Top 15 Lakes around Cheddington
Best lakes around Cheddington are situated in the village's near vicinity, offering a range of natural landscapes and activities. The area features former chalk quarries transformed into wetland habitats, as well as tranquil reservoirs and fishing lakes. These locations provide opportunities for wildlife observation, walking, and angling. The region's diverse aquatic environments support various plant and animal species.
Best lakes around Cheddington
- The most popular lakes is Marsworth Reservoir, a lake that attracts anglers, dog walkers, boaters, birdwatchers, and walkers. It is part of a larger network of reservoirs, offering opportunities for birdwatching from hides and relatively easy walking routes.
- Another must-see spot is Path along the Grand Union Canal and Marsworth Reservoir, a lake path. This gravel path offers superb views of colorful canalboats, flowing reeds, and the reservoir.
- Visitors also love Alders Farm Fisheries Lake Path, a trail that passes a peaceful fishing lake. This gravel path leads into Rushmere Country Park, providing views of the lake as you pass through.
- Cheddington is known for its reservoirs, fishing lakes, and nature reserves. These offer diverse environments for wildlife observation, angling, and walking.
- The lakes around Cheddington are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 60 upvotes and 15 photos shared.
Last updated: July 12, 2026
Marsworth Reservoir
Highlight β’ Lake
The walk begins with a flight of locks along the Grand Union Canal, before heading down a stretch of the partially restored Wendover Arm. The route then diverts into open countryside before regaling the walker with a magnificent view of the large Wilstone Reservoir, one of four on this walk.
Here there is an option to enter a bird hide to view the many species who call this water their home at different times of the year. The other reservoirs follow, making this a relaxing six miles of relatively easy walking following a circular route. Allow a good couple of hours to complete the walk, longer if you want to linger.
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Alders Farm Fisheries Lake Path
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Clickmere Pond
Highlight β’ Forest
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Wilstone Reservoir
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Walkway Between Grand Union Canal and Startop's End Reservoir
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Tips from the Community
This is a lovely trail that travels between the Grand Union Canal and Startop's End Reservoir via a green walkway. In the area you'll find sitting benches, beautiful grasslands and riverboats. Additionally a nearby birdwatching hide provides an excellent opportunity to observe local wildlife.
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A really beautiful pond here within Pitstone Common, with a newly built (in 2010) platform. The pond has shrunk in size over the years, but it's still a lovely place to be, and in the autumn the colours of the leaves on the trees here are totally gorgeous, only adding to the effect of the place.
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Great walks from here that can be short or long. You can also walk to the Pitsone windmill which is the oldest Windmill in the British Isles
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Public bridleway taking you into Into Rushmere Country Park. More info on Rushmere https://www.greensandtrust.org/rushmere-country-park
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Great family friendly rides around the lakes, 3 will signed routes of different distance. Great fun π
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Nice bridleway descent from Ivy/Bragenham Lane to Rushmere Country Park . Mainly firm gravel with some firm sand. Usually passable in all conditions but can be muddy at the Rushmere end. Views of peaceful fishing lake as you pass through. As you reach Rushmere Park you have several options including continuing on the bridleway through the lovely Oak Wood
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This is a very nice gravel path that takes you past the Alders Farm Fisheries Lake and into Rushmore Country Park.
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Tring Reservoirs Nature Reserve comprises four individual reservoirs: Startop's End, Marsworth and Tringford reservoirs are all close together and Wilstone reservoir is a short distance to the west. The reservoirs are home to a variety of wildlife and their reedbeds, wet woodland and open water habitats are a natural stronghold for birds. During colder months, you can find a large number of wintering wildfowl across all four reservoirs, including tufted duck, pochard, teal, gadwall, wigeon and shoveler with occasional goldeneye, goosander and smew if it is very cold. Wilstone Reservoir boasts the rare mudwort plant that can be spotted on the mudflats during autumn months as the waters recede. The site attracts breeding common terns which use rafts the Trust has installed and breeding oystercatchers have been recorded here. Between December and February, Marsworth Reservoir is a great place to see overwintering bitterns, as this site has a fantastic reedbed that retains its water to allow the birds to feed throughout the season. There is a heronry on the bank of Wilstone Reservoir and if you take binoculars you should be able to catch a glimpse of these usually solitary birds in large numbers. If you visit the reservoirs during late spring then you may spot a hobby hunting over the water. The hobby is an African migrant bird that is best seen on warm summer days at the end of May when there is plenty of prey around. You can also occasionally hear the call of the cuckoo especially from the back of the reedbed at Wilstone or Marsworth where you should also be able to hear and see reed warblers. Tring Reservoirs are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for a number of reasons including their situation on the lower chalk at the foot of the Chilterns escarpment resulting in diverse communities of plants and animals. Additionally, nationally-important numbers of shoveler are present during winter, together with other wildfowl. Large numbers of sedge and reed warblers breed here and Tring Reservoirs are a fantastic place to spot passage waders too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes near Cheddington?
