Top 12 Lakes around Gloucester

The Gloucester area, particularly within Gloucestershire, offers several notable lakes. The Coombe Hill Canal and Meadows is a significant nature reserve, while Westgate Lake provides an accessible green space near the city center. The vast Cotswold Water Park, though not a single lake, encompasses over 150 lakes, many within Gloucestershire, offering diverse activities.

Yes, many lakes in the region offer excellent walking opportunities. Coombe Hill Canal and Meadows features easy, flat walking paths, though they can be muddy. Westgate Lake has surfaced footpaths with riverside views. The Cotswold Water Park provides miles of off-road walking paths. For more extensive hiking, consider routes around the Forest of Dean, such as those near Mallards Pike Lake or Cannop Ponds. You can find various hiking routes in the area by visiting the Hiking around Gloucester guide.

Coombe Hill Canal and Meadows is renowned for its abundant birdlife, including wetland birds and migrating waterfowl, and is excellent for observing dragonflies and damselflies. Westgate Lake is also a haven for wildlife within the city. Newent Lake is good for spotting freshwater fish and birds like kingfishers and herons. The Cotswold Water Park is a nationally important wetland, especially for waterbirds in winter.

Many lakes in the Gloucester area are suitable for families. Westgate Lake offers picnic areas and easy strolls. Mallards Pike Lake in the Forest of Dean is great for walks and picnics with a cafe nearby. The Cotswold Water Park is particularly family-friendly, offering a wide range of watersports, land activities, and peaceful lakeside walks suitable for all ages.

Newent Lake has a history as a medieval fishing pond, located on the former grounds of Newent Court. The Coombe Hill Canal, though no longer navigable, is a historical waterway now preserved as a nature reserve.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity in the region. The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal is well-known for coarse fishing, with species like Northern pike, European perch, and Zander. Cannop Ponds in the Forest of Dean are also considered among the best coarse fishing lakes in the county. Newent Lake hosts a variety of freshwater fish.

Westgate Lake is conveniently located a short walk from Gloucester town center, making it easily accessible by public transport within the city. Other locations may require a combination of public transport and a short walk or cycle.

The best time to visit depends on your interests. Winter is excellent for birdwatching at Coombe Hill Canal and Meadows, as it attracts hundreds of wildfowl when flooded. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying walks, picnics, and watersports. Autumn offers beautiful scenery with changing foliage, especially in areas like the Forest of Dean.

Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Cotswold Water Park offers miles of off-road cycling paths. Mallards Pike Lake and Cannop Ponds in the Forest of Dean also provide good cycling routes through ancient woodlands. For more cycling options, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Gloucester guide or the MTB Trails around Gloucester guide.

Mallards Pike Lake in the Forest of Dean has a cafe nearby, making it convenient for refreshments during your visit. Many areas within the Cotswold Water Park also feature cafes and eateries. For other locations, you might find options in nearby villages or towns, or plan to bring your own picnic.

The Cotswold Water Park is a prime destination for watersports, offering a wide range of activities including sailing. Gravel Pitt Lake near Frampton on Severn is home to a Sailing Club, providing opportunities to watch or participate in sailing activities.

Many of the walking trails around the lakes in the Gloucester area are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially in nature reserves to protect wildlife. Areas like Mallards Pike Lake and the general walking paths in the Cotswold Water Park are popular choices for dog walkers. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.