Top 5 Lakes around Little Hoole
Best lakes around Little Hoole include several notable wetland centers and ponds in the vicinity, offering diverse natural beauty and recreational activities. Little Hoole is a farming community, but nearby areas provide access to significant bodies of water. These locations feature opportunities for wildlife viewing, walking, and exploring historical sites. The region offers a variety of natural landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best lakes around Little Hoole
- The most popular lakes is Lower Kem Mill Pond, a lake located within the 650-acre Cuerden Valley Park. This area is known for its wildlife and offers a peaceful setting for relaxation and exercise.
- Another must-see spot is Worden Park Pond, a lake within Worden Park, which spans over 60 hectares of meadows and woodlands. The pond provides a tranquil setting for observing ducks and moorhens, with easy access paths.
- Visitors also love Haslam Park Lake and Savick Brook Bridges, an ornamental lake within an Edwardian park. This park offers peaceful walks around the lake and through its nature reserve, with pathways suitable for various activities.
- Little Hoole is known for its wetland centers, park ponds, and ornamental lakes. These areas provide a variety of natural features to see and explore, from vast marshlands to serene park settings.
- The lakes around Little Hoole are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 20 upvotes and 4 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: August 9, 2026
Lower Kem Mill Pond
Highlight • Lake
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Worden Park Pond
Highlight • Lake
As well as offering more than 60 hectares of meadows, woodlands and playing fields, Worden Park also includes a range of attractions in its historic grounds.
Situated on the outskirts of Leyland, the park is less than a quarter of a mile from the town centre.
The park has held the Green Flag Award since the scheme began in 1997, the only site north of London to have done so.
It has a beautiful pond to stop at very pieceful in the morning.
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Haslam Park Lake and Savick Brook Bridges
Highlight (Segment) • Bridge
Tip1
Quote from the Park's website:
"The park's paths are perfect for walking/cycling"
tinyurl.com/Haslam-Park
The park is a good start point, with parking, to explore Haslam Nature Reserve, the Ribble Link, the Lancaster Canal, Cottam's excellent park and cycle paths and new routes via Cottam including Edith Rigby Way.
Two Park Carparks
1) Cottam Lane
2) Bristow Ave
For nearby parking see:
komoot.com/highlight/4092174
Tap/click the lake photo for a slideshow. Tap to the next photo. See Tip8 on how to use a slideshow for a web browser or the Komoot app.
The segment highlight route through the park (purple on a planned tour - photo13) is the Tour1 route, one of 4 local bike tours, links below.
Photos 4 to 9 and 12 are in the order of the segment route, which starts at point A on photo3, the park map. The route follows points a-b-c-f-d-e on photo3, to its end at (h). Tour1 then crosses the Savick Brook bridge (h), continues through the park and enters the Nature Reserve just before it joins the canal at point (i), bridge 14. The slideshow continues to the canal - the continuation of Tour1. The straight line, (a) to (e), is explained in Tip2.
4 Short Loop Tours
When starting these tours, select Stick to Original Route.
They're mostly off-road - suitable for children with adult. You can start in the park or open the tour for parking options.
Tour1: 7 Mile - Haslam Park, Lancaster Canal, Ribble Link Loop via Preston Marina
Start/End - Haslam Park
komoot.com/tour/610244459
You may, because of Tour1's route through the Nature Reserve, prefer Tour2 first.
Try split-screen to show a slideshow along the highlight route beside descriptions in the tips below. See Tips 9 and 10 - how to 'split-screen'.
For more on highlights see:
komoot.com/help/highlights
Tour2: 7 Mile - Cottam via Lancaster Canal Ribble Link Loop
Start/End - Haslam Park
komoot.com/tour/1118780163
Tour2 follows the canal, the Ribble Link, then Guild Wheel to UCLan Arena, child-friendly park paths to Cottam and mostly off-road paths back to and along a quiet stretch of the canal - bridge 19 to 17.
