Staffordshire Moorlands
Staffordshire Moorlands
Top 17 Lakes around Staffordshire Moorlands
Best lakes around Staffordshire Moorlands offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. This region, situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park, features several reservoirs and natural pools. Visitors can find a variety of terrain, from tranquil waterside paths to more challenging routes around gritstone escarpments. The area provides numerous options for outdoor activities and wildlife observation.
Best lakes around Staffordshire Moorlands
- The most popular lakes is Rudyard Lake, a historic reservoir constructed in the 18th century to feed the Caldon Canal. It is known for its historical significance and a wide array of recreational activities, including walking, boating, and a steam railway.
- Another must-see spot is Tittesworth Water Visitor Centre, a facility located at Staffordshire's second largest reservoir. This site offers various activities such as watersports, walking trails, and a children's play area, alongside a visitor centre with amenities.
- Visitors also love Knypersley Reservoir Conservation Area, a natural monument within Greenway Bank Country Park. This area provides a peaceful environment for circular waterside walks, wildlife spotting, and exploring historical features like the Warden's Tower.
- Staffordshire Moorlands is known for its reservoirs, natural pools, and mill ponds. These water bodies offer a variety of experiences, from family-friendly walks to birdwatching and historical exploration.
- The lakes around Staffordshire Moorlands are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 350 upvotes and over 100 photos shared across 16 highlights.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Doxey Pool
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Rudyard Lake
Highlight • Viewpoint
In 1863, two visitors were so taken with its beauty that they named their son after the lake. The son was Rudyard Kipling, the famous author who went on to write the Jungle Book and the Man Who Would be King.
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Dimmingsdale Mill Pond
Highlight • Structure
Lead smelting mill described as new in 1741 and converted to corn grinding in 1784. Single high breast water wheel and three pairs of stones.
The Alton Mill, situated at the mouth of Dimmingsdale, is still known at the Smelting Mill even though it had longers use as a corn mill. In 1741 Geroge Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, leased out a 'newly erected building for the smelthing of lead commonly called a smelting mill, refinery and slag hearth...' at Alton Common. In 1760 lead was still being smelted and the site had a smiths shop, two houses, a barn, nine acres and a pool. The will of Edward Coyney, 1772, mentions his share in the mill along with his share in the mines at Ecton, which is the most likely source for the lead being produced at Dimmingsdale.
Source: Churnet Valley Guide
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Leek Tunnel Pool
Highlight • Bridge
Little tunnel through a sharp little hill.
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Tittesworth Water Visitor Centre
Highlight • Rest Area
visittittesworth.co.uk
Site open everyday, apart from Christmas Day!
April - September:
10.00am - 6.00pm
October:
10.00am - 5.00pm
November - January:
10.00am - 4.00pm
February - March:
10.00am – 5.00pm
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Tittesworth Reservoir
Highlight • Trail
Owned by Severn Trent Water.
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Pool Car Park, Knypersley Reservoir
Highlight • Parking
This carpark had no time limit displayed at the gate so I hope it allows longer than the one at the visitor centre which closes gates at 5.
It is near to another walk to Norton Green as I noticed the public footpath sign near a squeeze stile on the bridge. (An exploratory walk earmarked for another day)
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Rudyard Lake and Steam Railway
Highlight • Lake
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Waterfall and Stepping Stones on Churnet River Tributary
Highlight • Waterfall
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Knypersley Reservoir Conservation Area
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Popular around Staffordshire Moorlands
Peak District National Park – A Walk in the Parks
Staffordshire Way — Hike gritstone, woods, heath and scarps
Family friendly UK trails for little explorers
Mythical adventures and magical beauty – Peak District hikes
Hiking around Staffordshire Moorlands
Cycling around Staffordshire Moorlands
Running Trails around Staffordshire Moorlands
Road Cycling Routes around Staffordshire Moorlands
MTB Trails around Staffordshire Moorlands
Gravel biking around Staffordshire Moorlands
Other adventures around Staffordshire Moorlands
Tips from the Community
a short sharp climb up over the top and a pleasant run down the other side towards leek
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According to local legend, the pool is bottomless, and home to a sinister mermaid referred to as Jenny Greenteeth. The Doxey Pool mermaid waits to lure unsuspecting waters into her bottomless pool, to their deaths.
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The source of the river is located over 1,000 feet (300 m) above sea level in the Staffordshire moorlands, near the gritstone escarpment of the Roaches. After flowing downhill for a few miles it reaches Tittesworth Reservoir, a major supplier of fresh water to the Potteries and Leek. After it leaves the dam at Tittesworth, it flows into the ancient market town of Leek, where it was used to aid the manufacture of dyes that were used in the town's textile and silk industries.
