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Papplewick

Top 20 Lakes around Papplewick

Best lakes around Papplewick are situated in Nottinghamshire, a region known for its diverse aquatic features, including historical ponds, reservoirs, and nature reserves. The area offers a blend of natural beauty, ecological significance, and recreational opportunities. These water bodies are prominent features in the local landscape, providing habitats for wildlife and points of interest for visitors. The terrain around Papplewick Nottinghamshire features varied landscapes, from woodlands to former industrial sites now reclaimed by nature.

Best lakes around Papplewick

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Last updated: August 8, 2026

Fountain Dale Ponds

Highlight • Forest

Fans of English folklore heed this well, for it was at Fountain Dale where the first meeting of Robin Hood and Friar Tuck took place. Legend goes that they fought …

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Portland Park

Highlight • Forest

Nature Reserve on the site of a former railway station with a small number of walking / cycling trails friendsofportlandpark.org.uk

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Kings Mill Reservoir

Highlight • Viewpoint

From the Timberland Trail, over the huge "funky bridge" you can cycle around the reservoir & then a new gravel link joins to Sutton Lawn

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Annesley Pit Top and Wind Turbine

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Annesley Pit Top is one of few pit tops that has escaped the generic ‘restoration’ process. Campaigning by local birdwatchers and conservation bodies, its uniqueness as an old pit top …

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Nature Reserve with a gravel road running through it located in Newstead close to the train station, there is a small car park as well however if you want to …

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Greg©️
June 12, 2025, Portland Park

Small Pond, clear water, we spotted some beautiful roach with silver body & red fins, mother moorhen & chicks hiding in the flora

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Greg©️
June 12, 2025, Portland Park

Portland Park has woodland, grassland, and a number of wetland areas found in the valley of a tributary of the River Erewash, bounded by used and disused railway lines. The meadow area was once a limestone quarry, which was infilled during the 1950s and the park is known locally as ‘The Quarries’. The site is based on a band of magnesium limestone that enables many rare plant species to grow, making it a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

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Really needed a better camera for the resident kingfisher but it's there if you look hard enough.

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A 100m tall Wind Turbine was built in the centre of the site

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Annesley Pit Top is one of few pit tops that has escaped the generic ‘restoration’ process. Campaigning by local birdwatchers and conservation bodies, its uniqueness as an old pit top was thankfully rescued. Having a cluster of small settling ponds and extensive rough grassy areas rendered it particularly attractive for wildlife, and in recognition of its value, it was soon designated a SINC (Site of Importance for Nature Conservation).

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Kings Mill Reservoir is a Local Nature Reserve offering a number activities. Visitors can walk the perimeter of the lake. The one mile walks takes in the views across the lake, with plenty of waterfowl and birds to spot on the way round. The visitor centre is home to the The Mill Adventure Base where you can try various land and water activities such as mountain biking, climbing and kayaking.

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CLAIMED TO BE THE LEGENDARY location where Robin Hood met the feisty Friar Tuck in the famous folktale, the overgrown remains of a 12th-century moat, lodge, and holy well complex persist in this soggy corner of Sherwood Forest. Fountain Dale’s ancient moat is an impressive waterlogged ditch, 40 feet wide, enclosing what was once a large rectangular artificial island. The feature dates to at least 1251, when the moated island was the site of a hunting lodge, the vestiges of which remain hidden beneath centuries of mud and undergrowth. To date, little archaeological investigation at the site has been carried out. This said, the remains of the medieval manse are likely to be well preserved, having remained unusually undisturbed. The moat and its structures are listed as a Scheduled Monument of National Importance by the public heritage organization Historic England.

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Miniature boat pond, a good spot for model boat enthusiasts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of lakes and water bodies can I explore around Papplewick?

The Papplewick area features a diverse range of water bodies, including historical ponds, reservoirs, and nature reserve lakes. You'll find everything from the legendary Fountain Dale Ponds, known for their Robin Hood connections, to the recreational Kings Mill Reservoir, and ecologically significant sites like Portland Park.

