Swithland Reservoir
This pretty reservoir is located just to the south east of Loughborough. The Leicestershire Round long distance trail runs along the north eastern side of the water. You can follow the trail from the nearby village of Woodhouse Eaves to the water. It's about a one mile walk through farmland to the Aqueduct and Boat House at the reservoir's northern tip. It's a very pretty spot with nice views across the water to the surrounding woodland and countryside. Also look out for the steam trains of the Great Central Railway passing over Swithland Viaduct.
The reservoir is popular with bird watchers with lots of water loving visitors to look out for. Keep your eyes peeled for Great Crested Grebe and Mandarin Ducks on the water. Above the lake you can look out for Peregrines in the winter months.
To extend your walk you can explore Charnwood Forest on our circular walk and visit the nearby Bradgate Country Park and Beacon Hill Country Park.
These two lovely parks are located very close to start point for this route at Woodhouse Eaves. They both have good walking trails with climbs to great viewpoints which provide extensive views over this pretty area.
Postcode
LE7 7SB - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsSwithland Reservoir Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Swithland Reservoir Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Swithland Reservoir OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Swithland Reservoir Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Explore the Area with Google Street View 
Pubs/Cafes
In the nearby village of Swithland you will find the noteworthy Griffin Inn. They do good food and have a covered outdoor area which can be used rain or shine. There's a stylish interior too with with exposed beams and stone walls. In 2019 they were voted pub of the year in the Leicestershire Tourism and Hospitality Awards. You can find the pub in the pretty little village of Swithland, just to the south west of the reservoir, at postcode LE12 8TJ.
Head east of the reservoir and you can visit the Mountsorrel and Rothley Community Heritage Centre near Mountsorrel village. Here you'll find a garden railway, an interesting train museum and some pleasant nature trails. There's also Granite’s Coffee Shop where you can enjoy a bite to eat. It's a lovely place to visit if you have time after your walk. On selected weekends throughout the year you can also see the Great Central Railway heritage trains running along the line. You can find the centre at 240 Swithland Lane with postcode LE7 7UE for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The reservoir and woodland trails make for a nice dog walk so you'll probably see other owners on your visit.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Head south west of the lake and you will soon come to Swithland Woods where there are some nice woodland trails and more wildlife to see. Just to the south of the wood there are more nice waterside trails around Cropston Reservoir.
Just to the north of the site there's the pretty village of Barrow upon Soar. There's some nice walks along the Grand Union Canal and a fine waterside pub to visit here.
Just to the south of Bradgate Park you'll find the secluded Groby Pool. The small lake is a good place for wildlife watching and also includes some adjacent bluebell woods. The woodland trust's Martinshaw Wood is located about half a mile south west from here too. It's another peaceful local place for bird watching and easy trails.
The National Forest Way passes through the area. The long distance trail takes you to several of the highlights of the National Forest area.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Leicestershire Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Looking SE from the dam. The bank in the view is all in SK5614. The reservoir is the most reliable place in the county to see Peregrines in the winter and the best time is a calm evening such as in this picture.
A view of Kinchley Lane running along the north western edge of the reservoir.
Bridge at Swithland Reservoir. Built in 1896 this bridge carries Kinchley Lane across the weir at the northern end of lake.
Viaduct which carries the Great Central Railway over the reservoir.
Victorian pump house at the Northern end of the reservoir, also known to Geocachers as Dumbledore's Retreat.
Countryside at Swithland Wood Looking towards Cropston. The reservoir SK5411 is behind the trees in the centre of the picture. The wall is made of local Mountsorrel granite.
The Griffin Inn, Swithland. This country pub is a fine choice for some post walk refreshments.
The Montsorrel Railway which runs past the lake.