Tour3: 9 Mile - Preston Marina, Lancaster Canal, Cottam, Edith Rigby Way, River Ribble Loop
Start/End - Preston Marina
komoot.com/tour/1247289251
Tour4: 8.5 Mile - Preston Marina, River Ribble, Ribble Link, Edith Rigby Way, Canal Loop
komoot.com/tour/1309854803
Similar to Tour3 but in reverse.
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Twin Lakes Velo Café
Highlight • Cafe
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Cuerden Valley Park and Nature Reserve
Highlight • Waterfall
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful park and lakes lovely place for a stop. Some of the path can be gravel so take care if on road wheels
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The cycle route N55 passes through Cuerden, a lovely traffic free route, easy on any bike imo, I use a gravelbike. It can get very busy, and as a cyclist, you'll need to be vigilant of the many dogs that are let off lead. I'm not sure if there's a public space order here, as there are in most parks.
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650 acres of green oasis for you to explore, discover and relax in, with the River Lostock meandering through; close to junction 29 of the M6, between Preston and Chorley; The Park is owned and managed by Cuerden Valley Park Trust
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Cuerden Valley Park is a precious emerald surrounded by increasing urban development. As a country park it is differently managed from places such as Witton Park and Beacon Fell
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Worden Park As well as offering more than 60 hectares of meadows, woodlands and playing fields, Worden Park also includes a range of attractions in its historic grounds. Situated on the outskirts of Leyland, the park is less than a quarter of a mile from the town centre. The park has held the Green Flag Award since the scheme began in 1997, the only site north of London to have done so. It has a beautiful pond to stop at very pieceful in the morning.
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Cuerden Valley Park is a precious emerald surrounded by increasing urban development. As a country park it is differently managed from places such as Witton Park and Beacon Fell being run by a trust rather than a local authority. Its 650 acres were originally part of the estate of Cuerden Hall one time home of the Towneley Parker family. (Cuerden Hall )It is thanks to the Trust and the voluntary effort of a friends group that Cuerden Valley Park has managed to withstand the pressures of modern life to offer a haven for wildlife and a place for people to exercise and relax. Broadly the park is a green corridor between Wigan Road (A49) and the A6 running north to south following the course of the River Lostock for about 2 ½ miles. At its widest it is about half a mile. It has a beautiful pond with plenty of wildlife and fish the path can get a little bumpyso gravel or MTB would be best.
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Lovely pond to spend a few moments by watching the ducks & moorhens. With an easy access boardwalk and new paths.
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Tip10 How To View In Split-Screen Instructions for a Windows PC/Laptop Easy to do in Windows 10/11. You have a choice - you can open the same webpage in two different web browsers displayed on the two halves of the screen or open the same webpage using a single web browser in two windows on the two halves. The instructions below are minimal. For a more detailed explanation see Comment10 in this link: https://www.komoot.com/tour/610244459 These instructions use a single web browser, e.g. Chrome. 1) First open this webpage on your Windows PC/Laptop, maximise it and scroll to these instructions. Copy the web address. You will need to paste it - see below. 2) Locate this browser's tab on the taskbar. Opposite click on it and click 'Open new window'. When opened maximise it if necessary and then paste the web address into the new window and scroll to these instructions so that you can continue to follow them. 3) Press and hold the Windows key and press the left arrow key. The active window will move the left side of the split screen. 4) You should now see the right hand half of the first window. Click that window to display it 'on top'. These instructions should still be visible on the right. Check that it is full screen. Press and hold the Windows key again and press the right arrow key. 5) The two windows should now display, left and right. You have a split-screen. You may need to make a small adjustment (drag) if the windows overlap slightly at the join. Scroll one window to display the photos and the other for the photo descriptions in Tip1.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes to visit near Little Hoole for nature and wildlife?
