Top 20 Lakes around Wythall
Best lakes around Wythall offer diverse natural beauty and recreational opportunities in the surrounding areas. While Wythall itself does not feature large natural lakes, the region is home to several outstanding man-made reservoirs. These sites provide a variety of activities and are significant for their ecological value and historical importance. The area is characterized by its blend of water features, woodlands, and open spaces, making it suitable for outdoor pursuits.
Best lakes around Wythall
- The most popular lakes is Lickey Hills Country Park Pond and Stone Fort, a historical site with a pond, known for its pretty woodlands and abundant wildlife. This park offers diverse walks, from gentle hills to heathland, with historical elements and visitor facilities.
- Another must-see spot is Engine House and Engine Pool, Earlswood Lakes, a man-made lake and historical site. This lake is part of the Earlswood Lakes, originally constructed in the 1820s to feed the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, and features a Grade II listed engine house.
- Visitors also love Upper Bittell Reservoir, a large man-made reservoir. This reservoir covers approximately 40 acres and is an excellent place for hiking and picnicking, offering serene waterside views.
- Wythall is known for man-made reservoirs, historical lakes, and ecologically significant water bodies. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from those with historical engine houses to important birdwatching sites.
- The lakes around Wythall are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 upvotes and 10 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 15, 2026
Engine House and Engine Pool, Earlswood Lakes
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Lickey Hills Country Park Pond and Stone Fort
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Edgbaston Reservoir
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Blythe Valley Park Circular Walk
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The site is like a cross between New Hall Valley Country park in Sutton Coldfield and Plantsbrook in Pype Hayes and is home to a mixture of conservation woodland, 38,000m² of new woodland, grassland, hedgerows, streams and wetland. The 3.5km path is be great for cycling and running, too.
Work on the business park commenced in August 1998 and was a joint development between Solihull MBC, Doughty Hanson & Co Real Estate and Liberty Property Trust.
The River Blythe has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and there are local damp willow woodlands, emergent reeds and wet grassland. In a rare UK approach, storm water from the built up area is cleaned by several processes en route to the river.
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Upper Bittell Reservoir
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It is an excellent place for hiking and picnicking, with designated picnic areas where visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the serene waterside atmosphere.
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Tips from the Community
Although the route suggested by Komoot was good there were some problems in the wooded section between the two railway crossings. The path was closed and therefore needed to find a detour.
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Can be muddy in places if it has rained a few days earlier.
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Edgbaston Reservoir is a green oasis within the urban landscape of Birmingham, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation, relaxation, and wildlife appreciation. Whether you're interested in a leisurely stroll, birdwatching, or water-based activities, it provides a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.
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Upper Bittell Reservoir covers approximately 40 acres and is the larger of the two Bittell Reservoirs. The reservoir was created in the late 19th century to provide drinking water to the city of Birmingham. It was constructed by damming the Bittell Brook. It is an excellent place for hiking and picnicking, with designated picnic areas where visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the serene waterside atmosphere.
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I'm lucky enough to live a short walk from the Lickeys. Another option, from the path leading out of the car park, is to take a left down to the Barnt Green road, cross the road and join the North Worcestershire Path around the two Bittel reservoirs. You could even then jump onto the Worcester Canal, walk along the towpath and through Barnt Green back to the Lickeys Country Park. Spoilt for choice!
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Lots of variety, gentle hills, woodland, ponds, heathland, two cafes. Some history too including remains of ww2 sites. The walks are a few miles long. You can also combine with a walk around Barnt Green or to Waseley. Helpful rangers have maps and can advise on the best walks. A good visitor centre. I usually cycle there or start a walk at Barnt Green station. For those who want a park experience there is a good playground area close to the visitor centre.
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Closed up nothing really to see apart from the building
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Wythall are best for wildlife spotting?
The Bittell Reservoirs, particularly Upper Bittell, are excellent for wildlife, boasting over 200 bird species and significant plant life, including around 100 wetland plant species. Earlswood Lakes are also a haven for birdwatching, with sightings of rare Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, great crested grebes, and other waterfowl. Terry's Pool at Earlswood is a designated wildlife reserve, home to bats, muntjac deer, and otters.
Are there family-friendly lakes near Wythall?
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Lickey Hills Country Park Pond and Stone Fort offers diverse walks, woodlands, and a playground area near the visitor centre. The Earlswood Lakes, including Engine House and Engine Pool, provide scenic towpaths for walking and a craft centre nearby. Upper Bittell Reservoir also has designated picnic areas for families to enjoy.
What historical sites can I find near the lakes?
The Earlswood Lakes, including Engine House and Engine Pool, are significant historical sites, originally constructed in the 1820s to feed the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal. The Engine House itself is Grade II listed. Lickey Hills Country Park Pond and Stone Fort also features historical elements, including remains of WWII sites and the Beacon Hill Toposcope.
Can I go sailing or do other water sports at the lakes?
Yes, water sports are popular. The Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club is based at Windmill Pool, part of the Earlswood Lakes complex. At the Bittell Reservoirs, Upper Bittell facilitates sailing, windsurfing, and open water swimming during warmer months, with the Barnt Green Sailing Club located there.
Are there accessible paths for walking or cycling around the lakes?
Yes, Edgbaston Reservoir features a well-surfaced path all the way around, making it suitable for joggers, cyclists, and potentially wheelchair users. The Earlswood Lakes also offer scenic towpaths for walking. For more cycling options, you can explore routes in the Cycling around Wythall guide.
Where can I find cafes or facilities near the lakes?
Lickey Hills Country Park Pond and Stone Fort has a good visitor centre and two cafes. The Earlswood Lakes area also features a craft centre nearby, which may offer refreshments.
What kind of hiking trails are available near the lakes?
You'll find a variety of hiking opportunities. Lickey Hills Country Park offers diverse walks from gentle hills to heathland. Upper Bittell Reservoir is an excellent place for hiking and picnicking. For more detailed hiking options, check out the Running Trails around Wythall guide, which includes routes like the 'Dirt Path in Wythall Park loop'.
Are there any quiet lakes for a peaceful walk?
The Earlswood Lakes offer scenic towpaths that can provide a peaceful walking experience, especially away from peak times. The Blythe Valley Park Circular Walk includes several small lakes and a bird hide, offering a tranquil setting with conservation woodland and wetlands.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Wythall?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, but warmer months are ideal for water sports like open water swimming at Upper Bittell Reservoir. Spring and autumn offer excellent conditions for walking and wildlife spotting, particularly for birdwatching as migratory species pass through.
Are there opportunities for gravel biking near the lakes?
Yes, the region offers gravel biking opportunities. You can explore routes like the 'Lyon's Boat Yard – Alvechurch Marina loop' or the 'Kings Norton Junction – Dickens Heath Canal Waterfront loop'. More options are available in the Gravel biking around Wythall guide.
What makes Edgbaston Reservoir unique?
Edgbaston Reservoir, originally known as Rotton Park Reservoir, is primarily used as a canal feeder for the Birmingham Canal. It's also a site of importance for nature and was built by Thomas Telford in 1827. Its 2.5-kilometre shore length features a great surfaced path, making it popular for cycling and jogging, and it offers fantastic views close to the city centre.
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