. To reverse the above: 1) Chrome: tap the X at the top-right of the Preview image. 2) Firefox: if using split-screen, 1st tap the image to give it focus and then tap the left arrow 'back' button at bottom of screen - probably a left-pointing chevron. To Enlarge a Slide On a Windows PC a) Click the image with the opposite mouse button (maybe the right buttton) then click 'Open image in new tab' with the other button. b) Click on the new tab to open it. c) Click the enlarged image to enlarge it some more - use the scroll bars to move over the image. d) Click the image to to reduce it. e) Close the new tab. In the Komoot App slideshow: 1) To end - tap the left arrow at top-left of slideshow. 2) To move to next slide - flick left. 3)To move back one slide - flick right. 4) To enlarge a slide - double tap. 5) To reverse the above - double tap. 6) To zoom-in - 'pinch zoom'.
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The Top20 Highlights in Central Lancashire around Preston Tip7 See Komoot's recommended highlights around Preston, some specific locations, such as Beacon Fell, and a few highlight segment routes. Link: https://www.komoot.com/guide/671373/attractions-around-preston
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes near Haighton?
The lakes in the region offer a variety of natural landscapes. For instance, Brockholes Nature Reserve features 250 acres of ancient woodland, wetlands, and reedbeds, providing habitats for diverse wildlife. You can also find peaceful park settings with rivers and forests, such as those around Cuerden Valley Park and Nature Reserve and Beacon Fell Tarn.
Are there family-friendly lakes and activities near Haighton?
Yes, several lakes are excellent for families. Brockholes Nature Reserve is specifically highlighted as a great place for a family day out, with trails, viewing points, and a floating cafe. Haslam Park Lake also offers paths suitable for walking and cycling, making it a good option for families.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Beyond enjoying the lakes themselves, the area around Haighton offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, with options like the 'View of the River Ribble – Brockholes Nature Reserve loop' which is a difficult 15.8 km route. For cycling, there are routes such as the 'View of the River Ribble – Brockholes Nature Reserve loop' which is an easy 14.8 km ride. You can explore more options for running at Running Trails around Haighton and for cycling at Cycling around Haighton.
Are there good places for walking or hiking around the lakes?
Absolutely. Many of the lake areas are perfect for walks. Brockholes Nature Reserve has 250 acres of trails and hides. Haslam Park offers paths ideal for walking and exploring the adjacent nature reserve. Cuerden Valley Park also provides beautiful park and lake paths, though some sections can be gravelly.
Are there any hidden gem lakes or lesser-known spots worth visiting?
While not directly within Haighton, the broader Lancashire region offers some less-known but rewarding spots. Leisure Lakes in Mere Brow, near Preston, is considered a 'hidden gem' with extensive facilities including a large fishing lake, a jet ski center, a sandy area, and a pub. It's a great option for varied water-based leisure activities.
What facilities are available at the lakes?
Facilities vary by location. Brockholes Nature Reserve is well-equipped with a floating cafe and visitor center, as well as hides and viewing points. Haslam Park offers parking facilities. For a more comprehensive leisure experience, Leisure Lakes near Preston provides a pub and various recreational amenities.
Can I bring my dog to the lake areas?
While specific dog policies for all lakes are not detailed, nature reserves and parks often have guidelines for dog walkers. It's generally advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially in nature reserves like Brockholes Nature Reserve, to protect wildlife. Always check local signage or official websites for the most current rules regarding pets.
Are there any lakes suitable for fishing?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity in the wider region. Whitmore Fisheries, near Preston, is well-known for its carp fishing lakes. Leisure Lakes in Mere Brow also features a large fishing lake. Additionally, Bowland Lakes Leisure Village offers opportunities for fishing in a relaxing setting.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Haighton?
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. During summer, the longer opening hours at places like Brockholes Nature Reserve (6 am - 9 pm) allow for extended exploration and enjoyment of the outdoors. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and observing nature, while winter can provide a different, quieter beauty, though some facilities might have reduced hours.
Are there cycling routes that pass by or through the lake areas?
Yes, cycling is a great way to explore some of these areas. The Guild Wheel Cycle Route passes through Brockholes Nature Reserve, where cycling is permitted on this specific route. Haslam Park also has paths suitable for cycling, connecting to the Ribble Link and Lancaster Canal. You can find more cycling routes in the area at Cycling around Haighton.
Are there cafes or places to eat near the lakes?
Yes, you can find options for refreshments. Brockholes Nature Reserve boasts a floating cafe and visitor center. For a more extensive leisure experience, Leisure Lakes in Mere Brow includes a pub on-site, offering a place to relax and eat after your activities.
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