Blithfield Reservoir Walks

The water here is proper calm - that's the first thing that hits you at Blithfield Reservoir, just outside Uttoxeter. It's a 700-acre expanse of open water surrounded by woodland and grassland, the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think. The walks range from gentle loops around the perimeter to shorter circuits through the surrounding countryside, and none of them feel crowded even on decent weekends.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not dramatic scenery - no mountains, no jaw-dropping vistas - but it's the kind of landscape that grows on you. The reservoir itself draws birdwatchers year-round; you'll spot herons, cormorants, and various ducks without much effort. In spring and autumn the migratory species turn up, which sends the proper enthusiasts into a frenzy. Families with younger kids will find it manageable too, though there's not much to do once you've walked the loop, so don't expect to occupy a full day here alone.

Allow two to three hours for a decent walk depending on which route you take. There's parking at the visitor area, and it's free to access - one of those straightforward, no-nonsense public spaces. The nearest holiday parks - Lane Tree Hideaways and Poppy Fields Glamping are both within a few miles - make Blithfield a reasonable add-on to a broader Staffordshire break rather than a destination in itself. It pairs well with exploring the nearby villages and doesn't demand much planning. Just turn up with decent boots.