Getting here
53.13523, -2.08465
Best for
6 activitiesWildlife
Free75%Ancient woodland
Dog walks
Free72%Dogs allowed with public access
Waterside walks
Varies71%Reservoir — waterside public access; parking
Heritage
Free68%Ancient woodland — historic landscape
Hiking
Free65%Named hiking route nearby: Staffordshire Way (Rushton Spencer - Cannock Chase)
Picnic day out
Free52%Reservoir — waterside day out
Trails nearby
Within roughly 5 kmWalking
36
15 named nearby · 21 public paths
Cycling
6
6 named nearby
Named routes and paths nearby
About this reservoir
Rudyard Lake is a reservoir covering 374 hectares managed by Forestry England within their forest estate. As an ancient woodland, it has been continuously wooded since at least 1600 AD — a rare and irreplaceable habitat rich in biodiversity and historical character.
Wildlife to spot
Photos
Book activities nearby
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🌱 Visiting this spring
- 🌸Ancient woodlands are famous for bluebell carpets in April and May — one of Britain's most spectacular wildflower displays
- 🐦Prime nesting season — listen for woodpecker drumming, warbler song and the first cuckoos from April
- 🦌Roe deer are active before the leaf canopy closes in — dawn and dusk are best
Facilities
Car park
1 nearby · Free · 334m
Good to know
- £Free to visit — no entry charge
- 🐕Dogs welcome
- 🌿Ancient woodland — rare wildlife habitat
- 🌳Large woodland — room to roam
Weather for this location
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Nearby places
Useful places within 5 km