Best lakes around Mickle Trafford offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. This Cheshire village is situated near significant fishing destinations and larger lake complexes. The area provides access to both dedicated fly-fishing experiences and extensive outdoor destinations with multiple lakes. Visitors can explore a variety of natural settings, from tranquil nature reserves to larger forest areas featuring numerous small lakes.
Last updated: July 25, 2026
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Lovely ride through Delamere Forest. You can't go wrong on a mtb or emtb. I entered the forest at New Pale and went round lots of trails to the holiday lodges and came out on Waterloo Lane.
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It does get busy around the visitors' centre and the Gruffalo trail. However, if you ride up Pale Hill and follow the perimeter of the forest, there are plenty of quiet trails to explore. Keep your eyes peeled for single tracks going through the forest, there lots of off-the-beaten-path routes to follow if you look for them.
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Nice spot for a quiet rest as I cycle the country lanes into and out of Chester.
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amazing walk just cant take the path next to the hatch mere nature reserve because it's very deep mud at the moment
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Could become overgrown in summer or muddy if wet. Interest spot to see
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Lovely place for a quick stop...there's always plenty of birdlife on or around the pond. The ducks generally boss the place,so don't mess with them :-)
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Blakemere Moss at Delamere Forest is a reclaimed wetland area. The Moss was originally formed from two kettle holes (water filled hollows formed by a detached mass of glacial ice melted in situ towards the end of the last ice age). Delamere Forest is made up of more than 100 peatland basins and includes several sites of rare 'quaking' bogland, a phenomenon in which sphagnum mosses form a carpet above peaty water that appears to tremble when trodden on. The area was drained from the 1800's, supposedly by prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars and planted with trees, (mainly oak and Scot's Pine) between 1793-1815 to provide timber for shipbuilding. The Forestry Commission planted the moss with pine and western hemlock during the 1940s, which proved uneconomic. In the late 1990's the Commission allowed the area to re-flood again naturally.
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The area around Mickle Trafford offers a diverse range of lakes. You'll find dedicated fly-fishing lakes like those at Meadow Fishery, extensive complexes such as Chester Lakes which cater to various angling preferences, and natural lakes within Delamere Forest like Whitefield, Blakemere Moss, and Black Lake Nature Reserve, which are great for nature observation and walking.
Yes, Black Lake Nature Reserve within Delamere Forest is a tranquil spot featuring a small pool and bog, home to various species of dragonflies, damselflies, and unusual mosses. Additionally, Blakemere Moss, also in Delamere Forest, is a flooded area designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its rich biodiversity and birdlife.
Mickle Trafford is well-known for its fishing opportunities. Meadow Fishery, located directly in the village, offers dedicated fly-fishing for rainbow and brown trout across its three spring-fed lakes: Meadow, Willow, and Mallard Lake. Slightly further afield, Chester Lakes provides diverse options across its seven lakes, from pleasure fishing for mixed species in Pulford, Eccleston, and Aldford Lakes to specimen carp fishing in Dodleston Lake.
Yes, Delamere Forest, home to lakes like Whitefield and Blakemere Moss, offers multi-use paths ideal for families. Chester Lakes is also a family-friendly destination, providing camping options, a cafe, and a Woodland Adventure site for children, alongside its fishing facilities.
Delamere Forest offers numerous trails, from wide 'crush & run' paths suitable for families around Whitefield, to quieter, off-the-beaten-path routes for those seeking more secluded walks. You can find more details on walking routes in the area by exploring the cycling guides around Mickle Trafford, which often share paths with walkers.
Many areas around the lakes, particularly within Delamere Forest, are dog-friendly. Delamere Forest is a popular spot for dog walkers, though it's always advisable to keep dogs under control, especially near wildlife or livestock, and to check specific rules for nature reserves like Black Lake Nature Reserve.
Beyond walking, the area offers excellent cycling and mountain biking opportunities. Delamere Forest, near lakes like Whitefield and Blakemere Moss, has multi-use paths and unofficial trails for cycling, as well as an official 'Skills' area for mountain biking. You can explore various routes in the Cycling around Mickle Trafford, MTB Trails around Mickle Trafford, and Gravel biking around Mickle Trafford guides.
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for fishing and family outings, with warmer weather for activities at places like Chester Lakes. Autumn offers beautiful foliage in Delamere Forest, while winter provides a tranquil, often quieter experience for walks around lakes such as Black Lake Nature Reserve.
Yes, Delamere Forest, which encompasses several lakes, has a modern visitor centre with a cafe. Chester Lakes also features an on-site cafe. For pubs, you'll find options in the surrounding villages, offering places to relax and refuel after exploring the lakes.
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The tranquility of spots like Black Lake Nature Reserve, the rich biodiversity and birdwatching at Blakemere Moss, and the extensive multi-use paths within Delamere Forest are frequently highlighted. The variety of fishing experiences, from dedicated fly-fishing to specimen carp, is also a major draw.
While Mickle Trafford itself is a village, Delamere Forest, home to several notable lakes, has a train station (Delamere Station) providing access. For other lakes like Chester Lakes or Meadow Fishery, public transport options might be more limited, and driving is often the most convenient way to reach them.
Yes, Christleton Duck Pond offers a lovely spot for a quick rest, often with plenty of birdlife to observe. It's a nice place to pause if you're cycling or walking through the country lanes near Chester.


Still not found your perfect lake around Mickle Trafford? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.