Stay In Staffs: Water way to get outside for summer

DAY-TRIPPERS are expected to make for the water as they look for things to do this summer.

For although it is miles away from the seaside, North Staffordshire has a host of waterside attractions.

And the people behind them are confident that they will get more popular as the good weather takes hold.

Stanley Head Outdoor Education Centre, in Stanley, offers a host of activities from archery through to mountain biking and climbing.

But the pursuits expected to draw in the most visitors over the next few weeks are those on and around Stanley reservoir, in the centre's grounds.

Adam Geens, pictured, head of the centre, said: "People can come to us for canoeing or kayaking, which are great fun, or sailing on the reservoir.

"Raft-building is always a good one too. People have to put together their own raft and then take it onto the water to see whether it floats or sinks. We get a few surprised faces with that one."

The Tompkin Road facility has also got links with a fishing group.

It charges £260 for a day of pre-booked activities for up to 10 people.

But costs are less for larger groups and bookings help to subsidise the fees for the 100 or so schools which visit each year on educational trips.

For those who prefer a more spontaneous day out, a trip slightly further into the Staffordshire Moorlands takes you to Rudyard Lake, near Leek.

This summer, youngsters from 10 county schools will be descending on the facility to take part in a project that combines angling with nature conservation.

Wild About Fishing has been funded by the National Lottery's Heritage Fund and gives children the chance to learn the basics of fishing for free.

All the places have now been allocated, but there is still plenty on offer to amuse both young and old.

Lake ranger John Davey said: "We have all sorts going on during the school holidays as people always like being on or around the water when it is hot.

"Grans and grandads often come out with the grandchildren for a stroll and other groups come for specific activities on the lake."

Adults can enjoy a ride on the trip boat for £3 and take concessions along for £2, while fishing for the day costs £4 for adults and £3 for concessions.

And those with their own means of getting around the lake can take their own canoe for £5 a day or launch their boat for £7 per day.

More water fun in the Moorlands can be found at Tittesworth Water.

The reservoir, near Leek, is free to visit and offers walks and a place to play in the Peak District National Park.

Meanwhile, British Waterways have organised a variety of activities to get people closer to the canals during the summer holidays.

They range from teddy bears' picnics and craft sessions for children to healthy walks and canal clean-ups.

Representatives will also be at other various events throughout the summer, entertaining visitors with canal-themed art and craft activities.

Elsewhere, visitors to the lake at the Trentham Estate have a choice of whether to take to the water via their own steam, or let the 42-seat catamaran do the hard work.

Trips on Miss Elizabeth cost £2 per seat for a one-way journey to the opposite end of the lake.

Or people can charter their own rowing boat to enjoy the scenery at their leisure.

The boats can carry up to four people and cost £7 per boat per hour, although visitors must still pay the entrance fee to enter into the Italian Gardens and gain access to the water.

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Story filed in: Stay In Staffs | News