Tittesworth Reservoir
Staffordshire
Tittesworth Reservoir sits below the Roaches escarpment in the Staffordshire Moorlands, and this 7.5 km circular follows well-maintained paths around the full perimeter of the water. The eastern bank passes through mixed woodland with dappled light filtering onto the path, while the western return via farm tracks opens up panoramic views of the Roaches ridge above. The River Churnet feeds into the northern end near the visitor centre, and two bird hides along the route offer good wildlife watching — teal, wigeon and great crested grebes are regular visitors. The 134 metres of elevation gain is gradual and spread around the circuit, making this a comfortable walk with genuine scenic reward.
Dogs must be kept on leads throughout this dog friendly walk as a Severn Trent Water requirement, protecting the abundant wildfowl that depend on the reservoir. The waterside scent of reed, damp woodland and cool mineral air carries strongly along the circuit, and the changing bank environments — woodland, open grassland, marshy inlet — keep the sensory experience varied despite the on-lead restriction. Blue-green algae can affect the reservoir water in warm months, so dogs should be kept out of the main body of water; the River Churnet near the visitor centre provides a safer paddling alternative. The on-site cafe welcomes dogs at outdoor seating, and the low livestock risk means the lead requirement is purely for wildlife protection rather than farm animal safety.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.5 km (4.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr
- Walk Type
- Reservoir, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Watermark Restaurant and cafe at visitor centre; toilets; children's playground; picnic benches
- Parking
- Tittesworth Water Car Park, ST13 8SW. Pay and display; up to 2 hrs £3.50, up to 4 hrs £5.50, all day £7; cash and card accepted
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tittesworth Reservoir dog friendly?
Yes, Tittesworth Reservoir is a great choice for a day out with your dog, earning a solid 8/10 on our dog-friendly rating. The 7.5 km circular route takes in woodland, open grassland and waterside paths, and the on-site cafe welcomes dogs at its outdoor seating area. There's also a car park with pay and display facilities right at the visitor centre, making arrival straightforward.
Can dogs be off lead at Tittesworth Reservoir?
Dogs must be kept on leads throughout the entire circuit , this is a Severn Trent Water requirement in place to protect the wildfowl that depend on the reservoir, including teal, wigeon and great crested grebes. It's worth knowing that the lead rule is about wildlife protection rather than livestock safety, so you won't need to navigate around farm animals on the route. Despite the restriction, the varied environments along the circuit , woodland, open grassland, marshy inlets , keep the walk interesting for dogs and owners alike.
What should I know before visiting Tittesworth Reservoir with my dog?
The most important thing to be aware of is that dogs should be kept out of the main reservoir water, as blue-green algae can affect it during warmer months and poses a real health risk. The River Churnet near the visitor centre is a safer option if your dog fancies a paddle. It's also worth remembering that leads are required throughout the walk, and parking is pay and display , up to 2 hours costs £3.50, up to 4 hours £5.50, and all day is £7, with both cash and card accepted.
What’s Nearby?
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