Top 5 Lakes around Wigan
Best lakes around Wigan are often characterized by their unique formation from mining subsidence, creating diverse wetland habitats and reservoirs. The area features several notable lakes, including the extensive Wigan Flashes and the tranquil Worthington Lakes. These locations offer a variety of natural landscapes, from open water and reedbeds to woodlands and accessible footpaths. The region's lakes provide opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife observation.
Best lakes around Wigan
- The most popular lakes is Scotman's Flash, a lake that is a significant site for watersports and wildlife. It is the largest of the Wigan Flashes, formed from mining subsidence, and is a designated site of scientific interest.
- Another must-see spot is Pennington Flash, a natural monument and local nature reserve. Visitors can expect extensive paths suitable for walking and cycling, with the lake being the largest of the eight wetland sites in the area.
- Visitors also love Orrell Water Park, an other natural area with two disused reservoirs. This location is known for its woodland, diverse bird and insect species, and facilities including a cafe and children's play area.
- Wigan is known for wetlands formed from mining subsidence and reservoirs. These lakes offer a variety of experiences, from watersports and fishing to birdwatching and woodland walks.
- The lakes around Wigan are appreciated by the komoot community, with 68 upvotes and 6 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Scotman's Flash
Highlight โข Lake
Tip by
Orrell Water Park
Highlight โข Natural
Beautiful woodland surrounds two disused reservoirs and is home to a diverse group of birds and insects, with over 100 bird species and a wide variety of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies recorded.
There is also a childrenโs play area and free parking available on site.
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Pennington Flash
Highlight โข Natural Monument
A Flash is the term for a lake formed in a depression caused by mining subsidence. It's interesting that the industrial past has created beautiful places like this.
Tip by
Three Sisters Recreation Area
Highlight โข Forest
Tip by
Pennington Flash
Highlight โข Viewpoint
Tip by
Three Sisters Lake
Highlight โข Lake
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Other adventures around Wigan
Tips from the Community
After decades as industrial wasteland, the site was transformed in the late 1970s by local councils into a thriving 44-hectare reserve with a lake, woodlands, paths for walking/cycling, and a famous race circuit that launched careers of motorsport stars like Lewis Hamilton and Neil Hodgson.
0
0
A nature reserve and coarse fishery, Orrell Water Park is open all-year round for residents, visitors and day ticket fishing. Beautiful woodland surrounds two disused reservoirs and is home to a diverse group of birds and insects, with over 100 bird species and a wide variety of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies recorded. Trying to have a break or eat a sandwich is impossible here due to the ducks, geese and swans all trying to get to your food. A beautiful place with a coffee shop at the top which sells a few cakes etc but no toilets.
0
0
Beautiful lake to visit with a nice coffee shop at the top of the hill.
1
0
Beautiful woodland surrounds two disused reservoirs and is home to a diverse group of birds and insects, with over 100 bird species and a wide variety of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies recorded. Good cycling paths
0
2
A Flash is a unique industrial legacy to Wigan and there are many around the Wigan area. Each are lakes formed as a result of mining subsidence. Scotsmans flash the largest of the โWigan Flashesโ is a designated site of scientific interest. This is due to the abundance of rare plant species, several species of orchid, extensive reed beds and migrating birds such as Reed and Sedge Warbler. Scotsmans flash is a beautiful place for a stop to enjoy the views.
3
0
Scotman's Flash is just 10 minutes from the centre of Wigan featuring a huge lake and lots of exciting experiences for everyone to enjoy. Scotman's Flash is the perfect place for water sports, whether youโre brand new to canoeing, sailing and kayaking or want to get your game on with courses and qualifications to match your skills.
3
0
The nature reserve and coarse fishery, Orrell Water Park is open all-year round for residents, visitors and day ticket fishing. Beautiful woodland surrounds two disused reservoirs and is home to a diverse group of birds and insects, with over 100 bird species and a wide variety of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies recorded. There is also a childrenโs play area and free parking available on site.
7
1
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes around Wigan?
The lakes around Wigan, particularly the Wigan Flashes, are rich in biodiversity. You might spot water voles, willow tits, and even the rare bittern. Pennington Flash, part of the Flashes, is a key site for birdwatching. Worthington Lakes also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, with sightings of mallards, tufted ducks, great crested grebes, and kingfishers. Orrell Water Park is home to over 100 bird species and a wide variety of butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies.
