Top 16 Lakes around Croft
Best lakes around Croft are primarily man-made bodies of water, including flashes formed by mining subsidence and enlarged reservoirs. This area features a landscape shaped by industrial history, now offering natural habitats and recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore a variety of lakes that serve as nature reserves, fishing spots, and locations for watersports. The region provides numerous walking trails and viewpoints, allowing for exploration of its unique natural features.
Best lakes around Croft
- The most popular lakes is Scotman's Flash…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Scotman's Flash
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Carr Mill Dam
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Walton Hall
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Lymm Village and Pond
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
Lymm Dam
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Croft.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Walton Hall is a country house in Walton, Warrington, Cheshire. It is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade II listed building. The hall and its surrounding garden and grounds are owned and administered by Warrington Borough Council and open to the public. Sir Gilbert Greenall (1806–1894) built Walton Hall in 1836. He was the son of Edward Greenall (1758–1835) who had purchased the Walton Estate in 1812. At this time there was an old hall on the property north east of the present building which has since been demolished. When his father died in 1835, Gilbert inherited the Walton Estate. In the following year he married Mary Claughton. In this year also he commenced building Walton Hall, a project which took two years. He was a partner in his long established family brewing firm of Greenall Whitley & Company with his brothers and made a large fortune. He invested his money in property and became part of the landed gentry. He became a Member of Parliament from 1847 until 1892 representing Warrington. He was also High Sheriff of Cheshire in 1873 and was a Justice of the Peace. He was a personal friend of Lewis Carroll whose father was the vicar in the nearby Church at Daresbury. He visited Carroll when he was at Oxford University and Carroll visited him at Walton Hall. A photo was taken by Carroll of the Hall in 1859 when he was there. Source: Wikipedia
0
0
I've only just moved to this area. It's so beautiful for me and my dog for our local walk.
2
0
If you go down to the sunken garden between Sextons and the flower shop, you'll see the force of the water from the lower dam into Slitten Brook, and it flows into the Bridgewater canal
1
0
A Flash is a unique industrial legacy to Wigan and there are many around the Wigan area. Each are lakes formed as a result of mining subsidence. Scotsmans flash the largest of the “Wigan Flashes” is a designated site of scientific interest. This is due to the abundance of rare plant species, several species of orchid, extensive reed beds and migrating birds such as Reed and Sedge Warbler. Scotsmans flash is a beautiful place for a stop to enjoy the views.
3
0
Scotman's Flash is just 10 minutes from the centre of Wigan featuring a huge lake and lots of exciting experiences for everyone to enjoy. Scotman's Flash is the perfect place for water sports, whether you’re brand new to canoeing, sailing and kayaking or want to get your game on with courses and qualifications to match your skills.
3
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find around Croft?
The lakes around Croft are primarily man-made, including 'flashes' formed by mining subsidence and enlarged reservoirs. These bodies of water now offer diverse environments for nature observation, water activities, and walking.
Are there opportunities for water sports on the lakes?
Yes, Scotman's Flash is a popular location for water sports, including canoeing, sailing, and kayaking. It offers courses and qualifications for various skill levels.
Which lakes are suitable for family visits?
Several lakes are family-friendly. Scotman's Flash, Carr Mill Dam, Lymm Dam, and Pennington Flash all offer amenities and activities suitable for families, such as walking trails and scenic views.
Can I go hiking or walking around the lakes?
Absolutely. Many lakes, like Carr Mill Dam and Pennington Flash, have trails around their edges, providing excellent walking opportunities. You can find various hiking routes in the area, including easy loops from Birchwood and Culcheth. For more options, explore the Hiking around Croft guide.
Are the lakes dog-friendly?
Yes, Carr Mill Dam is noted as dog-friendly, and Scotman's Flash is also suitable for dog walkers with its scenic trails. Many of the walking paths around the flashes and reservoirs are suitable for dogs.
What kind of wildlife or natural features can I observe?
Scotman's Flash is a designated site of scientific interest due to its rare plant species, including several types of orchid, extensive reed beds, and migrating birds like Reed and Sedge Warblers. The flashes, being formed from mining subsidence, have created unique natural habitats.
Are there cycling routes near the lakes?
Yes, the area offers several cycling routes. Lymm Dam is a good starting point for bike trips, with routes to Warrington being particularly pleasant. You can find more cycling options in the Cycling around Croft guide and the Road Cycling Routes around Croft guide.
What is the historical significance of the lakes around Croft?
Many of the lakes, particularly the 'flashes' like Scotman's Flash and Pennington Flash, are a unique industrial legacy, formed in depressions caused by mining subsidence. Carr Mill Dam was historically enlarged to supply water to navigation and railway systems.
Are there any cafes or amenities near the lakes?
Yes, near Lymm Dam, there is a caravan cafe that serves good food, and the nearby town of Lymm offers quaint restaurants and pubs. Lymm Village itself has a great tearoom.
What are the best lakes for fishing?
Carr Mill Dam is a popular fishing lake. Additionally, the region research indicates that Croft Lakes Holiday Park (near Skegness, if you are referring to that specific 'Croft') has an exclusive owners' fishing lake.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Croft?
Visitors appreciate the unique blend of industrial history and natural beauty. The transformation of mining subsidence areas into beautiful nature reserves and country parks, offering opportunities for walking, water sports, and wildlife observation, is highly valued. The picturesque settings and accessible trails are also frequently praised.
Most popular attractions around Croft
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Croft? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
