Type of Walk: Lakes and Reservoirs

The Category Lakes and Reservoirs is a subset of Particular Types of Walks in the UK. 

'Explore over 40,000 Lakes across the UK'.

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

'Whether you are out for a gentle stroll or a serious hike, head to one of our water parks to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the scenery on offer which includes, grasslands, wild flowers and woodlands. As you walk our trails be on the lookout for the wide range of wildlife that make their home with us, including insects, mammals and amphibians.'

Anglian Water Services

'South West Lakes Trust is the region's largest combined environmental and recreational charity. Its 50 inland water sites, spread across Devon, Cornwall and West Somerset, attract in the region of 2m visits annually ... With 150 km of paths in varied terrain, we can cater for all the family’s needs.'

'Welsh Water Visitor Attractions – A dam fine day out ...Your hubs for health, wellbeing and recreation. Reconnecting you with the outdoors, water and environment.'

Welsh Water

'Looking after around 72,000 acres of land makes Yorkshire Water one of Yorkshire's biggest landowners. We want everyone to enjoy it, so explore this part of our website and discover walks, cycle rides, easy access paths and places to go fishing or try watersports ...'

'This scenic new trail around the Alwen Reservoir follows the shoreline and takes you through forest plantations and up onto Mynydd Hiraethog with stunning landscape views from high on the moorland.'

Llyn Brenig  [Welsh Water]

'A wander through the fine, varied landscapes of the High Weald en route to scenic Bewl Water, the largest expanse of water in the south east of England ... The route uses parts of the Sussex Border Path and wanders along the shores of Southern Water's Bewl Water reservoir.'

Out of the LOOP

Bewl Water Woods [Woodland Trust]

'The Blithfield Estate is owned by South Staffs Water, which provides some 330 million litres of water each day to around 550,000 homes and businesses in parts of the Black Country, East and South Staffordshire and South Derbyshire ... Until 2009, the Estate had remained largely closed to the public. However, assistance and help from Natural England, along with advice from the West Midland Bird Club and the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, led to the company deciding to create footpaths and install bird hides and feeding stations in order to open up much of the Estate, so that everyone can enjoy this tranquil corner of England ...'

South Staffs Water

'Route around Llyn Brenig. This reservoir is one of the largest areas of water in Wales. Opened in 1976 by the Prince of Wales, it holds 13,200 million gallons of water, covers an area of 371 hectares and took four years to fill! ... The Hiraethog Region is a stunning and unspoilt landscape of rolling heather moor, deep forest and quiet lakes in the heart of North Wales.'

'This is a circular route in a pleasant corner of West Devon. The walking is not strenuous and takes place over a variety of footpaths, woodland paths, moorland and quiet roads. The short route [7½ Miles] visits 9 Crosses and the longer route [12½ Miles] takes in a further 4. For each cross visited, a link will take you to the appropriate page on our site for further information. Links are also provided to the notes ... for other points of interest.'

Dartmoor's Crosses

'This is a low level walk along forest roads, tracks and narrow footpaths. The path surface along the south side of Ennerdale is rocky with many trip hazards along much of its length and some sections that are regularly very wet.'

Wild Ennerdale

'The four-mile walk around the reservoir offers views of the water, woodland paths, Thames riverside meadows and nature reserves ... We have recently built a trail suitable for wheelchairs, which links our accessible bird hide at Pinkhill Meadow with the hide at nearby Shrike Meadow ...'

Thames Water

'Greater Manchester is internationally renowned for its industrial heritage, but you don’t have to travel far from the big city to find yourself among a green and pleasant land. Many of our Mancunian reservoirs are in spectacular settings - from rugged moorland and wildflower meadows to verdant valleys and ancient woodland. Explore another side to the city – perfect for active days out ...'

United Utilities

'Set in a picturesque part of Essex is open for visitors to enjoy a day out in the beautiful landscape ... Woodland walks, access to the Essex Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre and nature reserve, easy accessibility by road and free parking make a trip to Hanningfield Reservoir a great day out ...'

Essex Wildlife Trust

'There's lots to do for you and the family throughout the year, including a regular programme of guided walks, special events, crafts and outdoor activities.'

Rochdale Borough Council

Hollingworth Lake [Wikipedia]

'Enjoy a short stroll around Jumbles Reservoir in this pretty country park in Bolton. The park is set within the beautiful West Pennine Moors with a lovely waterside footpath around the reservoir. There are also good facilities with a visitor centre and cafe. The Park is located just a couple of miles north east of Bolton city centre, near to the Lancashire village of Chapeltown. If you have time you could continue your walk along the Witton Weavers Way to the nearby Wayoh Reservoir and Nature Reserve.'

