Top 20 Lakes around Trowell
Best lakes around Trowell are found in the surrounding area, offering diverse natural features and outdoor activities. While Trowell itself is a small village, its vicinity includes significant nature reserves and bodies of water formed from former gravel pits or historical estates. The landscape provides opportunities for wildlife observation, walking, and cycling. These natural assets contribute to the region's appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best lakes around Trowell
- The most popular lakes is Attenborough Nature Reserve, a lake and nature reserve with several large lakes formed from former gravel pits. It is a significant site for birdwatching and wildlife, featuring walking trails and bird hides.
- Another must-see spot is Mapperley Reservoir, a peaceful body of water surrounded by bluebell woodlands and farmland. Visitors can expect opportunities for wildlife spotting, particularly birdwatching, with a visitor center available in nearby Shipley Country Park.
- Visitors also love Highfields Lake, University Park, a lake set within Highfields Park on the University of Nottingham campus. It offers a gentle walk around its circuit within the city, providing a tranquil escape.
- Trowell is known for nature reserve lakes, reservoirs, and urban park lakes. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from expansive wildlife habitats to peaceful walking circuits.
- The lakes around Trowell are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 220 upvotes and over 40 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
Attenborough Nature Reserve
Highlight • Lake
On weekends it gets really busy so having a bell is advisable or time your route so that you pass here in the mornings or late afternoon.
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Mapperley Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
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Highfields Lake, University Park
Highlight • Lake
The public can walk around Highfields Park. The circuit of the lake is a nice, gentle walk within the city.
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Nutbrook Trail
Highlight • Cycleway
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St Chad's Water Nature Reserve
Highlight • Forest
St Chads Water and its surrounding environments are an important local resource for informal countryside recreation such as fishing, walking and bird watching. The site is approx. 23 acres and consists of the Lake with a circular walking path around it, woodland edges, a wildflower meadow area and in 2023 we have opened up a new area for use as an outdoor classroom.
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Tips from the Community
A lovely place for a gentle cycle or stroll. It's a popular spot!
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Djanogly Gallery in the Lakeside Arts Centre
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St Chad’s water was created in the 1970’s during the excavation of the underlying gravel deposits by Haveringham Gravels. As quarrying proceeded, water flooded the lake through the subterranean water table and once the site was abandoned, the lake and its environs were sold to Draycott and Church Wilne Parish Council for £1.00. St Chads Water and its surrounding environments are an important local resource for informal countryside recreation such as fishing, walking and bird watching. The site is approx. 23 acres and consists of the Lake with a circular walking path around it, woodland edges, a wildflower meadow area and in 2023 we have opened up a new area for use as an outdoor classroom.
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Highfields Park was part of an estate built and landscaped in the late 18th and early 19th century. In 1920 Sir J Boot bought the estate and used it as the site of the East Midlands University (now Nottingham University). Highfileds House became part of the university and is currently used as a staff annexe. The landscape was re-modelled to suit the setting, with the joining of the fishing pond and small boating lake to become the larger lake we see today. The public can walk around Highfields Park. The circuit of the lake is a nice, gentle walk within the city.
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This area has a long coal mining history with deep mines open from 1722 until the 1960's. On the closure of the mines the area was remediated, contoured and planted with trees. The lake was also created. Initially the park was run a s a theme park but this venture didn't work so it's back to nature.
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Now reopened (December 2022) This easy cycling and walking trail runs from Long Eaton to Heanor along the Erewash Canal and a dismantled railway line. It runs for about 10 miles and is part of National Cycle Route 67. It's a great one for families or anyone looking for a safe, flat ride or walk
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I explore around Trowell?
The area around Trowell offers a diverse range of lakes, including expansive nature reserves formed from former gravel pits like Attenborough Nature Reserve, peaceful reservoirs such as Mapperley Reservoir, and urban park lakes like Highfields Lake, University Park. These provide varied experiences from serious birdwatching to tranquil strolls.
Are there family-friendly lakes near Trowell?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Attenborough Nature Reserve, Mapperley Reservoir, and Highfields Lake, University Park are all categorized as family-friendly. St Chad's Water Nature Reserve also features a circular walking path and an outdoor classroom area, making it suitable for family outings.
Which lakes are best for birdwatching and wildlife spotting?
For birdwatching and wildlife, Attenborough Nature Reserve is a significant site with diverse habitats and bird hides. Mapperley Reservoir is also excellent for spotting coots, moorhens, mallards, kingfishers, and various songbirds like chiffchaffs and willow warblers. St Chad's Water Nature Reserve is another valuable spot for birdwatching.
Can I find historical sites or learn about the region's heritage near these lakes?
Yes, the area offers glimpses into its past. Near Mapperley Reservoir, you can find fascinating remnants of the region's coal mining heritage. Highfields Lake, University Park, is set within Highfields Park, which was part of an estate from the late 18th and early 19th centuries, later acquired by Sir J Boot for the university.
Are there good walking trails around the lakes near Trowell?
Absolutely. Attenborough Nature Reserve has walking trails, and Highfields Lake, University Park offers a pleasant, gentle circular walk. St Chad's Water Nature Reserve features a circular walking path. For more extensive routes, consider the Nutbrook Trail, which often runs alongside bodies of water and is popular for cycling and strolling.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Trowell?
Beyond walking and birdwatching, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as those detailed in the Running Trails around Trowell guide. For cycling, there are gravel biking routes available in the Gravel biking around Trowell guide, and mountain biking trails in the MTB Trails around Trowell guide.
Are the lake trails near Trowell dog-friendly?
Many of the trails around the lakes are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific reserve rules, especially in nature reserves where dogs might need to be on a lead to protect wildlife. For example, the paths at Attenborough Nature Reserve are popular with dog walkers, but care should be taken due to the busy nature of the paths and wildlife.
When is the best time to visit the lakes near Trowell?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for spotting migratory birds and enjoying the bluebell woodlands around Mapperley Reservoir. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, while winter can provide peaceful, less crowded walks. Weekends can be busy, so consider visiting during mornings or late afternoons for a quieter experience.
Are there facilities like cafes or visitor centers near these lakes?
Yes, some locations offer facilities. Attenborough Nature Reserve has a visitor center. Mapperley Reservoir has a visitor center in nearby Shipley Country Park. Highfields Lake, University Park features a lakeside cafe and arts centre, perfect for a coffee with a view.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Trowell?
Visitors frequently praise the tranquil atmosphere, the abundance of wildlife, and the well-maintained trails. Many appreciate the easy and gentle walks, making them suitable for various fitness levels. The opportunity for birdwatching and the scenic views are also highly valued, as evidenced by over 220 upvotes and 40 photos shared by the komoot community.
Are there accessible trails for all abilities around the lakes?
Many of the trails around the lakes are relatively flat and well-maintained, offering accessible options. For instance, the circuit around Highfields Lake, University Park is described as a 'gentle walk'. The Nutbrook Trail is also known for being a safe, flat ride or walk, suitable for families.
How long does it typically take to walk around these lakes?
Walking times vary by lake. A gentle circuit around Highfields Lake, University Park is a pleasant, shorter stroll. St Chad's Water Nature Reserve has a circular path that can be completed in a reasonable amount of time. For larger reserves like Attenborough Nature Reserve, you can spend several hours exploring its various trails and bird hides.
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