Top 20 Lakes around Barlow

The area around Barlow features a variety of water bodies, including several reservoirs, natural ponds like Longshaw Pond, and dedicated fishing lakes such as those at Barlow Country Club. These offer diverse environments for recreation and wildlife observation.

Yes, many lakes around Barlow offer easy walking trails. For instance, the area around the Linacre Middle Reservoir is known for its mostly flat terrain, making it suitable for various activity levels. Walton Dam also provides a peaceful, easy walk. You can find more easy routes in the hiking guide for Barlow.

Several lakes around Barlow are family-friendly. Southeast corner of Linacre Middle Reservoir is great for kids, featuring woods with trunk carvings. Holmebrook Valley Park, with its lake, is also a popular spot for families, offering cycling and walking paths. Walton Dam is ideal for family peddling and feeding ducks.

Yes, many areas around the lakes are dog-friendly. The Linacre Reservoirs, for example, are a popular spot for walks with dogs, offering extensive woodland and trails. Always ensure your dog is under control and check for any specific local restrictions.

The lakes and surrounding woodlands are rich in wildlife. At Longshaw Pond, birdwatchers can spot ducks and herons. The Linacre Reservoirs are home to various bird species, and the woods are beautiful with oak, beech, alder, larch, and pine trees, and bluebells in springtime. You might even spot an occasional snake near the water at Linacre Upper Reservoir Boardwalk.

Yes, there are several cycling opportunities. Holmebrook Valley Park has cycle paths around its lake, and its gravel paths link with other routes around Chesterfield. While the Linacre Reservoirs have well-surfaced tracks, cycling is generally permitted around the middle and lower reservoirs. For more options, check the cycling guide for Barlow.

The lakes around Barlow offer beauty throughout the year. Spring is particularly lovely with bluebells carpeting the woods around the Linacre Reservoirs. Summer is ideal for picnics and enjoying the serene environment. Autumn brings changing colors, and winter offers crisp walks, though tracks can get muddy in wet weather.

Yes, Barlow is well-known for its fishing lakes. The Barlow Country Club, located on the edge of the Peak District, is an extensive fishing complex with seven lakes, including coarse lakes, a specimen carp lake, and fly fishing lakes. They even offer fishing lessons for beginners.

Public car parks are available at several locations. For the Linacre Reservoirs, there is a public car park on the northern edge of the woods of the Lower Reservoir. Holmebrook Valley Park also offers parking facilities. Longshaw Pond is located near the main car park of the Longshaw Estate.

The Barlow Country Club, which features several fishing lakes, provides facilities for disabled anglers, including concrete pegs and easy access. For walks, areas with well-surfaced tracks like parts of the Linacre Reservoirs offer easier navigation, though some areas can get muddy in wet weather.

Some lakes have interesting historical backgrounds. Longshaw Pond, for instance, was created around 1827 and once featured a boathouse and pier. The nearby lodge was built around the same time as a shooting retreat for the Duke of Rutland.

Yes, the area around Barlow offers mountain biking opportunities. While Holmebrook Valley Park is good for getting started with wide gravel fire roads, the Linacre Reservoirs can link up to the Linacre MTB routes. For more challenging trails, consult the MTB Trails guide for Barlow.