Edgbaston Reservoir in Birmingham Walks, Picnic & Cafe

Edgbaston Reservoir is a lovely lake to visit for a walk, run or picnic. It is near to the central areas of Birmingham, making it walkable along the canals. We enjoyed many picnics and beers while visiting the Edgbaston Reservoir. It’s a lovely place to relax and they also have some picnic tables.

Dog at Edgbaston Resevoir

Edgbaston reservoir is a sanctuary and a perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is one of my favourite dog walks in Birmingham.

What is Edgbaston Reservoir?

The original name of Edgbaston Reservoir was Rotton Park Reservoir. It is a canal feeder reservoir in Birmingham. As it relates the canals, the Canal & River Trust maintains it. It is also a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.
Originally a small pool, however, Thomas Telford enlarged this between 1824–1829.

They extended this to supply water to the Birmingham canal system. They excavated it to a depth of 12m deep. Apparently, it holds 300 million imperial gallons. Woodland and grassland surrounds Edgbaston reservoir, which is home to a variety of birds, newts and bats. They also use the site for recreation and people enjoy activities such as angling, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking and rowing.

What’s At Edgbaston Reservoir

Edgbaston Reservoir Map

There are lots of things to see when walking around the Edgbaston reservoir. At various locations on the banks, there are information boards about the species that call the lake home. These have maps and details of wildlife that call the reservoir home.

Sailing Club

Sailing Club

When entering the site from the canal, the first thing you see as you enter the circular footpath around the reservoir is the Sailing Club with small boats parked up.

Heading clockwise, there is a sometimes busy walkway that has magnificent views across the lake on one side or of the city skyline. Buildings such as the BT Tower in the Jewellery Quarter are visible from here.

Peace Pagoda

Further clockwise, the golden coloured roof of the peace pagoda becomes visible. This belongs to the Birmingham Buddhist Vihara. This is pretty special and part of a Buddhist academy with resident monks.

Edgbaston Reservoir Cafe

The bank then takes you towards the car park, which seems busier, which has a cafe open at times.

Birmingham Rowing Club

Towards the south of the reservoir is home to the Birmingham Rowing Club. Sadly, a place I hadn’t visited when I was competing. This regatta is a shorter sprint event, which was my cup of tea.

See The Two Towers of Tolkien Fame

Tolkien - Edgbaston Waterworks Tower

In the housing estate behind the cafe, and the former ballroom are two towers. They say the two towers to be the inspiration for Tolkien’s Two Towers Book. These two buildings form part of the Tolkien Trail that crosses the city starting at Sarehole Mill.

Picnic Area

Picnic Tables

The Southern bank has some picnic tables and benches to sit on and watch the world go by or have a bite to eat.

Dog Walk Edgbaston Reservoir

The views from the picnic area are wonderful and the benches are a great place to have a drink. Henry, my dog, also had a paddle in the water here.

Wildlife Spotting

Heading clockwise again, more reeds and trees are thriving on the east bank. This makes it a haven for spotting wildlife, including many waterfowl. I noticed coot, moorhen and a variety of ducks while exploring the lake.

Wildlife and reeds

The path eventually puts you back at the Midlands Sailing club where you could either use public transport. Alternatively, return to the canal, possibly hiking on the opposite bank that you arrived on.

Watch the Early & Late Sun at Edgbaston Reservoir

If having a wander to the lake, consider either just before sunrise or sunset on a clear or partially cloudy day. This is one of the best sorts to watch the sun come up or go down in Birmingham. You will get to see the colourful skies, if lucky, and also some beautiful reflections on the water.

Sunset at Edgbaston reservoir
Sunset at Edgbaston reservoir with some amazing reflections on the lake.
Sailing Club Sunny Day
Sailing Club as the sun goes down in the evening.
Sun Setting Edgbaston

If you enjoy walking, Birmingham has many walking routes to try out.

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