Best lakes around Cossall provide diverse outdoor experiences in Nottinghamshire. While Cossall itself does not feature large natural lakes, the historic Nottingham Canal offers a significant water feature with accessible walking trails routes. This area is characterized by its historical connections and opportunities for nature observation along waterways. The broader region offers several popular walks around lakes, providing varied landscapes for exploration.
Last updated: June 15, 2026
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A lovely place for a gentle cycle or stroll. It's a popular spot!
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It straddles the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire county boundaries and is jointly owned by the two county Wildlife Trusts. In spring and summer the reserve's ponds and the wet sections of the canal are a refuge for grass snakes, amphibians and dragonflies. Butterflies and many other insects breed and feed on the wild flowers growing in the grassland. The meadows are best known for their birds. In spring lapwings can be seen performing their impressive aerial displays, while early mornings may offer the best chance of hearing the strange 'drumming' call of breeding snipe. More common breeding birds include the reed buntings with their distinctive black and white heads, and sedge warblers, more camouflaged but twice as noisy in declaring their presence. In spring and autumn the breeding birds are joined by waders, wildfowl and even birds of prey like the hen harrier. Many wildfowl stay for the winter, including a small flock of wigeon, numerous teal and a range of other species.
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Djanogly Gallery in the Lakeside Arts Centre
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Erewash Nature Reserve is the largest area of floodplain and grassland in the Erewash Valley. It's managed by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. Look out for water voles and water birds.
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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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While Cossall itself doesn't feature large natural lakes, the historic Nottingham Canal is a significant water feature offering scenic walks and wildlife observation. Nearby, you'll find a variety of reservoirs, nature reserves with ponds, and park lakes that provide diverse outdoor experiences.
Popular spots include Mapperley Reservoir, known for its peaceful atmosphere and bird watching. Attenborough Nature Reserve offers numerous ponds and is excellent for bird-watching and tranquil paths. Highfields Lake, University Park, provides a gentle walk within a historic park setting.
Yes, many of the water features offer excellent walking opportunities. The Nottingham Canal towpath provides an easy, level route with views. Attenborough Nature Reserve has tranquil paths, and Highfields Lake offers a gentle circuit within the city. For more options, you can explore easy hikes around Cossall.
The area is rich in wildlife. The Nottingham Canal is a haven for butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies. At Mapperley Reservoir, look out for coot, moorhen, mallard, and kingfisher. Attenborough Nature Reserve is a popular bird-watching spot, and Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve is known for water voles, water birds, grass snakes, amphibians, and various insects.
Absolutely. Many locations are suitable for families. Mapperley Reservoir, Attenborough Nature Reserve, and Highfields Lake are all categorized as family-friendly. The Nutbrook Trail, which runs along the Erewash Canal, is also an easy cycling and walking route perfect for families.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Nottingham Canal towpath offers an easy route, and Attenborough Nature Reserve has tranquil paths for cycling. The Nutbrook Trail is an easy cycling and walking trail that runs for about 10 miles. For more cycling routes, check out gravel biking around Cossall or MTB trails around Cossall.
The region has a rich industrial history. The Nottingham Canal itself is a significant historical feature, built in 1796 for coal transport. Mapperley Reservoir is surrounded by remains from the area’s coal mining heritage. Highfields Lake is part of Highfields Park, an estate with origins in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
While many lake walks are gentle, you can find more challenging options nearby. Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve is categorized as challenging in parts. For dedicated mountain biking, explore the MTB trails around Cossall, which include routes like the Erewash Canal Towpath.
At Highfields Lake, University Park, there is a lakeside cafe and arts centre, perfect for a coffee with a view. While specific pubs directly adjacent to other lakes aren't highlighted, many routes pass through or near villages where you can find local establishments.
Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, opportunities for wildlife spotting, and the accessible walking and cycling paths. The blend of natural beauty with historical significance, such as the old coal mining heritage around Mapperley Reservoir, is also a highlight. The komoot community has shared over 42 photos and given more than 220 upvotes for these spots.
Yes, the Nottingham Canal is ideal for leisurely strolls. Its towpath offers an easy, level route, making it accessible for most. It's a great place to enjoy nature, spot wildlife like butterflies and dragonflies, and take in picturesque views across the valley.
Definitely. Attenborough Nature Reserve is a very popular bird-watching spot with numerous ponds. Mapperley Reservoir is also excellent for bird watching, with species like coot, moorhen, mallard, and kingfisher. Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve is well-known for its diverse bird population, including lapwings, snipe, reed buntings, and various wildfowl.


Still not found your perfect lake around Cossall? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.