Top 14 Lakes around Sunninghill And Ascot
Best lakes around Sunninghill And Ascot offer diverse natural and man-made water features within a landscape characterized by extensive parklands and forests. The area, including parts of Windsor Great Park and Swinley Forest, provides a variety of settings for outdoor activities. Visitors can find both tranquil natural ponds and large, historically significant artificial lakes. This region is known for its well-maintained walking trails and opportunities for wildlife observation.
Best lakes around Sunninghill And Ascot
- The most popular lakes is Five Arch Bridge, Virginia Water Lake, a bridge that crosses the northern side of Virginia Water Lake. This stone bridge, rebuilt in 1826, is architecturally imposing and part of a larger lake known for its walking trails and diverse wildlife.
- Another must-see spot is Cow Pond, a lake with ducks, birds, and scenic views. It was renovated in 2012, featuring a baroque-style footbridge and an oak arbour crafted from sustainable Windsor Estate oak.
- Visitors also love Rapley Lake, a lake situated within Swinley Forest near Bagshot. It is ideal for walks and exploring the extensive network of woodland paths throughout the forest.
- Sunninghill And Ascot is known for its natural ponds, artificial lakes, and purpose-built rowing lakes. The area offers a variety of water bodies to see and explore, from ecological sites to Olympic venues.
- The lakes around Sunninghill And Ascot are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 50 upvotes and 29 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Cow Pond
Highlight • Lake
Whilst visiting Cow Pond, take a trip to nearby Chapel Wood. Autumn fills this woodland with the glorious colour of the Japanese maples, while a visit during January and February will be rewarded with colourful and sweetly perfumed witch hazels. Whatever the season, this charming wood is always a worthwhile addition to your walk.
Cow Pond was formally created in the early 1700s by architect Henry Flitcroft, as an extension from an existing pond. The oak arbour and footbridge, added as part of the renovations in 2012, were built according to the original 1748 designs.
windsorgreatpark.co.uk/en/experiences/cow-pond
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Rapley Lake
Highlight • Forest
The area can get a bit muddy after heavy rainfall, so keep that in mind and wear appropriate footwear.
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Observation Tower and Trails at Former TRL Site, Crowthorne
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Five Arch Bridge, Virginia Water Lake
Highlight • Bridge
virginiawater.org.uk/scr/histlist.php?locid=&bid=15
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Heath Lake
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Popular around Sunninghill And Ascot
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Tips from the Community
Rapley Lake is beautiful and sits on the outskirts of the Royal Estate of Bagshot Park. It's very peaceful and on a still day the lake is like a mirror. It's a bit of a dead end if you cycle there as there's only really one path in or out, but lots of little paths for hiking. There's ducks and geese who like to be fed!
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Very close to Bagshot, within Swinley Forest, you will find this beautiful lake, perfect for a walk and for getting lost in the network of paths throughout the forest. The area can get a bit muddy after heavy rainfall, so keep that in mind and wear appropriate footwear.
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While walking along the path around the lake, you can observe a wide variety of birds, including swans and ducks, among others. This lake is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is home to several rare plants due to its low pH levels. In fact, it's the only acid lake in the county. Depending on the weather, it can become muddy.
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This lake is the only acid lake in Berkshire. Due to its naturally high pH level, it harbors some very uncommon plants, such as the water milfoil or the six-stemmed water crowfoot. This has earned it the designation of SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). Next to the reserve where this lake is located, there is a small, free parking area. Several trails and routes, like the Ramblers Route, pass by the lake.
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The Crowthorne location that formerly housed the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) has now been transformed into a vast expanse of open space. The area features a legendary and monumental high-speed vehicle testing berm, gravelpads, and hillclimbing tracks, and labs once utilised to test crash test dummies. The vicinity also boasts sprawling woodlands, offering a plethora of well-maintained trails that are perfect for running, hiking, or extending a gravel ride. An enormous skid pan adds to the allure of this region, as does the presence of test zones that were previously utilised to test out-of-the-box ideas, such as miniature roundabouts and bike paths, all within the expanse of a well-landscaped forest.
