Top 6 Lakes around Shipham

Shipham itself is in the elevated Mendip Hills, so you'll find that the 'lakes' in the immediate vicinity are primarily reservoirs rather than large natural lakes. These include notable bodies of water like Blagdon Lake, Chew Valley Lake, Sutton Bingham Reservoir, Durleigh Reservoir, and Hawkridge Reservoir, all offering various recreational activities.

Visitors often enjoy the views of Blagdon Lake, particularly from the Bridge Over Blagdon Lake, which is part of a cycle way. Chew Valley Lake is also popular, with expansive views from spots like View of Chew Lake from Smitham Hill and a dedicated Cycle path along Chew Valley Lake.

The reservoirs near Shipham offer a range of activities. You can enjoy fishing, particularly fly fishing for trout at Blagdon Lake and Chew Valley Lake, or coarse fishing at Durleigh Reservoir. Watersports like sailing, canoeing, and model boating are available at Sutton Bingham Reservoir and Durleigh Sailing Centre. Walking and cycling paths are also popular, such as the Cycle path along Chew Valley Lake.

Yes, many of the lakes offer walking opportunities. Blagdon Lake has easy bank access along most of its seven-mile perimeter. Sutton Bingham Reservoir features a woodland trail, and Hawkridge Reservoir is surrounded by a network of public rights of way providing scenic views. While not a lake, the historic Rickford Chapel and Pond also offers a pleasant spot for a short stop.

Absolutely. Fishing is a major draw for many of the lakes. Blagdon Lake and Chew Valley Lake are renowned for stillwater trout fly fishing. Sutton Bingham Reservoir offers excellent trout and coarse fishing, while Durleigh Reservoir is a prime location for coarse fishing with abundant carp, pike, bream, and roach. Hawkridge Reservoir is also noted for some of the best trout fishing in the West Country.

Yes, several lakes are family-friendly. Sutton Bingham Reservoir, for example, offers picnic areas and a children's play area, alongside its woodland trail. The Cycle path along Chew Valley Lake is also noted as family-friendly, providing a good surface for walks or rides with children.

Near the lakes, you can visit Rickford Chapel and Pond. This 19th-century Grade II listed Methodist chapel sits on the edge of Rickford Pond, which historically fed local mills. It's a charming 'Swiss-style' building worth a stop.

Beyond the lakes, the wider area around Shipham, including the Mendip Hills, offers extensive opportunities for various outdoor sports. You can find numerous running trails, road cycling routes, and general cycling paths. For more details on these activities, explore the Running Trails around Shipham, Road Cycling Routes around Shipham, and Cycling around Shipham guides.

While Shipham is in a rural area, public transport options to the specific reservoirs can be limited. It's generally recommended to check local bus schedules for routes that might pass near the larger lakes like Blagdon or Chew Valley, but a car often provides the most flexible access.

The lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit often depends on your planned activities. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking, cycling, and watersports, with wildflowers in bloom around places like Blagdon Lake and Sutton Bingham Reservoir. Autumn provides stunning foliage, while winter can offer tranquil, crisp views, though some facilities might have reduced hours.

Yes, some lakes have amenities. Chew Valley Lake's Woodford Lodge offers takeaway food and refreshments. In the villages surrounding the larger reservoirs, you can often find local pubs and cafes. It's advisable to check specific locations for current offerings.

The lakes are rich in wildlife, especially birds. Blagdon Lake is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) known for its diverse bird populations. Sutton Bingham Reservoir supports over 200 species of wildflowers and grasses, 1,000 species of invertebrates, and at least 88 bird species. These areas are excellent for birdwatching and enjoying nature.