Cotton Way, north-west of Loughborough, Leicestershire LE7 4UZ

Dishley Pool

Lake

Place photograph

5.2

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Peaceful

Feel

LakesideRiversideWalkersWildlife loversPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

5.2

A quiet pool on Loughborough’s north-west edge, with a circular waterside walk and a worthwhile range of birds to look for.

Dishley Pool is a modest local escape rather than a remote wilderness: its appeal is the easy circuit, mature waterside trees and the chance of finding interesting birds close to town. Its setting behind an industrial estate makes the calm pool a less obvious discovery.

Peaceful

Find your way

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Cotton Way, north-west of Loughborough, Leicestershire LE7 4UZ

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The experience

Follow the circular path beside the pool, taking time to scan the water and the surrounding fields. The main draw is a relaxed walk and birdwatching, not a long or remote route.

Things to do

Walk the circular pool path

Take the easy circular trail around the pool; expect a mix of paved road, wide path and narrower trail, with wet or slippery conditions possible.

Watch the pool for waterbirds

Scan the water for ducks such as mallard, tufted duck, shoveler, teal and wigeon. Bird sightings vary, so treat the species list as possibilities rather than a promise.

Check the fields and waterside beyond the pool

The birding guide suggests looking over the western playing fields for waders and winter thrushes, then continuing north towards the River Soar and Grand Union Canal to look for kingfisher.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–2 hours

Quick Escape: the pool circuit

01
Check current access and parking information before setting out.
02
Follow the circular path around Dishley Pool.
03
Pause to scan the water and nearby trees for birds.

Hidden details

Look beyond the lake — The birding guide notes that the nearby playing fields can hold lapwing and oystercatcher, while the River Soar and Grand Union Canal to the north offer another stretch to check for kingfisher.

When to go

· Early morning, particularly on a weekday for birdwatching.

The birding guide describes the site as useful year-round and highlights winter and spring. Winter brings the possibility of wintering birds; specific sightings are not guaranteed.

The trail may be wet or slippery. Check conditions and take suitable footwear.

The route

surface: Paved road, wide path and narrow trail; may be wet or slippery
difficulty: Easy
route shape: Circular
start point: Dishley Pool; exact start point not specified
parking start: The birding guide mentions Derby Road Playing Fields car park and a layby south of the A6. The car park may fill during sports and is locked overnight; the A6 crossing is described as busy. Verify arrangements before travel.

Circular walk beside Dishley Pool
Birdwatching around the pool and nearby fields
Potential continuation towards the River Soar and Grand Union Canal

What to look for

Check the pool for ducks, including tufted duck, teal, wigeon and shoveler. The birding guide also recommends scanning nearby fields for lapwing and oystercatcher, and continuing north towards the River Soar and Grand Union Canal for kingfisher.

Best time to go

All year for birding; winter and spring are highlighted by the birding guide.

For birdwatching, try a weekday early morning; the birding guide says nearby sports fields can be busy at weekends. Winter and spring are highlighted as good seasons.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers

Practical information

Opening & access

An easy circular path is described by the local tourism listing. Check current access and parking arrangements before visiting.

Check before visiting

Parking

A birding guide mentions a small Derby Road Playing Fields car park, which can fill when sports are taking place and is locked overnight. It also notes a layby south of the A6, with a busy-road crossing. Check current parking and crossing arrangements before setting out.

Check before visiting

Toilets

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Food & drink

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Dogs

Check current signage and local guidance before visiting.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The circular trail is described as easy and flat, with paved road, wide path and narrow trail sections; conditions can be wet or slippery. Step-free access is not confirmed.

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Lake