Top 15 Lakes around Tutnall and Cobley CP

For an easy and accessible walk, Earlswood Lakes offers a 2.6-mile trail around its three reservoirs. Lickey Hills Country Park Pond and Stone Fort provides varied terrain with woodlands, ponds, and heathland, suitable for different walking preferences. Upper Bittell Reservoir is also excellent for hiking and picnicking.

Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. Earlswood Lakes offers easy walking trails and picnic spots. Lickey Hills Country Park Pond and Stone Fort features a good playground area close to its visitor centre, along with diverse walking options. Upper Bittell Reservoir and Arrow Valley Lake are also noted as family-friendly, offering space for picnicking and gentle strolls.

The area is rich in history, particularly around Earlswood Lakes. Here you'll find the Engine House and Engine Pool, a Grade II listed building that once housed a beam pumping engine from 1823, crucial for the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal. The lakes themselves were constructed in the 1820s, with a fascinating past involving Napoleonic War prisoners. Lickey Hills Country Park Pond and Stone Fort also has historical significance, having been donated by the Cadbury family and featuring remains of WWII sites.

Earlswood Lakes is a prime spot for wildlife enthusiasts. It's an ideal location for birdwatching, with species like great crested grebes, widgeons, tufted ducks, and the rare lesser-spotted woodpecker. The surrounding area is also home to muntjac deer, owls, otters, badgers, foxes, and hares. Nearby Clowes Wood, especially in spring, is renowned for its bluebells and diverse bird breeds.

Yes, Earlswood Lakes offers free parking and picnic spots. You'll also find nearby pubs such as The Bulls Head and The Red Lion, which serve traditional British food. Additionally, the Earlswood Lakes Craft Centre provides unique handmade gifts. Lickey Hills Country Park Pond and Stone Fort also has cafes and a visitor centre.

Beyond walking, Earlswood Lakes offers fishing across all three reservoirs and sailing on Windmill Pool. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes nearby. You can explore options like the 'Clent & the Lickey Hills loop' or the 'Arrow Valley Lake loop' for touring bicycles, or 'Forest Downhill Trail' for mountain biking. Find more details in the Cycling around Tutnall and Cobley CP guide, the MTB Trails around Tutnall and Cobley CP guide, and the Road Cycling Routes around Tutnall and Cobley CP guide.

The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring is particularly beautiful, especially around Clowes Wood near Earlswood Lakes, which is known for its bluebells. Summer offers pleasant weather for walking and outdoor activities. Autumn brings scenic foliage, and winter provides a tranquil atmosphere, though paths can be muddy, especially around Upper Bittell Reservoir after rain.

Earlswood Lakes features an easy and accessible 2.6-mile walking trail, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors. While specific details on full accessibility for all trails are not always available, many paths around the main lakes are generally well-maintained and relatively flat.

Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The varied terrain at places like Lickey Hills Country Park Pond and Stone Fort, with its woodlands and views, is highly rated. The historical context of Earlswood Lakes, including the Engine House, and the serene waterside atmosphere of Upper Bittell Reservoir for hiking and picnicking are also popular highlights.

Yes, Earlswood Lakes offers opportunities for both sailing and fishing. Sailing is popular on Windmill Pool, one of the three reservoirs, and fishing is permitted across all three lakes.

Near Earlswood Lakes, you can visit the Earlswood Lakes Craft Centre. It offers a selection of unique, handmade gifts, ceramics, and jewelry, perfect for finding a local souvenir.

Absolutely. Lickey Hills Country Park Pond and Stone Fort features a Beacon Hill Toposcope, offering wonderful views over the countryside and into Birmingham. Arrow Valley Lake is also known for its stunning views around the lake area, providing picturesque settings for relaxation and photography.