Are there any lakes with historical significance in the Papplewick area?

Yes, Fountain Dale Ponds are particularly notable. This legendary location is where Robin Hood and Friar Tuck are said to have first met, and it even inspired Sir Walter Scott's novel *Ivanhoe*. The site features an ancient moat and is recognized as a Scheduled Monument of National Importance. Additionally, The Hermitage Local Nature Reserve includes a disused millpond and was once believed to be a religious retreat in Tudor times.

Which lakes are best for family-friendly activities?

For families, Kings Mill Reservoir is an excellent choice, offering an activity centre with pontoons and a miniature boat pond for model boat enthusiasts. Portland Park and The Hermitage Local Nature Reserve also offer pleasant natural settings suitable for family outings.

Where can I find nature reserves or wildlife habitats near Papplewick's lakes?

Several locations are rich in wildlife. Portland Park, a nature reserve on a former railway station site, boasts woodland, grassland, and wetland areas, known for rare plant species. The Hermitage Local Nature Reserve, with its disused millpond and mature deciduous woodland, is home to ancient woodland indicators. Moor Pond Wood, while not a komoot highlight, is also a significant ecological site with diverse wildlife.

Are there opportunities for angling or fishing around Papplewick?

Yes, the Bestwood Duck Ponds, located near Papplewick, are very popular for angling. They offer around 150 pegs with a wide variety of coarse fish, including Roach, Perch, Tench, Carp, and Pike. One pond is known for large water lily beds and Tench over 8lbs, and night fishing is permitted on some ponds with a permit. Papplewick Dam Lake is also a syndicate water, primarily for angling.

What kind of walking trails are available near Papplewick's lakes?

The terrain around Papplewick features varied landscapes, from woodlands to former industrial sites now reclaimed by nature. Moor Pond Wood has upgraded footpaths for recreational use. For more structured routes, you can explore the Running Trails around Papplewick, which include paths near water bodies like the 'View of Bestwood Mill Lakes' loop from Hucknall.

Can I go cycling near the lakes in Papplewick?

Absolutely. The area offers various cycling opportunities. You can find routes for Gravel biking around Papplewick and Road Cycling Routes around Papplewick. Some trails, like those around Kings Mill Reservoir, are suitable for cycling, with new gravel links connecting to other areas.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Papplewick?

Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and recreational opportunities. The komoot community has shared over 14 photos and given more than 40 upvotes, highlighting the beautiful views at places like Kings Mill Reservoir, the unique folklore of Fountain Dale Ponds, and the peaceful nature at Portland Park.

Are there any specific viewpoints or scenic spots near the lakes?

Kings Mill Reservoir is a popular viewpoint offering beautiful vistas. The area around Papplewick generally provides varied landscapes, from woodlands to open spaces, which can offer scenic views, especially around the larger water bodies and nature reserves.

What is Moor Pond Wood and what does it offer?

Moor Pond Wood, situated between Papplewick, Hucknall, and Linby, is an area of significant ecological and archaeological value. It features Moor Pond, historically part of an 18th-century water system for cotton mills. Today, it's a haven for wildlife, including invertebrates, amphibians, birds, and bats, with upgraded footpaths for recreational use.

Are there any hidden gems or less-known spots worth visiting?

While not a large lake, Annesley Pit Top and Wind Turbine is a unique site. It's a former pit top that has been preserved for its ecological value, featuring a cluster of small settling ponds and extensive grassy areas that attract diverse wildlife, designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).

What kind of natural features define the landscape around Papplewick's lakes?

The landscape around Papplewick is characterized by varied terrain, including woodlands, grasslands, and wetland areas. The geology, particularly magnesium limestone in places like Portland Park, contributes to unique plant species. Many sites, like The Hermitage Local Nature Reserve, are dominated by mature deciduous woodland with ancient woodland indicators.

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