Water Walks around the West Midlands.

Draycote Water

Owned by Severn Trent Water, Draycote Water has a fantastic flat footpath for babies, toddlers and children aged 0-100! For those who like to track mileage, you'll be glad to know that the path around Draycote Water is 5 miles circular, start to finish. The route is perfect for cycling, but not for dogs unfortunately. Parking is £4 all day, and you will certainly get your money's worth. With a bird hide, picnic benches and fishermen to count, the kids will really enjoy the day out.

Blithfield Reservoir

With 3 coloured routes to follow, you can pick and choose what you would like to see on a visit to Blithfield Reservoir. Each walk holds a bird hide, to watch the natural flora and fauna of the water come to life. From 40 minutes to 90 minutes, and wheels accessible, Blithfield Reservoir is great for a half day stroll. Free parking and toilet access is a bonus to visiting.

Chasewater

For a bigger day out, why not try Chasewater? Boasting a 90 hectare space, Chasewater holds all manners of water sports activities, an activity centre, toilets, cafes and walks galore. There is also a heritage railway to be travelled upon. A 4 miles cycle trail is marked out; great for children as it is gentle and away from busy roads. There is also a Treasure Trails route around Chasewater, which if you've never tried before, then you MUST give them a go. Follow clues around the water to solve the detective mystery. These are available from Treasure Trails website or from the innovation centre at Chasewater. Parking is £3.00 all day with plenty of spaces.

Carsington Water

Carsington Water is very much like Chasewater. With a variety of water sports available and a walking route all around the reservoir, there is plenty to keep you busy. Choose from 3 walks, depending on how active you feel. With distances between 1 and 8 miles, choose a walk around the water, or up to the top of the dam, admiring the valley down below. Again, bird-hides line the route to keep your fowl knowledge up to speed. There are play areas and toilets, along with food facilities on site.

Forge Mill Lake

Again, like the others, Forge Mill Lake is located among a nature reserve. Lots of opportunity for wildlife spotting, bird watching and walking among nature. I especially like these types of places during the autumn and winter months, as they seem to come alive with creatures great and small. Set in Sandwell Valley Nature Reserve, there are plenty of cycle paths, bridleways and walking routes to choose from. Most are wheels accessible, but some can get a bit tricky in wet conditions. A visitor centre is based at Forge Mill Farm, with a traditional farm shop selling locally produced goods. The car park is off Forge Lane, West Bromwich, B71 3SZ.

*As this is written at the time of Lockdown 2.0, please double check with the official websites as to what facilities are open. All outdoor spaces are open, but toilets and/or cafes may be closed.