Whether you just fancy a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Blithfield has something for everyone.

By providing walks and viewing facilities, we hope visitors will share in seeing the varied range of wildlife which can be found here.

There are three walks open to the public, taking in a wildflower meadow, ancient semi-natural woodland and the reservoir shoreline.

The walks vary in length, including one which is partly suitable for wheelchairs, and were provided with advice and assistance from Natural England and the West Midland Bird Club.

During the walks you will have the opportunity to watch birds from hides or see them dining at feeding stations. Facilities include free parking and a toilet. You may take dogs, but please keep them on leads and clear up after them. Opening times are subject to alteration depending on time of year.

How to find us
Postcode: WS15 3PH
What3words:  ///ratty.classics.twinkled
Google maps link: Blithfield Reservoir walks

Walking routes

Blue route:
approximate time to walk 40 minutes

This walk is partially suitable for wheelchairs.

The Blue Route will take you through a mix of broadleaf and coniferous woodland including English oak, sycamore, maple, birch, Scots pine and larch.

Listen for the tapping of woodpeckers or the cry of a pheasant. In the winter, redwings, fieldfares, siskins and occasionally crossbills are to be found here.

Wander to The Dell at the far end of the walk, and you will find a bird feeder station and hide where you can spend time watching the many varieties of birds.

Red route:
approximate time to walk one hour

The Red Route begins in broadleaf woodland and traverses a field before crossing Tad Brook Bridge over the Tad Arm, which is one of the main feeds into the reservoir.

From there the boardwalk goes through wetland, which has become home to more than 50 types of plant such as tufted vetch, meadowsweet and bird’s-foot-trefoil as well as being a popular haunt for colourful dragonflies, thanks to specially created dragonfly ponds.

At the end of the boardwalk you enter Broompit Plantation, where another bird feeder station and hide are to be found, along with the remains of the old marl pits used in building the reservoir dam.

Springtime visitors will also be greeted with the sight of a natural blue carpet in the bluebell wood.

Yellow route:
approximate time to walk 90 minutes

The Yellow Route continues on from the Blue Route as it crosses the drive at the stone trough. The walk cuts through a wildflower meadow before entering Stansley Wood, which is carpeted with bluebells in spring – choose the path through the trees for the best view.

The scenery changes dramatically past the ‘petrified pond’ as the reservoir comes into sight. Here walkers are directed into a field, as the reservoir track has no public access. On reaching Beech Tree Point, there is a bird hide and toilet. Re-entering Stansley Wood, the path returns to the wildflower meadow.

At the stone trough, the second half of the Blue Route can be used to return to the car park along the wheelchair-friendly path (via the Dell hide and feeder station) adding 20 minutes.