Where is Olton Reservoir?

Olton Reservoir is near the Chiltern Mainline on the Warwick Road, Olton, Solihull, B92 7AN. Home of Olton Mere Sailing Club.

In brief

The reservoir was built in 1799 to supply water to what is now the Grand Union Canal (part of the Warwick and Birmingham Canal until 1927). It was formed from marshland fed by Folly Brook. The lake and surrounding land is privately owned by the Canal & River Trust and leased to Olton Mere Sailing Club. There is no access to members of the public, but you can see it from the train.

Olton Reservoir from a Chiltern Railways train (April 2018). Photography by Elliott Brown

Olton Reservoir - history

Olton Mere was constructed as a reservoir to act as a feeder for the Grand Union Canal (Built in 1799 as the Warwick and Birmingham Canal). The Mere was formed from marshland fed by Folly Brook (now Hatchford Brook).

The Mere was extended in 1834 to increase the capacity in order to supply up to 150 locks.

It is the largest of the few areas of open water in Solihull and supports a large number of waterfowl. The woodland surrounding the Mere has remained undisturbed for many years, providing an important habitat for plants and animals.

There is no public access to the Mere but there is a good view of the Mere from the trains travelling between Solihull and Olton.

Sailing on the Mere started in 1899 when five residents of St Bernard’s Road leased the reservoir from the canal company. A club was formed for sailing, fishing and shooting, although shooting was suspended in 1926 owing to a shortage of wildfowl.

Olton Reservoir from a London Midland train (February 2017). Photography by Elliott Brown

Olton Reservoir on Google Maps

Transport

You can view the reservoir, if you can see it from a train, either Chiltern Railways or West Midlands Railway. Catch your train between Solihull and Olton stations. Or get the no 4 bus (but you will not see it from the bus) on the Warwick Road in Olton.