Top 20 Lakes around New Mills

The most popular spots include Kinder Reservoir, known for its striking waters beneath Kinder Scout, and Errwood Reservoir, which offers panoramic views during its 5-mile circular walk. Visitors also frequently enjoy Valehouse Reservoir for its scenic views and wide paths.

Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly options. Errwood Reservoir has a beautiful 5-mile circular walk, and a shorter 3-mile loop around Fernilee Reservoir can be combined. Etherow Country Park Lake and Weir is also a great choice, offering varied habitats and easy paths for all ages.

You'll find diverse natural environments, including open water, tall fen, reed swamp, carr, and mixed deciduous woodland, particularly at Etherow Country Park, which is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. The area is rich in wildlife, including various plant species and birds. You can also see impressive waterfalls like Kinder Downfall.

Many of the water bodies are man-made reservoirs with significant history. Kinder Reservoir was built between 1903-1911. Etherow Country Park originated as the Andrews Estate in the 1820s, including a mine, mill, and mill pond, and became one of the UK's first country parks in 1968. Reservoirs like Bottoms and Valehouse Reservoir are part of the Longdendale Chain, crucial for supplying water to Greater Manchester since the 19th century.

Yes, the area is excellent for hiking. You can find trails ranging from easy to difficult. For instance, a 5-mile circular walk surrounds Errwood Reservoir, and the Trans Pennine Trail runs around Torside Reservoir. For more detailed routes, explore the hiking guides for the region, such as those found in the Lakes around New Mills guide.

The region offers various cycling routes, including options for touring, mountain biking, and gravel biking. The Trans Pennine Trail, which passes Torside Reservoir, is suitable for cyclists. You can find specific routes and difficulty levels in the Cycling around New Mills, MTB Trails around New Mills, and Gravel biking around New Mills guides.

The lakes are beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, ideal for walking and outdoor activities. Summer is also popular, while winter can provide unique, frosty landscapes, though some paths might be more challenging.

Many of the walking paths around the reservoirs and in country parks are dog-friendly. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially around livestock, wildlife, and in nature reserve areas like Etherow Country Park, to protect the local environment and other visitors.

Parking is available at several locations. For instance, parking for Valehouse Reservoir can be found along its northern shoreline or at the Trans Pennine Trail Car Park in Hadfield. Crowden or Torside also offer parking options for accessing parts of the Longdendale Chain.

Yes, some locations offer facilities. Torside Reservoir, for example, has amenities such as toilets and picnic benches, making it a convenient stop for visitors enjoying the Trans Pennine Trail.

Visitors frequently highlight the stunning scenery, tranquil escape into nature, and the variety of walking routes. The opportunity for wildlife observation, the historical significance of the reservoirs, and the panoramic views, particularly around Errwood Reservoir, are also highly appreciated.

While specific public transport routes to every lake can vary, New Mills itself is accessible by train. From there, local bus services or walking routes may connect to some of the closer reservoirs and country parks. Planning your journey in advance is recommended.