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Tixall

Top 8 Lakes around Tixall

Best lakes around Tixall include Tixall Wide, an expansive section of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. This man-made feature was designed in the 18th century to create the impression of a grand lake from Tixall Hall. It is situated within historic parkland, offering views, particularly in conjunction with the Tixall Gatehouse. The area provides opportunities for walking and enjoying a peaceful waterside environment, forming part of the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Best lakes around Tixall

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Last updated: June 30, 2026

Monkey Trail, Cannock Chase

Highlight • MTB Park

Really nice trails. Possibly only suitable for the bravest of beginners due to the variety of obstacles. Great chance to fine tune your mountain bike skills both on uphill and down hill courses

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Fairoak Pools

Highlight • Lake

Just beautiful to watch the sunshine on the water. To sit in peace in the sunshine and take it all in.

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Blithfield Reservoir Causeway

Highlight • Bridge

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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Stony Brook Pools

Highlight • Natural

Enjoy a moment on the footbridge to hear the rushing water beneath.

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A picturesque location at the woodland's edge, perfect for pausing and savouring the beauty of the surroundings and what Cannock Chase AONB has to offer.

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Popular around Tixall

Hiking around Tixall

Running Trails around Tixall

MTB Trails around Tixall

Road Cycling Routes around Tixall

Cycling around Tixall

Gravel biking around Tixall

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Richard
July 1, 2025, Fairoak Pools

may need to take detours due to festival dismantal or no access to other routes minor issue but amazing walk

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Lovely place to stop mid ride to take in the scenery.

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Where do you park?

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A picturesque location at the woodland's edge, perfect for pausing and savouring the beauty of the surroundings and what Cannock Chase AONB has to offer.

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having just been in the area for 3 days and ridden all of these: Perry's blue, a new route post Commonwealth games, from the Birches visitor centre, is suitable for even the newest of MTB'ers - there is nothing technically hard. But there are some really fun berms even for experienced to enjoy and it has some good Red optional diversions as well. Follow the Dog is the next one up - a "light and fruity middling" Red - whilst some sections are steep, some are technical, some are loose/narrow/twisty - none are all 3 are at the same time. Suitable as a first time Red. And finally, Monkey is a proper hard red - some brutal sequential switchback climbs (Lung Buster), adverse camber rocky drops verging to "very dark oaky" red (Tom/Dick/Harry on Original Monkey). And the parts that are actually marked black are verging on Danny MacAskill.... Definitely not one for a first red.

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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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A gorgeous spot to rest on the blue route by the pool with a bench. If you sit here for long enough you might catch a sighting of the kingfisher on the hunt or fish coming to the surface to look for bugs.

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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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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tixall Wide and why is it significant?

Tixall Wide is an expansive, man-made section of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, designed in the 18th century to appear as a grand lake from Tixall Hall. It's significant for its historic landscape design, offering picturesque views and integrating the canal's functionality with the aesthetic of a natural lake within historic parkland.

Are there family-friendly walking trails around the lakes near Tixall?

Yes, several spots are suitable for families. Fairoak Pools offers tranquil views and a peaceful setting, ideal for quiet moments. Sher Brook Pond and Stone Bridge is another picturesque location at the woodland's edge, perfect for pausing. Additionally, Stony Brook Pools provides a lovely spot to rest by the water, with benches available.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes in Tixall?

The area around Tixall offers a variety of outdoor activities, particularly cycling and running. You can find numerous gravel biking routes, such as those detailed in the Gravel biking around Tixall guide, and dedicated mountain biking trails, including the popular Monkey Trail at Cannock Chase, which are highlighted in the MTB Trails around Tixall guide. For runners, there are various routes available, including those around Sherbrook Stepping Stones, as seen in the Running Trails around Tixall guide.

Where can I find challenging mountain bike trails near Tixall?

For challenging mountain bike trails, head to Monkey Trail, Cannock Chase. This mtb_park features varied trails and obstacles, offering opportunities to develop mountain bike skills on both uphill and downhill courses. It's known for fun technical features and jumps, with trails ranging from green to black difficulty.

Are there any historical sites or features to see near Tixall's water bodies?

Yes, Tixall Wide itself is a significant historical feature, created in the 18th century as part of the Tixall Hall estate's landscape design. You can also see the impressive Tixall Gatehouse nearby, which is all that remains of the former Tixall Hall. The area provides an opportunity to appreciate 18th-century landscape architecture and its integration with the canal system.

What natural features can I observe around Tixall's lakes and reservoirs?

The area is rich in natural beauty, being part of the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can observe diverse bird life around Blithfield Reservoir Causeway, which is designated as a SSSI. Stony Brook Pools is a great spot to potentially catch a sighting of a kingfisher or fish. The general landscape includes woodlands, rivers, and tranquil water views.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes and water features near Tixall?

Visitors frequently appreciate the tranquil beauty and peaceful settings. Many enjoy the opportunity to sit by the water and take in the sunshine, as noted at Fairoak Pools. The scenic views, especially from spots like Blithfield Reservoir Causeway, and the chance to enjoy a rest amidst nature, are also highly valued.

Is the area around Tixall Wide suitable for dog walking?

Yes, the historic parkland around Tixall Wide and the broader Cannock Chase AONB offers many opportunities for dog walking. Circular walks that encompass Tixall Wide and the Gatehouse are popular, providing a peaceful waterside environment for you and your dog to enjoy.

Are there any places to stop for a rest or picnic near the lakes?

Yes, several locations offer benches and scenic spots for resting. Fairoak Pools has benches with beautiful views, and Stony Brook Pools also provides a bench by the water. Tixall Wide itself is an ideal spot for a picnic, especially on a fine day, allowing you to appreciate the 18th-century landscape.

What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Tixall?

The area is enjoyable year-round, but a fine day is particularly recommended for appreciating the tranquil beauty of Tixall Wide and enjoying walks. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather for outdoor activities, while autumn brings beautiful foliage. Even in early winter, the shorter days can offer great sunset views from spots like Fairoak Pools.

Where can I find information about the Tixall Conservation Area?

For detailed information about the Tixall Conservation Area, including its historical significance and planning guidelines, you can refer to the official appraisal document. You can find this document on the Stafford Borough Council website: Tixall Conservation Area Appraisal.

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

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