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A pretty little spot where the River Churnet runs into Tittesworth Reservoir.
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Excellent savoury and sweet options at decent prices! A tap for drinking water and bike storage outside, and plenty of place for seating inside and out.
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Part of the Leek Branch of the Caldon Canal the pool allows boats to turn around before the tunnel. The Churnet Way long distance walking trail and NCN 559 follow the canal towpath past the pool.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes for visitors in the Staffordshire Moorlands?
Among the most popular lakes are Rudyard Lake, known for its historical significance and diverse recreational activities, and Tittesworth Water Visitor Centre, which offers watersports, walking trails, and a large children's play area. Visitors also enjoy Knypersley Reservoir Conservation Area for its peaceful walks and wildlife.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Staffordshire Moorlands?
Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. Rudyard Lake offers boating, a steam railway, and a five-mile walking route. Tittesworth Water Visitor Centre features a large, updated children's play area with wheelchair-inclusive access, along with pram-friendly walking routes. Knypersley Reservoir Conservation Area also has easy-to-follow paths suitable for pushchairs in parts.
What kind of walking routes can I find around the lakes?
You'll find a variety of walking routes. Tittesworth Reservoir offers a 7.5km circular walk, with shorter, pram-friendly options. Rudyard Lake has a popular five-mile circular route. At Knypersley Reservoir Conservation Area, there's a peaceful two-mile circular waterside walk within Greenway Bank Country Park. For more options, explore easy hikes around the region on the Easy hikes around Staffordshire Moorlands guide.
Can I do watersports at the lakes in Staffordshire Moorlands?
Yes, Tittesworth Water Visitor Centre is a prime location for watersports, offering sailing, kayaking, raft building, and paddleboarding. Rudyard Lake also provides opportunities for boating, sailing, canoeing, and paddleboarding.
Are there historical sites or unique landmarks near the lakes?
Yes, the region has historical significance. Rudyard Lake is a historic reservoir where Rudyard Kipling's parents met, and it features the Rudyard Lake Steam Railway. At Knypersley Reservoir Conservation Area, you can explore historical elements like the Warden's Tower (also known as the Rapunzel Tower). Dimmingsdale Mill Pond is another historical site, formerly a smelting mill pond.
Which lakes are good for birdwatching and wildlife spotting?
Many lakes offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife. Tittesworth Water Visitor Centre has bird hides and is ideal for wildlife observation. Rudyard Lake is an important site for diverse bird species. Knypersley Reservoir Conservation Area is also known for its diverse bird species and unique wildlife encounters.
Are the lakes dog-friendly?
Many areas around the lakes are dog-friendly. Rudyard Lake, Tittesworth Reservoir, and Knypersley Reservoir Conservation Area are popular spots for dog walkers, offering trails and open spaces for your canine companions.
What facilities are available at the lakes?
At Tittesworth Water Visitor Centre, you'll find a café/restaurant, gift shop, picnic areas, and a large children's play area. Rudyard Lake has a visitor centre, toilets, and an activity centre. Parking is available at locations like Pool Car Park, Knypersley Reservoir.
Are there cycling routes near the lakes?
Yes, the Staffordshire Moorlands offer various cycling opportunities. While specific lake-side routes may vary, you can find road cycling routes in the area, such as those listed in the Road Cycling Routes around Staffordshire Moorlands guide. There are also mountain biking trails available, detailed in the MTB Trails around Staffordshire Moorlands guide.
What is Doxey Pool and its legend?
Doxey Pool is a tiny pool located on The Roaches, a gritstone escarpment. Local legend says it is home to a malicious mermaid named Jenny Greenteeth. It's a very unusual and scenic find on walks across the top of The Roaches.
What is the best time to visit the lakes in Staffordshire Moorlands?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but the warmer months from spring to early autumn (April to September) are ideal for watersports, longer walks, and enjoying the outdoor play areas. Winter offers a different, tranquil beauty, though some facilities might have reduced hours. Check specific visitor centre opening times for places like Tittesworth Water Visitor Centre.
Are there any challenging walks or natural features to explore?
For those seeking more challenging terrain, the area around Doxey Pool on The Roaches offers dramatic gritstone escarpments and stunning views. While not directly a lake, the Waterfall and Stepping Stones on Churnet River Tributary provides a scenic natural feature within the woodland.
Most popular routes around Staffordshire Moorlands
Most popular attractions around Staffordshire Moorlands
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