Top 14 Lakes around Shackerstone

For peaceful walks, consider Thornton Reservoir, which offers a 2.5-mile circular track that is relatively flat and accessible. Another excellent option is Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park, featuring well-maintained trails, including an 'All Ability Trail' around the lake.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Conkers Waterside offers outdoor walks, an adventure playground, and cafes. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park has accessible trails and a bird hide, while Watermead Country Park provides picnic areas and play areas alongside its lakes and nature reserves.

You can spot diverse wildlife at several locations. Thornton Reservoir is a designated 'Wildlife Site' with mammals, birds, butterflies, and dragonflies. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park is excellent for birdwatching, with over 150 species recorded. Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve is also a haven for birdwatchers, known for warblers, whitethroats, and various birds of prey.

Absolutely. The 2.5-mile circular track around Thornton Reservoir is part of the National Cycle Network. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park also offers trails suitable for cycling, connecting to other routes within the National Forest. The Ashby Canal is another tranquil option for leisurely cycling along its towpaths.

Yes, accessibility is a focus in some areas. Thornton Reservoir has a paved, traffic-free trail around its perimeter. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park features an 'All Ability Trail' designed for easier access.

The Moira Furnace and Canal site combines industrial heritage with natural beauty. Here, you can explore Moira Furnace, a 19th-century iron-making blast furnace, and take trips on a 100-year-old narrowboat along the Ashby Canal. The Ashby Canal itself meanders through historic areas and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Many of the lake areas are dog-friendly. For example, Thornton Reservoir is popular with dog walkers, and the country park surrounding Moira Furnace is great for dog walking. Stanton Lakes also offers an adult-only, dog-friendly touring site.

Thornton Reservoir is ideal for walking, cycling, and dog walking on its 2.5-mile circular track. It's also a popular fly fishery and a designated 'Wildlife Site' for ornithologists and nature lovers. A sculpture trail and a cafe are also available.

Yes, Stanton Lakes offers bookable supervised open water swimming. It's a picturesque lake providing a peaceful retreat for those interested in this activity.

The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but spring and summer offer the best conditions for wildlife spotting, walking, and water activities. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter can offer peaceful, crisp walks, though some facilities might have reduced hours.

Yes, several locations offer facilities. Thornton Reservoir has a visitor center and a cafe. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park has a car park (payment by card/app) and toilets. Stanton Lakes features a Lakeside Bar & Bistro. Conkers Waterside also has cafes.

You can find various hiking routes in the area. For example, there are moderate hiking loops like the 'Shackerstone Motte loop from Carlton' or 'Bosworth Marina – Shackerstone Motte loop from Shackerstone'. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Shackerstone guide.

For mountain biking, you can find easy to moderate trails. Options include the 'Snipston Country Park and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood loop' or the 'Hicks Lodge Trail Centre – Shell Brook Trail loop from Ashby-de-la-Zouch'. Discover more routes on the MTB Trails around Shackerstone guide.

Horseshoe Lake is distinctive for its horseshoe shape and its location within the 109-hectare Sence Valley Forest Park, a former opencast coal mine transformed into a thriving natural habitat. It features an 'All Ability Trail' and a bird hide, making it excellent for accessible walks and birdwatching.

The Ashby Canal is a tranquil, 31-mile long waterway known for its lock-free nature, making it ideal for leisurely boating, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Sections are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest due to diverse aquatic flora and invertebrates. It's also popular for walking and cycling along its towpaths and passes near historic sites like Moira Furnace.