Top 20 Lakes around Leek
Best lakes around Leek are primarily reservoirs, offering diverse activities and natural beauty in Staffordshire, England. The area is characterized by rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, providing a tranquil setting for outdoor pursuits. These lakes serve as important water supplies and significant wildlife habitats. Visitors can explore a variety of natural features and historical sites within this region.
Best lakes around Leek
- The most popular lakes is Freulevijver, a lake that is an old pingo ruin, bordered by birch, beech, and mountain ash. The estate was built around 1880, and the pond was part of a private park.
- Another must-see spot is The Helper Windmill, a man-made monument. This polder mill was built in 1863 to drain the Helpman Polder and was later rebuilt at its current location on the Paterswoldsemeer.
- Visitors also love Pûpedobbe Pingo Ruin, a natural monument. This site is a pingo ruin, which is a circular lake or crater left after a pingo melts, often studied for climate archives.
- Leek is known for reservoirs and natural lakes. These offer a variety of experiences, from active watersports to peaceful birdwatching.
- The lakes around Leek are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 320 upvotes and over 100 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: August 17, 2026
The Helper Windmill
Highlight • Monument
It is a wonderful place to enjoy the view over the lake on one of the benches on a sunny day.
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Freulevijver
Highlight • Lake
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De Onlanden Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
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Pûpedobbe Pingo Ruin
Highlight • Natural Monument
What is a Pingo Ruin?
When the climate warms, for example at the end of an ice age, a pingo is left with a circular lake or crater called a pingo ruin. Many pengo ruins are slowly filled with peat after the ice melts. This filling can take many thousands of years. Because a lot of pollen and seeds of plants end up in the water in pingo ruins, information about the vegetation is stored in the peat. This information can be used to reconstruct the climate that prevailed during the backfill. For this reason, pingo ruins are very popular with Quaternary geologists as climate archives. Pingo ruins can be dated using, for example, tephrochronology (based on volcanic ash found in the deposit). (Source: Wikipedia).
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Paterswoldsemeer Beach
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Tips from the Community
The De Helper state monument is a polder mill on the east bank of the Paterswoldsemeer in the municipality of Haren, province of Groningen, in the hamlet of Nijveensterkolk. You can have a really nice walk here along the Paterswoldse Meer.
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The Freulevijver, located in the Oude Bos between Wijnjewoude and Bakkeveen, is an idyllic and historic place. The forest was created around 1880 by the noble family Lycklama à Nijeholt as a private park and production forest. The pond was created by a dike breach of the nearby Koningdiep, and was enlarged around 1900 by Jonkvrouw Eritia Lycklama à Nijeholt. Although the original tea house and boathouse have disappeared, the location remains a beautiful spot for a picnic, with a natural gazebo that is reminiscent of the former charm of the place.
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Lovely place to rest for a while, especially when the rhododendron is in bloom
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The Helper Mill is named after the Helpman polder that he drained from 1863. In the 1960s the mill was out of use and fell into disrepair. In 1971 it was moved to its current location on the Paterswoldsemeer. The mill is now used for drainage for water circulation of the ditches next to the lake. It is a wonderful place to enjoy the view over the lake on one of the benches on a sunny day.
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The freule pond was created after a dike breach in nearby Koningsdiep. Maid E.E.R. Lycklama à Nijeholt had this 'wheel' enlarged around 1890. A tea house and a boat house were built along the shore, so that you could picnic and sail. Since then, the pond has been known as Freulevijver by the locals. The gazebo stands on the site of the former tea dome.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of activities can I enjoy at Rudyard Lake?
Rudyard Lake offers a wide range of activities including boating, canoeing, fishing, sailing, and paddleboarding. You can also enjoy scenic walks, with a popular five-mile path around the lake, and experience the unique Rudyard Lake Steam Railway.
Are there family-friendly options at Tittesworth Reservoir?
Yes, Tittesworth Reservoir is very family-friendly. It features a large children's play area with wheelchair-inclusive access, accessible paths suitable for pushchairs, and watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding. There are also picnic areas and a visitor center with a restaurant.
What makes Blithfield Reservoir a significant natural area?
Blithfield Reservoir is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its national importance as a habitat for wildfowl, particularly goosander and widgeon. It attracts a wide variety of overwintering birds, making it excellent for birdwatching.
Can I find accessible walking paths around the lakes near Leek?
Tittesworth Reservoir offers accessible paths suitable for most people, including those with wheelchairs and pushchairs. There are four marked walking routes, including a five-mile circular route.
What historical significance does Rudyard Lake hold?
Rudyard Lake has a rich history, being a popular destination in the 19th century. It is notably the place where Rudyard Kipling's parents met, leading them to name their son after the lake.
Are there opportunities for birdwatching around Leek's lakes?
Yes, both Tittesworth Reservoir and Blithfield Reservoir are excellent for birdwatching. Blithfield Reservoir is particularly noted for its wildfowl and provides bird hides for observation. Tittesworth Reservoir is also a haven for wildlife.
What kind of cycling routes are available near the lakes around Leek?
You can find various cycling routes near the lakes. For road cycling, options include the Borg Nienoord – De Onlanden Nature Reserve loop. Mountain biking trails are also available, such as the ATB Route Marum: Trimunt – Jan Dijkzand Garden Center loop.
Where can I find viewpoints or scenic spots near the lakes?
Tittesworth Reservoir offers breathtaking views, including dramatic vistas of The Roaches. You can also enjoy views over the lake from The Helper Windmill, which is a historical site and viewpoint.
Are there any natural monuments or unique geological features to explore?
Yes, the Freulevijver is an old pingo ruin, bordered by birch and beech, and the Pûpedobbe Pingo Ruin is another example of this unique geological formation, offering insights into past climates.
What facilities are available at the lakes?
Rudyard Lake has a visitor center and cafes. Tittesworth Reservoir features a visitor center with a restaurant, gift shop, and picnic areas. Blithfield Reservoir offers bird hides and public walking routes.
Can I go running near the lakes around Leek?
Yes, there are several running trails in the area. You can explore routes like the View of Leekstermeer – Nienoord Manor loop or shorter, easier options like the Nienoord Manor – Nienoord Forest Path loop.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Leek?
The lakes offer beauty year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for watersports and enjoying the lush scenery. Autumn provides stunning foliage, and winter offers tranquil walks, especially for birdwatching at Blithfield Reservoir when overwintering birds are present.
Are there any nature reserves or quiet areas for relaxation?
The De Onlanden Nature Reserve offers a quiet area with almost car-free roads, perfect for cycling and enjoying nature. Blithfield Reservoir is also known for its tranquil walks through ancient woodland and wildflower meadows.
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