Are there opportunities for watersports at Wigan's lakes?
Yes, Scotman's Flash is a popular spot for watersports. You can enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, rafted canoeing, sailing, and windsurfing. The Three Sisters Recreation Area also features a boating lake where visitors can go canoeing and use model boats.
Which lakes are suitable for families with children?
Many lakes around Wigan are family-friendly. Orrell Water Park has a children's play area and a cafรฉ. Haigh Woodland Park, while not exclusively a lake destination, features ponds and offers a large adventure playground, adventure golf, and a high ropes course. Pennington Flash has easy circular routes that are fun for children, and the Three Sisters Recreation Area is popular with families.
Are there accessible walking paths around the lakes?
Yes, Worthington Lakes offers accessible footpaths around its three reservoirs. Haigh Woodland Park also provides extensive pram-friendly paths through its woodlands. Pennington Flash has recently benefited from investment to enhance visitor experience, including accessible toilets and improved paths.
Can I go fishing at any of the lakes in the Wigan area?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Worthington Lakes is a popular destination for anglers, with species including trout, rudd, roach, carp, and bream. The Three Sisters Recreation Area offers coarse fishing with a day ticket. Orrell Water Park is also a nature reserve and coarse fishery.
What outdoor activities, besides walking, can I do near Wigan's lakes?
Beyond walking, you can find various outdoor activities. Scotman's Flash offers watersports like paddleboarding and kayaking. Haigh Woodland Park provides adventure golf, FootGolf, and a high ropes course. For cycling, there are routes like the 'View of Pennington Flash โ Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop' which you can explore further in the MTB Trails around Wigan guide.
Are there cafes or facilities available at the lakes?
Yes, several locations offer facilities. Orrell Water Park has a cafรฉ and free parking. Pennington Flash has a new cafรฉ, visitor information point, accessible toilets, and parking facilities. Haigh Woodland Park features multiple cafes, a bakery, and other eateries. Worthington Lakes provides picnic areas and car parking.
Is it possible to reach the lakes by public transport?
While specific public transport routes vary, many areas around Wigan are served by local bus networks. For detailed information on reaching specific locations like Wigan Flashes or Worthington Lakes by public transport, it is advisable to check local transport schedules or the Wigan Council website for up-to-date travel advice.
When is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Wigan?
The lakes around Wigan can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering a different experience. Spring and summer are ideal for watersports and enjoying the lush greenery and active wildlife. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter offers peaceful, crisp walks. Birdwatching is often excellent during migration seasons.
Are the lakes dog-friendly?
Many of the walking paths and natural areas around Wigan's lakes are dog-friendly, making them popular spots for dog walkers. For instance, Orrell Water Park is noted as pet-friendly, and the Three Sisters Recreation Area is popular with dog walkers. Always ensure dogs are kept under control and any local signage regarding leash requirements or restricted areas is followed.
Where can I find longer hiking or cycling routes near the lakes?
For longer routes, the Hiking around Wigan guide and MTB Trails around Wigan guide offer various options. You can find routes like 'Around Pennington Flash Nature Reserve' for hiking or 'Roe Green Loopline โ The Bridgewater Way loop' for MTB, providing distances up to 48 km.
What makes Wigan Flashes a significant natural area?
The Wigan Flashes are a significant National Nature Reserve, comprising eight shallow wetlands formed from mining subsidence. This area is a highlight of the Greenheart regional park and offers a rich tapestry of habitats including open water, reedbeds, and mossland, supporting abundant wildlife and providing extensive walking and cycling paths. It's also recognized as a site of scientific interest due to rare plant species and migrating birds.
What unique features does Haigh Woodland Park offer besides lakes?
Haigh Woodland Park is renowned for its 350 acres of impressive grounds and woodlands. Beyond its ponds and water elements, it offers a wide range of activities including a large adventure playground, adventure golf, FootGolf, and a high ropes course. The park also features tranquil walled gardens, a small bird hide, and connects to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
Most popular routes around Wigan
Most popular attractions around Wigan
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Didnโt find what you were looking for?
Find the best lakes around Wigan per region:
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Wigan? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
