Top 12 Lakes around Checkley
Best lakes around Checkley offer diverse natural and man-made water features. The area provides opportunities for exploring historical sites and tranquil forest settings. Visitors can find a variety of water bodies, from mill ponds to ornamental lakes. These locations are popular for outdoor activities and scenic views.
Best lakes around Checkley
- The most popular lakes is Dimmingsdale Mill Pond, a mill pond that is a popular place with walkers in National Trust's Dimmingsdale. This former lead smelting mill pond…
Last updated: July 27, 2026
Dimmingsdale Mill Pond
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Lead smelting …
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Waterfall and Stepping Stones on Churnet River Tributary
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Flying Birds Sculpture at JCB Lake
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Pond Near Ashbourne Cricket Club
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I wondered if it belonged to the nearby Cricket Club as access from there seems to be possible?
Access from the cycle track is prevented with barbed wire.
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Bolton Gate Pool
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It is a beautiful picnic spot.
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Tips from the Community
Pretty waterfall to stumble upon as you make your way through the woods.
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The JCB factory west of Rocester has worked hard to incorporate itself into the landscape. The site includes parkland and an ornamental lake which is open to the public and maintained by JCB staff. There are several statues placed in and around the lake including this flying birds sculpture.
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I have yet to find a name for this pond online. I wondered if it belonged to the nearby Cricket Club as access from there seems to be possible? Access from the cycle track is prevented with barbed wire.
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This tyre swing is over a shallow part of the tributary and near the 'waterfall'.
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The smelting mill is now much altered and is a private residence, but the former mill pond is a very popular place with walkers in National Trust's Dimmingsdale. 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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A very helpful arrangement of stones to cross over a tributary of the Churnet River.
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This area known as Bolton Gate was named after the farm that used the grounds before the quarrying began. It is a beautiful picnic spot.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I explore around Checkley?
The Checkley area features a variety of water bodies, including historical mill ponds, natural pools, and river features. You'll find both tranquil spots and those with historical significance, offering diverse scenic views.
Are there any family-friendly lakes in the Checkley area?
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Dimmingsdale Mill Pond is a popular spot with walkers, and Bolton Gate Pool is recognized as a beautiful picnic spot. Additionally, the Waterfall and Stepping Stones on Churnet River Tributary offers a fun experience for all ages in the woods.
Where can I find a peaceful spot for wild camping and swimming near Checkley?
While not directly within Checkley, Checkley Hall Lake in Cheshire is noted for its peaceful atmosphere and offers opportunities for wild camping directly by the water or on a ridge. It's also suitable for swimming, providing a serene getaway.
Are there any lakes with historical significance around Checkley?
Yes, Dimmingsdale Mill Pond is a prime example. This former lead smelting mill pond, described as new in 1741, was later converted to corn grinding. It's now a tranquil spot within National Trust's Dimmingsdale, rich with history.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Checkley?
The area around Checkley's lakes offers various outdoor activities. You can explore gravel biking routes, such as the 'Churnet Valley Cycle Path – Ramblers Retreat loop from Denstone' (Gravel biking around Checkley). There are also running trails like the 'View of the Countryside loop from Teanford' (Running Trails around Checkley) and mountain biking trails, including the 'Churnet Valley cyclepath loop' (MTB Trails around Checkley).
Are there any wheelchair-accessible lake areas near Checkley?
Yes, the area around the Flying Birds Sculpture at JCB Lake is noted as flat and suitable for all, including wheelchair users. This ornamental lake, part of the JCB factory site, features parkland and sculptures and is open to the public.
What can I expect to see at Bolton Gate Pool?
Bolton Gate Pool is a beautiful picnic spot located in an area named after a farm that existed before quarrying began. It offers scenic views and a tranquil environment, perfect for a relaxing break.
Are there any unique natural features like waterfalls near the lakes?
Yes, you can discover the Waterfall and Stepping Stones on Churnet River Tributary. This location features a pretty waterfall nestled in the woods and a helpful arrangement of stones to cross a tributary of the Churnet River.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Checkley?
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural and man-made water features, the opportunities for exploring historical sites, and the tranquil forest settings. The area's lakes are popular for outdoor activities and offer scenic views, making them well-loved by the komoot community.
Is there a lake near Ashbourne Cricket Club?
Yes, there is a pond near Ashbourne Cricket Club, though its official name is not widely known. Access from the cricket club seems possible, but access from the cycle track is currently prevented.
Can I find any sculptures or art installations near the lakes?
Yes, at JCB Lake, you can find the 'Flying Birds Sculpture'. This ornamental lake, maintained by JCB staff, features several statues placed in and around the water, adding an artistic touch to the landscape.
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