Tittesworth Reservoir

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.