The National Forest

Thornton Reservoir

Thornton Reservoir lies in a quiet, picturesque valley and was opened to the public by Severn Trent Water in 1997.  This was achieved with support from the National Forest Company, Rural Development Council, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and European funding.

A surfaced track allows you to walk all the way around the reservoir and to the woodland on the north shore.  The trout fishery is open to the public and the water is home to a variety of wildfowl.  The visitor centre resembles an upturned boat to reflect the fishing intrest on the site. 

Paths have been created through the woodland for walkers, cyclists, with an extension to the surfaced track around the reservoir enabling less able visitors to access the wood.  The sculpture trail was designed and created by groups of disabled people working with professional artist Martin Herron and reflects the bird life seen on the reservoir.

Events and activities hotline 0870 1791 111.
Fishing Lodge - 01530 230 807

The reservoir is on the route of National Forest Coal Pits to Country Parks medium walk.

Description of Facilities

Small information room, exhibition and fishing lodge on the edge of the reservoir (sited on wooden decking with a rail).  Light refreshments available at the fishing lodge. Fishing: fly fishery, with boat and bank angling. The fishery offers day tickets, but memberships are also available. Boats can be hired from the fishery (for anglers only) and a wheelchair-friendly boat is available, on request. For more information, telephone the fishing lodge on 01530 230807.

Disabled Facilities:

Picnic tables around the reservoir are accessible to wheelchairs. Disabled toilets are adjacent to the information centre.

Woodland key

Walks information

The entrance to the car park is on a slope, if not accessing by car. The path around the reservoir is flat and surfaced with compacted gravel. There is a small surfaced sculpture trail that leads through the woodland, but it can become very muddy after rain. There are plenty of benches along the trails for resting. The circular route around Thornton Reservoir is 2.5 miles in length, and includes a short section on the public highway (Reservoir Road), over the crest of the dam, to return to the car park.

Cycling information

Tarmac path around the reservoir is suitable for family cycling. It is flat but very scenic.