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East Staffordshire

Draycott In The Clay

Top 5 Lakes around Draycott In The Clay

Best lakes around Draycott In The Clay provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature observation. The area features St Chad's Water Local Nature Reserve, an approximately 23-acre site with a circular walking path, woodlands, and a wildflower meadow. This reserve is an important local resource for enjoying nature and observing various bird species. The region offers a mix of natural and man-made water bodies for visitors to explore.

Best lakes around Draycott In The Clay

  • The most popular lakes is…

Last updated: July 13, 2026

Blithfield Reservoir Causeway

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Blithfield reservoir was built in 1953 to supply drinking water to the surrounding area.
The reservoir and surrounding woodland have been designated as a a SSSI due to the important …

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A pleasant nature reserve worth checking out if in the area. Despite the noises from the nearby A50, it is still a calming place with hardly any visitors, and full of wildlife.

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Branston Water Park – The Gravs

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For Covid-19 period, a one way (clockwise) circuit of the lake has been introduced. Please follow the signs

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Sunset View at Barton Marina

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Barton Marina is quite posh with some very expensive shops and restaurants ... the pub is reasonably priced. It is however a great base to park for a days walking.

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JCB Lake

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JCB Lake is a public area featuring a lake and landscaped grounds, including sculptures and wildlife. It's known for its paved paths, making it a popular spot for walks and …

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Walk The Walk 🌳
July 31, 2025, JCB Lake

JCB Lake is a public area featuring a lake and landscaped grounds, including sculptures and wildlife. It's known for its paved paths, making it a popular spot for walks and birdwatching. The lake was created in 1968 as part of JCB's commitment to conservation and landscaping.

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Blithfield reservoir was built in 1953 to supply drinking water to the surrounding area. The reservoir and surrounding woodland have been designated as a a SSSI due to the important bird life in the area. The causeway that crosses the reservoir gives good views across the water so do stop and have a look around.

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Nice spot, shame about the noise from the A50.

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A lovely view over the reservoir, but not the nicest road to ride, especially when there's a lot of traffic. 🌊

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Road running thru lake

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For Covid-19 period, a one way (clockwise) circuit of the lake has been introduced. Please follow the signs

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A pleasant nature reserve worth checking out if in the area. Despite the noises from the nearby A50, it is still a calming place with hardly any visitors, and full of wildlife. A loop around the nature reserve is about 1.5 - 2 miles and there are suggested routes on a board at the entrance. Car parking can be found at the entrance alongside the road. Note: most of the paths do not allow dogs.

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Always a photo opportunity....

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of lakes can I explore around Draycott In The Clay?

The region around Draycott In The Clay offers a mix of natural and man-made water bodies. You'll find reservoirs like Blithfield Reservoir Causeway, nature reserve lakes such as St Chad's Water Local Nature Reserve, and recreational water parks like Branston Water Park – The Gravs. These provide diverse settings for activities like walking, bird watching, and fishing.

Are there family-friendly lakes in the area?

Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. St Chad's Water Local Nature Reserve offers a circular walking path, woodlands, and a wildflower meadow, perfect for leisurely strolls and wildlife observation. Branston Water Park – The Gravs is also noted as family-friendly, as is Sunset View at Barton Marina, which has facilities like restaurants and a pub.

What natural features and viewpoints can I find at the lakes?

You can enjoy various natural features and viewpoints. Blithfield Reservoir Causeway offers expansive views across the water, and the reservoir itself is a designated SSSI due to its important bird life. St Chad's Water Local Nature Reserve features a lake, woodlands, and a wildflower meadow, providing habitats for abundant wildlife. Sunset View at Barton Marina is a popular spot for scenic views, especially at dusk.

Are there accessible walking paths around the lakes?

St Chad's Water Local Nature Reserve has enhanced its walking track with improved paths, making it more accessible for visitors. This allows for easier enjoyment of the circular path around the lake.

Can I bring my dog to the lakes?

Dog policies vary by location. While many outdoor areas are dog-friendly, it's important to check specific rules. For instance, at Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve, most of the paths do not allow dogs.

Are there cafes or pubs near the lakes?

Yes, you can find dining options. Barton Marina offers restaurants and a pub, making it a convenient base for walks. Additionally, Longford Fisheries Café provides a simple menu of breakfasts and hot drinks, welcoming cyclists and offering a tranquil spot by the lake.

What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes?

Beyond walking and bird watching at the lakes themselves, the wider area around Draycott In The Clay offers various outdoor activities. You can find gravel biking routes, such as the 'Badgers Bridge – Mickleover Station loop from Hilton CP', and numerous running trails, including 'Running loop from Foston and Scropton CP'. For road cycling, there are routes like the 'Blithfield Reservoir Causeway – Blithfield Reservoir Causeway loop from Newborough'. You can explore more routes on the respective guides for Gravel biking around Draycott In The Clay, Running Trails around Draycott In The Clay, and Road Cycling Routes around Draycott In The Clay.

Is there parking available at the lakes?

Parking is available at several locations. For example, Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve has car parking at its entrance. Barton Marina also offers parking, serving as a good starting point for walks.

What makes St Chad's Water Local Nature Reserve worth visiting?

St Chad's Water Local Nature Reserve is a 23-acre site offering significant opportunities for nature observation and recreation. It features a circular walking path, woodlands, and a wildflower meadow, supporting diverse flora and fauna, including various bird species. The reserve also has an outdoor classroom area for nature activities and fishing opportunities through St Chad's Fishing Club.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Draycott In The Clay?

Visitors appreciate the opportunities for informal countryside recreation, such as walking and bird watching. The scenic views, especially from spots like Blithfield Reservoir Causeway, are highly valued. The presence of facilities like those at Barton Marina, which combine natural beauty with dining options, also enhances the visitor experience.

Are there quiet spots for nature observation?

Yes, St Chad's Water Local Nature Reserve is an important local resource for enjoying nature and observing abundant wildlife. Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve, despite some noise from a nearby road, is described as a calming place with hardly any visitors and full of wildlife, making it suitable for quiet observation.

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

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