Olton Reservoir
A beautiful, private reservoir in Solihull offering fishing and sailing, with limited public access via annual licenses.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Rare public access
Olton Reservoir
Best Time
Rare public access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful, private reservoir in Solihull offering fishing and sailing, with limited public access via annual licenses.
"A very beautiful place, just it’s bad that it’s not open to the public."
🔑 Private Access Only
Olton Reservoir is mostly private. Public access requires specific licenses for dog walking or fishing.
🎣 Challenging Fishing
Anglers report Olton Reservoir can be difficult, with bream dominating catches.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Serene Waterscape
The reservoir itself
A tranquil body of water offering a rare natural escape in the Solihull area.
Fishing Opportunities
Designated fishing pegs
Home to carp and bream, though known to be a challenging water for anglers.
Sailing Club
Sailing club facilities
A hub for sailing enthusiasts with dedicated membership and facilities.
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Access & Entry
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🔑 Private Access Only
Olton Reservoir is mostly private. Public access requires specific licenses for dog walking or fishing.
🎣 Challenging Fishing
Anglers report Olton Reservoir can be difficult, with bream dominating catches.
🚶♂️ Not for Casual Walks
While scenic, it's not as well-maintained for general walks as local parks.
⛵ Sailing Membership
Full access, including the bar, is typically reserved for sailing club members.
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🔑 Private Access Only
Olton Reservoir is mostly private. Public access requires specific licenses for dog walking or fishing.
🎣 Challenging Fishing
Anglers report Olton Reservoir can be difficult, with bream dominating catches.
🚶♂️ Not for Casual Walks
While scenic, it's not as well-maintained for general walks as local parks.
⛵ Sailing Membership
Full access, including the bar, is typically reserved for sailing club members.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Olton Reservoir is a beautiful natural spot, but its primary drawback is limited public access, requiring licenses for dog walking and fishing. While scenic, it's not ideal for casual strolls compared to local parks, and fishing can be challenging.
"A very beautiful place, just it’s bad that it’s not open to the public. Need a fd living there to bring me in, or you can join the sailing club for an entry. Would be great if it can be opened to the public for a walk. It’s a very beautiful “water place” in Solihull, very rare."
Karui
"Excellent place for a peaceful walk"
Graham Woods
"Awesome nature and beauty."
Balwant Singh Bhogal (Bali)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Olton Reservoir is primarily a private members' facility. Public access is restricted and requires specific licenses for activities like dog walking or fishing.
Parking information is not readily available for the general public due to its private nature. Access is typically managed through membership.
Limited walking is permitted for licensed dog walkers. It's not recommended as a general public walking route compared to local parks.
Information on public transport access is scarce due to its private status. It's best to check with the reservoir management or sailing club directly for any accessible routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Fishing licenses for Olton Reservoir are reported to be around £160 annually.
Dog walking licenses at Olton Reservoir are approximately £80 per year.
Generally, no. Access is restricted to members or those with specific activity licenses. Occasional open days may offer limited public entry.
There are three reported levels of membership: Dog Walking, Fishing, and Sailing, with Sailing offering the most comprehensive access.
Visitor passes are not commonly advertised. Access is primarily through annual memberships or specific activity licenses.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Activities
Olton Reservoir is known to have carp and bream. However, anglers report that bream are the dominant species and catches can be infrequent.
While it offers fishing opportunities, it's considered a challenging water. Some anglers have reported low catch rates even after several days.
The primary activities are fishing and sailing. Dog walking is also permitted for licensed individuals.
Yes, sailing is a key activity, and there is a sailing club with its own membership level that grants full access to the facilities, including the bar.
🎫 🌿 Nature & Environment
Swimming is not a permitted activity. There are also concerns about blue/green algae, which can be a threat to health.
There have been reports of blue/green algae, which poses an environmental and health concern that could potentially be managed.
The walking experience is described as simply walking around the lake, and it doesn't compare favorably to local parks like Elmdon for general enjoyment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🎣 Anglers Seeking a Challenge
Consider the peg locations; many are close to the main trail, which might not suit those seeking complete solitude for extended fishing trips. Researching local fishing forums or contacting the club directly for current conditions could be beneficial before your visit.
🚶♀️ Dog Walkers
Ensure your dog is on a lead and always clean up after them. While the reservoir is a 'water place,' it's not a dedicated dog park, so be mindful of other members and the environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Access and Membership
The highest tier of membership is for sailing, which comes with a £250 annual fee. This membership not only allows for sailing but also grants full access to the club's amenities, including a bar. This exclusivity has led to discussions about potential revenue loss, as fishermen and dog walkers are restricted from using the bar facilities.
It's important to note that the reservoir is not a public park. While it offers a natural setting, the walking experience is described as basic, and it doesn't offer the same amenities or appeal as dedicated public parks in the Solihull area.
Fishing at Olton Reservoir
The layout of the fishing pegs also impacts the experience. While some pegs are set back, a majority are situated directly on the trail. This means that for longer fishing sessions where seclusion might be desired, it may be difficult to find a private spot. The reservoir's lease is set to expire in the coming years, with intentions to potentially transform it into a commercial fishery, which could alter the fishing landscape in the future.
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