Lakes

Anyone know any good lakes in a 30 mile radius of Birmingham, which would be perfect for a ride ending with a dip in the lake?? somewhere in the quiet country side would be ideal. I know of Earlswood Lakes but not sure how dip friendly they are. There doesnt seem anywhere to get in and out easily (apart from those little fisherman piers).

Days like today are calling out for it.

(Unrelated: when is this city going to create more bike paths? i've seen sooooo many cyclists this weekend on foot paths. there is a need)

Earlswood lakes are a bit rubbish really. Two extremely dull resevoir type things with not much around them either.

Theres some nice leafy surburbia to ride around there sure, but the actuall lakes are shit.

Edgbastom resevoir is a lot better, and somewhere I reckon it'd be ok to swim.

I know someone who can vouch for swimming in the lakes in sutton park, there's a few and the park is really nice to ride in too. I'd be raa up for that.

you could ride out to droitwich and have a dip in the lido
http://www.wychavonleisure.co.uk/Lido.aspx

edit: from the link it looks as if it reopens next weekend

Sutton Park wouldn't be quiet though at the weekend. I passed through on my way home last night at about 9 and it was fairly chaotic and quite a few people milling about still. And broken glass everywhere.
During the week maybe.

you could ride out to droitwich and have a dip in the lido
http://www.wychavonleisure.co.uk/Lido.aspx

edit: from the link it looks as if it reopens next weekend

That place is HEAVING in summer, and not very big either. Like having a shared bath.

could ride through the countryside to chasewater in brownhills near cannock...i beieve that is around 30 miles if not under...but i would watch your bike if your not with a group and you might want to check that you can swim there, i know they do water skiing and other water activities there..

i think my boss trains for his joyless triathalons there. doesn't sound too pleasant, but then neither does triathalon...

Lakes are out, you need to find a river. ride into the countryside, up the river cole or blythe and find a ford.....plenty near hockley heath.

Olton mere could work, i used to do kayaking there but from what i remember it was full of algae and not much of a ride to get there either - bad suggestion. But i'd definately be up for this.

sutton park sounds good. also I found 'great packington' on googlemaps, anyone been there? seems like a lot of lakes in a small amount of area, might be an option on a scorcher.

also on another note, how difficult would it be to use a lido after hours?? i'm guessing they have security?

I think great Packington is where my dad goes fishing....a few lakes, two giant country houses, five thousand deer, big electronic gates and gamekeepers etc. Often very busy.

sutton park sounds good. also I found 'great packington' on googlemaps, anyone been there? seems like a lot of lakes in a small amount of area, might be an option on a scorcher.

also on another note, how difficult would it be to use a lido after hours?? i'm guessing they have security?
a lot of smaller lakes...you need to be careful that they are not fishing pools! you could have some dozey pike nashing at your nuts man!

[edit] just read the message above..lol..wouldnt bother as if you were caught dipping in those pools you could end up getting a kickin by some angry fishermen or by the cops for trespassing..

I wouldnt worry about the fish, its the weird algae that can be dangerous.