Aqualate Mere Walk
Enjoy a peaceful walk through this lovely nature reserve near Newport on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border. In the reserve you'll find well surfaced footpaths taking you through pretty woodland and along the large mere which is the largest natural lake in the West Midlands. The area is great for birdwatching too. Look out for Eurasian curlew and common snipe from one of the bird hides. The reedbed habitat also supports reed warbler and sedge warbler while marsh harrier and osprey have also been seen in the area.
This walk takes you to the reserve from the village of Forton just north of Newport. You can also reach the reserve by bike using National Cycle Network Route 55 and Regional Route 75.
Postcode
TF10 9DE - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsAqualate Mere Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Aqualate Mere Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Aqualate Mere OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Aqualate Mere Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
In Forton village there's the Swan Inn for some post walk refreshments. Formerly the Managers House on Aqualate Estate, it has 14 bedrooms, 6 luxury and 8 in a barn conversion. The Georgian building includes a bar adorned with reclaimed panelling and two large fireplaces. There is also a nice garden area for warmer days. You can find them at postcode TF10 8BY for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The mere is a nice place for a peaceful dog walk. Please keep them on leads in the reserve because of the wildlife though. The Swan mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
A few miles to the north east there's the town of Eccleshall. The town has a particularly interesting high street with a number of Georgian buildings to admire. There's also a noteworthy 12th century church and a 13th century castle. You can walk from the town to the nearby Cop Mere where there are more nice waterside paths to try.
Just to the west there's the market town of Newport where you can enjoy another waterside stroll along the old Newport Canal.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Staffordshire Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Aqualate Mere
Track to Aqualate
Reed beds and lily pads on the River Meese, on the western side of the mere.
View from the bird hide on Aqualate Mere, Staffordshire
Deer on Aqualate Park on the southern side of the water
Bridleway heading towards Aqualate Mere
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Forton Hall
The Swan, Forton