Alvecote Pools
Warwickshire
Alvecote Pools is a series of pools between Polesworth and Tamworth that formed as the ground subsided over old coal seams between 1848 and 1965, and the wetland that has grown up since is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its water birds, dragonflies and orchids, a flat walk for a dog on a lead along its canal and pool side paths. The reserve sits alongside the River Anker and the Coventry Canal, and paths link the pools to the towpath and to Pooley Country Park a short walk to the north east, giving a flat circular route of around 5km with no climbing of note. Grebes, ducks and plovers use the pools through the year, and kingfishers are seen along the river and canal margins, making this a rewarding walk for anyone interested in birdlife as well as dogs.
This is a dog friendly reserve, and paths are flat and mostly well surfaced, though they can get muddy in winter, with wheelchair-accessible sections near the canal. Cattle graze the adjoining Alvecote Meadows as part of the conservation management, so dogs should be kept on a lead or under close control where the route borders the meadows, and kissing gates along the way help keep livestock contained. The canal towpath and the River Anker both give a dog a chance to cool off away from boat traffic. There is limited parking off Robeys Lane, with further parking available at the Pooley Heritage Centre nearby, and Polesworth and Tamworth both have dog-friendly pubs and cafes a short drive away.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.0 km (3.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Lake, Canal, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None within the reserve itself; dog-friendly pubs and cafes in Polesworth, a short drive away.
- Parking
- Limited parking off Robeys Lane; additional car park at Pooley Heritage Centre nearby (fee charged there).
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Alvecote Pools, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in WarwickshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Alvecote Pools dog friendly?
Alvecote Pools is a welcoming spot for dogs, earning a 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The paths are flat and mostly well surfaced, and both the Coventry Canal and the River Anker offer good spots for a dog to cool off. After your walk, Polesworth and Tamworth both have dog-friendly pubs and cafes a short drive away.
Can dogs be off lead at Alvecote Pools?
Dogs need to be kept on a lead or under close control where the route borders Alvecote Meadows, as cattle graze there as part of the reserve's conservation management. Kissing gates along the way help keep livestock contained. Away from the meadows, the towpath and poolside paths give more relaxed walking, though it's worth keeping leads handy throughout.
What should I know before visiting Alvecote Pools with my dog?
The paths can get muddy in winter, so it's worth coming prepared with appropriate footwear. Parking is limited off Robeys Lane, though there's a further car park at the Pooley Heritage Centre nearby (a fee is charged there). The reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, so keeping your dog under control around the pools and meadows is important for protecting the wildlife.
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