Top 6 Lakes around Aston Rowant
Best lakes around Aston Rowant are primarily found in the surrounding landscape, which is characterized by chalk grassland, woodlands, and unique ecosystems. While the immediate village area is known for its hills and nature reserves, water features often include former quarries, ponds, and wetland habitats. These areas provide diverse environments for flora and fauna, offering opportunities for exploration and observation. Visitors can discover a variety of natural and man-made water bodies that contribute to the region's appeal.
Best lakes aroundβ¦
Last updated: July 26, 2026
Old Kiln Lakes Wetland Habitat
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Pond in Park Wood
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The Lyde Garden
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Old Kiln Lakes (Former Chinnor Chalk Pit)
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Russell's Water Pond
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Tips from the Community
This is one of the quarries here, a part of the former Chinnor Chalk Pit, now flooded and known as Old Kiln Lakes. The lakes are freshwater, but very alkaline, and there was a warning to the public issued in 2012 to not swim in there. It's a striking and moon-like place, looking very dramatic and slightly out-of-this-world. A definite must!
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Great Circular walks from this village....very flat as well
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Pond is lovely. Full of ducks (keep dogs on lead) and some large fish!
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This quarry is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and well known by geologists for its phenomenal history. Packed with fossils, some of the finds here date back 100 million years. There's no public access, but you can catch glimpses of its bright high-alkaline water from the surrounding footpaths.
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Chinnor, Chalk and Cement Mr. W. Benton's Cement and Lime Works opened in Chinnor in 1908, but cement making on a truly industrial scale did not begin until 1919. Output of cement from Chinnor peaked at about 5600 tonnes per week in the 1990s. Up to 120 people were employed at any one time. The cement works closed in 1999 and there are plans for the re-development of the site, using the flat areas for housing but also with opportunities for recreation and conservation in the water filled quarries The scale of chalk extraction for cement making can be seen from a short walk along the Ridgeway National Trail. The Ridgeway runs on a high causeway between the large quarries, giving views of the pits through the boundary fences. (Do not cross over or through the fences). Geology One of the chalk quarries has been protected as a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest as it has particularly good exposures of both the Lower Chalk and Middle Chalk geological layers. Both layers have given upimportant fossil ammonites.
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The Lyde, a tributary of the River Thames, rises here and the garden is planted with primulas, astilbes, gunnera and hostas. Originally three watercress beds, surrounded by large and beautiful wych elms, it has β as a result of elm disease β become a wilderness. The garden is open at the ownersβ discretion from 9am β 4pm daily. Dogs are not permitted. See: carington.co.uk/gardens/lyde-garden
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of water bodies can I expect to find around Aston Rowant?
Aston Rowant is primarily known for its chalk hills and unique ecosystems, rather than large natural lakes. The water bodies you'll encounter are typically former quarries, historic ponds, and wetland habitats. These include sites like Old Kiln Lakes Wetland Habitat, which is a former quarry, and Pond in Park Wood, a lake within a forest.
Are there any lakes suitable for families or dog-friendly walks?
Yes, Russell's Water Pond is a family-friendly viewpoint with ducks and fish, and it serves as a starting point for flat circular walks. Dogs are welcome, but should be kept on a lead around the pond due to the wildlife.
Can I go swimming in any of the lakes near Aston Rowant?
Swimming is generally not recommended in the water bodies around Aston Rowant. For example, Old Kiln Lakes (Former Chinnor Chalk Pit), while striking, is known to be very alkaline, and public warnings have been issued against swimming there.
What kind of wildlife can I see around the lakes and ponds?
The water bodies and surrounding areas support diverse wildlife. At Russell's Water Pond, you can observe ducks and large fish. The wider Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve, with its chalk grassland and woodlands, is home to rare butterflies and red kites. The wetland habitats also provide environments for various flora and fauna.
Are there historical sites or unique natural features near these water bodies?
Yes, Pond in Park Wood is located in a deciduous woodland with evidence of ancient field systems and a Tudor-era deer park. Old Kiln Lakes Wetland Habitat is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, renowned by geologists for its 100-million-year-old fossils and bright, high-alkaline water.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Aston Rowant?
Beyond exploring the water bodies, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, running, and road cycling. For example, there are several mountain bike trails like the 'Turville Village β Descent to the Ridgeway Trail loop' and running trails such as the 'Aston Rowant Discovery Trail β Juniper Bank loop'. You can explore more options in the MTB Trails around Aston Rowant, Running Trails around Aston Rowant, and Road Cycling Routes around Aston Rowant guides.
Is there public access to all the mentioned water bodies?
Not all water bodies have direct public access. For instance, while you can catch glimpses of the bright, high-alkaline water of Old Kiln Lakes Wetland Habitat from surrounding footpaths, there is no public access to the site itself. The Lyde Garden, which features a tributary of the River Thames, is open at the ownersβ discretion.
Are there any easy walks around the ponds or lakes?
Yes, Russell's Water Pond is a great starting point for flat circular walks, making it suitable for those looking for an easier stroll.
What is the best time of year to visit the Aston Rowant area for its natural features?
The Aston Rowant area, particularly the National Nature Reserve, is beautiful year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for seeing wildflowers and butterflies in the chalk grasslands. Autumn offers vibrant foliage in the woodlands, while winter provides crisp views of the unique landscape. The specific water bodies can be enjoyed in most seasons, though accessibility might vary slightly with weather conditions.
Are there any gardens or landscaped areas with water features?
Yes, The Lyde Garden is a beautiful landscaped area where a tributary of the River Thames rises. It features primulas, astilbes, gunnera, and hostas. It's open at the ownersβ discretion, and dogs are not permitted.
Are there any water features within the Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve itself?
Within the Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve, water features primarily include dew-ponds and the Holbrook stream at Fiveways. The reserve is more characterized by its chalk grassland and woodlands than by large lakes. You can find more information about the Fiveways area on the Aston Rowant Parish Council website.
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