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Former Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) in Crowthorne Berkshire is now huge open space with now defunct, massive high speed vehicle testing berms, gravelpads and hillclimbing tracks in what used to be the home of the crash test dummies. Wide woodlands littered with well surfaced tracks perfect for running, extending a gravel ride or walking. A huge skid pan and areas once used to test ‘innovative’ ideas such as mini-roundabouts and bike paths amongst a well landscaped forest.
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It would be helpful to put in the walk title where it is!
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Really peaceful here and just one of the many different and interesting features you'll find along this route
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for walking and enjoying nature around Sunninghill and Ascot?
For extensive walks and diverse natural features, Virginia Water Lake is highly recommended. It offers a 4.5-mile circuit, a cascade waterfall, and the beautiful Valley Gardens. Rapley Lake, nestled within Swinley Forest, is also excellent for woodland walks. For unique flora, Heath Lake, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, supports rare plant species.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Sunninghill and Ascot?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Virginia Water Lake is very popular, offering playgrounds, picnic spots, and easy walking trails. Cow Pond is another charming spot with ducks and birds, perfect for a tranquil family picnic. Dorney Lake, with its flat, tarmacked 3-mile loop, is suitable for buggies and wheelchairs, making it accessible for all family members.
What historical or cultural landmarks can I find near the lakes?
The area boasts several historical points of interest. At Virginia Water Lake, you can see the impressive 100-foot Cascade Waterfall, the Roman-style Leptis Magna Ruins, and the Five Arch Bridge. Cow Pond features a baroque-style footbridge and an oak arbour, both renovated in 2012 to commemorate The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, built according to original 1748 designs.
Are there accessible routes for wheelchairs or buggies around the lakes?
Yes, Dorney Lake offers a flat, tarmacked 3-mile loop around its rowing course, making it suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. Virginia Water Lake also has well-maintained paths that are generally accessible, though some sections might be uneven.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes besides walking?
Beyond walking, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including routes around Virginia Water Lake and Englemere Pond. For mountain biking, Swinley Forest near Rapley Lake provides extensive trails. You can explore these and more on the Running Trails around Sunninghill And Ascot guide or the MTB Trails around Sunninghill And Ascot guide.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Sunninghill and Ascot?
The lakes offer beauty year-round. Virginia Water Lake is particularly stunning in autumn for its foliage and vibrant in spring and summer. Cow Pond is appealing in autumn for Japanese maples and in winter for colorful witch hazels in nearby Chapel Wood. Dorney Lake's grounds are open seasonally from September to mid-April.
Are there dog-friendly trails around the lakes?
Many of the trails around the lakes are dog-friendly. Virginia Water Lake is a popular spot for dog-walkers, offering plenty of space for your canine companions to enjoy. Always ensure dogs are kept under control and follow local guidelines regarding leads.
Where can I find parking near the lakes?
Parking is available at several locations. Virginia Water Lake has visitor parking facilities. For Heath Lake, there is a small, free parking area next to the reserve. When visiting Rapley Lake within Swinley Forest, look for designated parking areas for the forest.
Are there cafes or visitor facilities near the lakes?
Yes, the Virginia Water Pavilion provides visitor facilities, including cafes, near Virginia Water Lake. While other lakes might be more natural and less developed, you can often find pubs and cafes in the nearby towns of Sunninghill and Ascot.
What makes Heath Lake unique among the lakes in the region?
Heath Lake is unique as the only acid lake in Berkshire, making it a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This ecological distinction allows it to support rare plant species such as water milfoil and six-stemmed water crowfoot, making it a prime location for nature enthusiasts interested in uncommon flora.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Sunninghill and Ascot?
Visitors frequently praise the serene surroundings, well-maintained walking trails, and diverse wildlife. The historical elements like the Leptis Magna Ruins at Virginia Water Lake and the charming renovation of Cow Pond are also highly appreciated. The opportunity for peaceful walks and picnics in picturesque settings is a common highlight.
Can I explore extensive woodland paths near the lakes?
Absolutely. Rapley Lake is situated within Swinley Forest, which offers an extensive network of woodland paths perfect for exploration. Similarly, Virginia Water Lake is part of Windsor Great Park, providing numerous trails through wooded areas and open parkland.
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