United Utilities

Jumbles Country Park [GPS Cycle & Walking Routes]

'An accessible circuit taking in part of the shore of Loch Leven, including the chance to take the ferry to the Castle, and then returning through Kinross.'

Walkhighlands

'Our visitors' centre and well-stocked shop are the ideal places to start your visit. Join a trail through the woodland and birds are soon all around you ...'

RSPB

Lake Vyrnwy Tourism

'Multi-user path offers visitors to Kielder Water & Forest Park a truly unique experience giving access to the most scenic parts of the lake shore and the opportunity to get up close to some of Kielder’s abundant wildlife.'

Forestry England

'Join us on the Linacre Reservoir Audio Trail as we circumnavigate the three small reservoirs, passing through an attractive mixture of deciduous and coniferous woodland.' ALERT Unfortunately, the 'Hidden Gems' Website originally referenced here seems to have disappeared. So I have replaced the Link - and amended the Title.

Visit Chesterfield Derbyshire

Two walks: Northern Section - about 6 miles; Southern Section - about 7.5 miles: 'To the south west of the town of Bala, between the Berwyn, Aran and Arenig mountains lies Llyn Tegid, or you may have heard it referred to as Bala Lake.'

Snowdonia National Park

'This level circuit follows a cycle path right around the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve. The route takes you to many beautiful spots on the lochside and through varied woods and marshland, and is particularly renowned for its birdlife. There are several opportunities for cafe stops along the way. Loch Leven is a highly-designated and internationally-important nature reserve; dogs are asked to be kept on leads or under close control at all times to prevent bird disturbance.'

Walkhighlands

'Circular lochside and forest walk ... Fantastic views over Loch Trool from all sides !'

Dumfries and Galloway Online

'The North Blackpool Pond Trail is a historic but little-known network of ponds and wetlands ... '

Live Blackpool

Blackpool Conservation Team [Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside]

'This is a very enjoyable walk for experienced and intermediate walkers ... The shorter 17 mile route is a circular route around the reservoir. If you choose, you can take an optional route around the peninsula which makes the route up to 26 miles.'

UK Walks

Rutland Water [Discover Rutland] | Rutland Water Nature Reserve [Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust]

'The Silent Valley Reservoir was built to gather water from the Mourne Mountains and is the main water supply source for most of County Down and a large part of Belfast.'

Northern Ireland Water

'A valuable water resource for Hampshire and a haven for wildlife which is managed in partnership with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust ... The Testwood Lakes Centre is open to the public and offers a wide range of walks, bird-watching and community and educational events.'

Southern Water

'A generally easy country walk along country lanes and woodland with views of Bewl Water.'

East Sussex County Council

'Vision ...to identify a 50-mile sustainable loop route which would provide stunning views and varied terrain for walkers and riders alike and to eventually waymark it. Landowners and managers were contacted to gain their views on the project, most of which were favourable. Some negotiations have taken place and this vision is now nearing fruition. '

South Loch Ness Access Group

'The general area around the reservoirs benefits from an extensive network of public footpaths and canal towpaths.'

Herts Bird Club

'Walking route around Ullswater. The route can be walked in either direction and from any starting point. Why not walk the route in shorter sections, using an open top bus or steamer to start your journey!'

Ullswater Association

'Europe’s largest urban wetlands spans ten distinct drinking water reservoirs. It's home to an abundance of native British birdlife, from elusive kingfishers and majestic raptors to the great crested grebe and tufted duck. Take a magical walk spanning up to 211 hectares, with views to inspire and refresh ... Walks here are full of life, with invertebrates, mammals and amphibians sharing the wetlands and marshes with the birds they’re famous for. Walthamstow Wetlands is considered a Site of Special Scientific Interest, meaning it’s a valuable area for conservation, sheltering rare plants and animals.'

Thames Water

'High in the Pennines above Wardle village, the area around Watergrove Reservoir includes walking trails with spectacular views, bird watching, fishing and a link to the Pennine Bridleway ...'

Visit Rochdale

Watergrove Reservoir [United Utilities]

'The West Pennine Moors offer fantastic opportunities for everyone to enjoy walking and rambling in the countryside; whether it’s a short family stroll round a reservoir, a ten-mile tramp over the moors or an "all-access" routes for "trampers".'

West Pennine Moors Information Service

'Circular walk that takes you right around Lake Windermere. The route includes most of the accessible lake shore paths together with ascents of all the high points around the lake. It offers some stunning walking and an ever changing vista of Windermere.'  ALERT  The 'Windermere Way' Website was inaccessible at Review; so I have moved to citing the Wikipedia page on the Walk instead.

Phil Kirby