The lakes near Cheddington offer diverse natural features. You'll find former chalk quarries transformed into thriving wetland habitats, tranquil reservoirs, and peaceful fishing lakes. These environments support a variety of plant and animal species, making them ideal for wildlife observation. For instance, Marsworth Reservoir is part of a network known for birdwatching, and Wilstone Reservoir is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to rare plants and significant bird populations.
Are there good walking routes around the lakes near Cheddington?
Yes, there are many walking routes available. The area around the Tring Reservoirs, including Marsworth Reservoir and Wilstone Reservoir, offers relatively easy circular walks. You can also find paths like the Path along the Grand Union Canal and Marsworth Reservoir, which provides superb views. For more options, you can explore various hiking routes around the region, such as those listed in the Hiking around Cheddington guide.
Are the lakes near Cheddington suitable for families and dogs?
Many of the lake areas are family-friendly and allow dogs. For example, the Tring Reservoirs, including Marsworth Reservoir, are popular for family walks and dog walkers. College Lake Nature Reserve is also an excellent destination for families, offering educational opportunities. Lakeside Fishery welcomes dogs on leads, making it suitable for a family day out in a peaceful setting.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Cheddington?
The best time to visit depends on your interests. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying walks and observing breeding birds. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, especially around places like Clickmere Pond, and is when the rare mudwort plant can be spotted at Wilstone Reservoir. Winter is excellent for birdwatching, particularly for wintering waterfowl and overwintering bitterns at Marsworth Reservoir.
Where can I find parking near the lakes?
Parking is generally available at many of the popular lake destinations. For instance, Wilstone Reservoir offers free parking. For other locations like College Lake Nature Reserve, visitor centers often provide dedicated parking facilities. It's advisable to check specific location details before your visit.
What kind of wildlife can I spot at the lakes?
The lakes are rich in wildlife, especially birds. College Lake Nature Reserve is known for its diverse birdlife, including species attracted to reedbeds and grasslands. The Tring Reservoirs, including Wilstone Reservoir and Marsworth Reservoir, are significant for wintering wildfowl, breeding common terns, oystercatchers, and even bitterns in colder months. You might also spot hobbies, cuckoos, and various aquatic plants and insects.
Are there any fishing lakes near Cheddington?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity in the area. Lakeside Fishery in Cublington and Eclipse Fishing Lakes in Eggington are both family-run fisheries offering coarse fishing for species like carp, perch, tench, and roach. Toddington Fishery also provides excellent opportunities for coarse fishing, with impressive carp and catfish. Alders Farm Fisheries Lake Path also passes a peaceful fishing lake.
What outdoor activities, besides walking, can I do near these lakes?
Beyond walking, you can enjoy cycling and mountain biking. The Tring Reservoirs area is great for family-friendly rides. You can find various road cycling routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Cheddington guide, and gravel biking options in the Gravel biking around Cheddington guide. Birdwatching from hides is also a popular activity, especially at the Tring Reservoirs and College Lake Nature Reserve.
Are there any hidden gem lakes or less-known spots worth visiting?
While not strictly 'hidden,' Clickmere Pond within Pitstone Common offers a beautiful, tranquil spot, especially in autumn with its vibrant leaf colors. It's a lovely place to relax and serves as a starting point for various walks, including to the historic Pitstone Windmill.
Are there pubs or cafes near the lakes for refreshments?
While specific establishments aren't detailed for every lake, popular areas like the Tring Reservoirs often have tearooms or cafes nearby, especially close to car parks. Many villages surrounding the lakes, such as Tring and Leighton Buzzard, offer a selection of pubs and cafes where you can find refreshments after your visit.
What are the accessibility options for paths around the lakes?
Many paths around the lakes are relatively easy walking routes, such as those around the Tring Reservoirs. The Path along the Grand Union Canal and Marsworth Reservoir is a gravel path, which is generally firm. While specific wheelchair accessibility details vary, many main routes are well-maintained. It's recommended to check individual location details for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
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