Blithfield Reservoir
This large reservoir in the Blithe Valley has three nice colour coded walking trails to try. The blue route shown below starts from the free car park towards the northern end of the lake. It's a short circular walk taking you through the broadleaf and coniferous woodland. The route is accessible and includes a bird hide where you can look out for a wide variety of birds.
There are also two longer walks to try. The red route includes woodland trails, reservoir views and a boardwalk through wetland with various interesting plants and wildflowers to look out for. The yellow route is the longest and takes you through a wildflower meadow and Stansley Wood where there are bluebells in the spring.
Another nice walk along the reservoir can be found at Watery Lane on the eastern side of the water just below the B5013. This takes you right along the water and is suitable for cyclists.
You can see all the three routes marked out on the open street view map link below.
The Staffordshire Way runs past the southern end of the reservoir so there is scope for continuing your walk along this long distance path. If you follow it west you can pick up the Trent and Mersey Canal and head to Shugborough Park near Great Haywood and Little Haywood. Here you will find the 900 acre Shugborough Estate with its mansion house and delightful gardens.
Postcode
WS15 3PQ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsPlease click here for more information
Blithfield Reservoir Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Blithfield Reservoir Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Blithfield Reservoir OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Blithfield Reservoir Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Explore the Area with Google Street View 
Pubs/Cafes
From the southern end of the reservoir you can follow the Staffordshire Way a short distance to the north to visit the little village of Abbots Bromley. Here you'll find a few nice pubs where you can enjoy refreshments after your exercise. The Crown is a good choice with a friendly atmosphere and a good menu. In the winter you'll find a nice cosy fire indoors while outside there's a nice garden area for warmer days. You can find it in the Market Place with a postcode of WS15 3BS for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
Dogs are welcome at the reservoir but please keep them on leads.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The Uttoxeter Walk visits the reservoir from the train station at the nearby town. It's about a 7.5 mile walk passing Bagot Forest and Abbots Bromley on the way.
To the north west there's the village of Sandon where you can explore the old Sandon Hall estate. There's nice views of the Trent Valley from the public footpaths surrounding the expansive hall estate which is occasionally open to the public. There's also nice walks along the Trent and Mersey canal in this area.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Staffordshire Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Boathouse at the Reservoir. View from the Staffordshire Way approaching Abbots Bromley.
The dam. This is a substantial construction.
Inlet on Blithfield Reservoir
The administrative buildings at sunset. The sign indicates the footpath which crosses the foot of the dam.
The north shore car park at the B5013 looking towards the dam.
Seen from the corner of Dimsdale Plantation with the Admaston Causeway and Rugeley Power Station in the distance.
Footpath, Near Newton Hurst Farm. Nice path through the fields with an information board about the wildlife.
The end of Stansley Wood. The end of the peninsula between the two arms of Blithfield Reservoir, seen from The Warren near Bagot's Bromley. The Cannock Chase telecommunications tower is prominent on the horizon.