Middleton Lakes Walks and Route Maps

A short, flat circuit of the RSPB Middleton Lakes reserve, with water on almost every side. It starts with a stretch towards the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal, then moves on to West Scrape, Gallows Brook and the Jubilee Wetlands, before following the canal for a while.

The highlights come around the northern pools, where North Pool and The Lookout give you a place to pause and watch for birds. The reserve is known for grey heron and kingfisher. The return takes in the River Tame, Fisher's Mill Pool, Meadow Walk and the Heronry. Underfoot is level, with barely any climbing, so it suits an easy morning or afternoon.

A longer lap of the Middleton Lakes reserve that adds a wide sweep of the River Tame valley to the lakes and wetlands. Early on you pass the Heronry, the canal bridge and Fisher's Mill Pool beside Langley Brook, before the route heads out towards the hamlet of Cliff and the River Tame.

Back on the reserve you follow Meadow Walk, then come to the heart of the site: North Pool, The Lookout and the Jubilee Wetlands, with a stretch beside the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal. The finish passes Gallows Brook and West Scrape. Almost all of it is flat, with just the odd gentle rise, and there is water within sight for much of the way.

The longest of the Middleton Lakes options, this walk leaves the reserve for a taste of the surrounding Tamworth area before returning to the water. After the Heronry, the canal bridge and Fisher's Mill Pool, it reaches Dosthill Quarry, a lake of its own, and then passes through streets near St Paul's Church, with The Fox Inn a short detour off the route for a break.

The return takes in the River Tame, the hamlet of Cliff and Meadow Walk, then the best of the reserve: North Pool, The Lookout, the Jubilee Wetlands, the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal and West Scrape. There are a few gentle rises on the way out, but nothing steep. Allow a good half day.