Top 10 Lakes around Colne

Visitors frequently enjoy Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve, known for its cycle lane and scenic water views. Other popular spots include Far Fen Lake, part of the RSPB Nature Reserve, and Wildlife Sanctuary Lake, which is excellent for birdwatching and waterside walks.

Yes, the lakes and reservoirs around Colne offer various walking and hiking opportunities. For example, the trails around the Ogden Reservoirs are popular, especially for those heading towards Pendle Hill. You can find numerous routes, including easy to moderate options, in the Hiking around Colne guide.

The lakes and nature reserves are rich in wildlife. At Far Fen Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary Lake, you can spot various birds and other creatures. Godmanchester Nature Reserve is notable for songbirds, ducks, geese, kingfishers, and overwintering wildfowl. Stocker's Lake, though further afield, is a Local Nature Reserve known for abundant ducks in winter, including Shoveler and Goldeneye, and a large heronry.

Many of the lakes offer family-friendly experiences. Wildlife Sanctuary Lake is considered a good area for attractive waterside walks suitable for families. Godmanchester Nature Reserve, with its easy walks and wildlife spotting, is also a superb place for a family outing.

Yes, cycling is a popular activity. Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve features an amazing cycle lane with beautiful water views. The busway cycle path, which passes through the lake areas, also offers plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the scenery, as highlighted by Benches Along the Busway Cycle Path. For more routes, check the MTB Trails around Colne guide.

The lakes offer beauty year-round. However, some paths, particularly around Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve, can be flooded and unpassable for road bikes between autumn and spring. Wildlife Sanctuary Lake can become muddy after a few days of rain. Winter can be excellent for birdwatching, especially for overwintering wildfowl.

Yes, many of the lakes, particularly the reservoirs, have historical significance related to water management. The Ogden Reservoirs, for instance, were constructed in the early 1900s to supply water to Nelson. Godmanchester Nature Reserve, a former gravel pit, is notable for its Roman heritage, as Roman Lake was the site of a Roman well discovered in the 1980s.

Parking availability varies by location. For Far Fen Lake, there is parking available for £2. It's advisable to check specific locations for parking details before your visit, as some areas might have limited or paid parking.

Many trails around the lakes and reservoirs are dog-friendly, offering great opportunities for walks with your pet. However, always check local signage for specific restrictions, especially in nature reserves, to protect wildlife. Ensure dogs are kept under control, particularly near nesting birds or livestock.

The terrain around Colne's lakes and reservoirs varies. Many paths are relatively flat, especially those converted from old gravel pits, making them suitable for easy walks. However, some areas, like the descent around Lower Gorple Reservoir, are described as 'very fast and drifty,' indicating more adventurous terrain. Trails around Ogden Reservoirs can involve ascents towards Pendle Hill. You can find routes with varying difficulty levels in the Hiking around Colne guide.

While specific cafes directly at every lake are not detailed, the busway cycle path, which runs through some lake areas, offers 'plenty of spots to stop and take in a view or have some refreshments,' as noted at Benches Along the Busway Cycle Path. The nearby towns and villages, including Colne itself, will have various options for food and drink.

The lakes are characterized by their natural beauty, often featuring open water, surrounding woodlands (like the three plantations near Ogden Reservoirs), and diverse habitats. Many were formed from old sand and gravel quarries, now transformed into nature reserves with scenic water views. You'll find islands, like the one at Far Fen Lake, and areas of grassland and hedgerows, particularly at Godmanchester Nature Reserve.