For an exceptional wildlife experience, the Martin Mere Wetland Centre is highly recommended. It's an 800-acre reserve, home to over 70 wetland species, including flamingos and migratory birds. You can also spot kingfishers and water voles during boat trips. Lower Kem Mill Pond within Cuerden Valley Park is another excellent choice, known for its diverse wildlife, including roe deer, woodpeckers, and otters.
Are there family-friendly lakes and parks near Little Hoole?
Yes, several options cater to families. Worden Park Pond in Worden Park offers meadows, woodlands, a children's play area, and a miniature railway. Haslam Park Lake features a play area and various games areas. The Martin Mere Wetland Centre also provides adventure playgrounds, including a wet play area, zip wires, and pond-dipping sessions.
What historical sites or landmarks can be found near the lakes?
Near Lower Kem Mill Pond in Cuerden Valley Park, you can explore the ruins of an 18th-century mill with informative storyboards detailing its past as a dyeing and printing works. Worden Park, home to Worden Park Pond, features historic grounds, including the ruins of Worden Hall, a walled garden, and a hedge maze. Haslam Park, with its ornamental lake, boasts ornate Grade II listed gates.
What kind of walking trails are available around the lakes?
You'll find a variety of walking trails. Cuerden Valley Park, encompassing Lower Kem Mill Pond, offers extensive pathways through woodlands, parklands, and along the River Lostock. Worden Park has woodland walks and easy access paths around Worden Park Pond. Haslam Park provides peaceful walks around its ornamental lake and through its nature reserve, with pathways suitable for walking, jogging, and cycling.
Are there accessible lake trails for wheelchairs or strollers?
Yes, Worden Park Pond is noted for its easy access boardwalk and new paths, making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Haslam Park also offers pathways around its lake that are generally suitable for various users.
Can I go cycling near the lakes around Little Hoole?
Absolutely. Haslam Park's pathways are suitable for cycling, and it serves as a good starting point to explore the Ribble Link and Lancaster Canal. For more dedicated cycling, you can find various routes nearby, such as the 'Lancaster Canal Towpath – Haslam Park Nature Reserve loop from Preston' which is an easy gravel biking route. You can find more cycling options in the Cycling around Little Hoole guide.
Where can I find parking when visiting these lakes?
Haslam Park offers two car parks, one on Cottam Lane and another on Bristow Ave, making access to Haslam Park Lake convenient. Worden Park also has parking facilities for visitors to Worden Park Pond. Cuerden Valley Park, which includes Lower Kem Mill Pond, also provides parking for its extensive grounds.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Little Hoole?
The best time to visit depends on your interests. Autumn and winter are particularly good for birdwatching at Martin Mere Wetland Centre, as thousands of migratory species like pink-footed geese and whooper swans arrive. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walks and family activities in parks like Worden Park and Haslam Park.
Are there cafes or places to eat near the lakes?
Yes, there are options for refreshments. The Martin Mere Wetland Centre has a cafe on-site. Worden Park also features a cafe. Additionally, the Twin Lakes Velo Café is a popular spot with views over the water, especially for cyclists.
What are some popular activities at Cuerden Valley Park?
Cuerden Valley Park, home to Lower Kem Mill Pond, offers extensive walking opportunities, exploration of historical mill ruins, picnics by the River Lostock, and fishing on Cuerden Lake and Cock Cabin Pond. It's also a great place for wildlife spotting, with roe deer, woodpeckers, and otters.
What makes Worden Park a special place to visit?
Worden Park, featuring Worden Park Pond, is a well-maintained park spanning over 60 hectares with meadows, woodlands, and historic grounds. It has held the Green Flag Award since 1997, indicating its high quality. Beyond the pond, visitors can enjoy woodland walks, a children's play area, a miniature railway, a craft center, and mini-golf.
Are dogs allowed on trails around the lakes?
Many parks and trails around the lakes are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific park regulations for leash requirements. Generally, areas like Cuerden Valley Park and Worden Park welcome dogs on leads, offering great opportunities for walks with your canine companion.
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