Top 3 Lakes around Sturry

For a pleasant walk, Chequers Wood and Old Park offers rich woodlands and trails. Westbere Lake, though not listed as a highlight, is a significant local lake with a serene 5 km loop trail, perfect for accessible hikes with virtually no elevation gain. Remember that some sections of the Westbere Lake trail can be muddy after rain, so waterproof boots are recommended.

Yes, several lakes around Sturry are suitable for families. Chequers Wood and Old Park is family-friendly with varied tree and plant species. Thanington Lakes on the Great Stour Way is also family-friendly, featuring a well-maintained fishery beside a cycle path. Additionally, Mount Ephraim Gardens includes a small lake within its Edwardian gardens, offering a delightful family outing with features like topiary and a grass maze.

Westbere Lake is an excellent spot for birdwatching and wildlife. It's rich in various fish species and has historically seen rare bird sightings, such as the Purple Heron. The tranquil waters and surrounding natural areas provide a great environment for observing local wildlife. Chequers Wood and Old Park also offers diverse plant and tree species, contributing to a rich natural habitat.

Beyond walking, the area around Sturry's lakes offers various outdoor activities. You can find excellent running trails, including routes like the 'Fordwich Bridge – Chequers Wood and Old Park loop'. Cycling is also popular, with routes such as the 'Chequers Wood and Old Park – Canterbury City Centre loop'. For mountain biking enthusiasts, Old Park Mountain Bike Trails offers a network of XC trails and even free fishing in its small lake. You can explore more routes on the Running Trails around Sturry, Cycling around Sturry, and MTB Trails around Sturry guide pages.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity around Sturry's lakes. Westbere Lake is a premier fishery, particularly known for carp (some over 40lb), bream, tench, roach, and pike. Note that there is a close season from March 14th to June 16th, and access for fishing requires keys as it's private property. Additionally, Old Park Mountain Bike Trails offers free fishing in its small lake.

Westbere Lake is easily accessible, located near Sturry village. The nearest train station, Sturry, is approximately 1.5 km (0.9 miles) from the trailhead. There is also parking available near the Westbere Marshes Nature Reserve for those driving. The 5 km loop trail around Westbere Lake has virtually no elevation gain, making it suitable for many visitors. Thanington Lakes on the Great Stour Way is also easily accessible, located beside a cycle path.

The area around Westbere Lake has historical intrigue, as the lake itself was once a gravel working. Old Park Mountain Bike Trails is located in a former military training area, which used to contain WW2 air raid shelters when Howe Barracks was in use.

You can expect a variety of trails. Westbere Lake features a serene 5 km loop trail with virtually no elevation gain, though it can be muddy. Chequers Wood and Old Park offers trails through rich woodlands. For cyclists, Thanington Lakes on the Great Stour Way is situated beside a cycle path. Mountain bikers can enjoy a network of XC Trails at Old Park Mountain Bike Trails.

Visitors appreciate the accessible natural spaces and diverse landscapes. The lakes offer opportunities for peaceful walks, wildlife observation, and various outdoor activities like cycling and mountain biking. The komoot community has shown its appreciation with over 40 upvotes and 7 photos shared, highlighting the area's appeal for nature lovers and active explorers.

Yes, Mount Ephraim Gardens features a small lake within its ten acres of family-owned Edwardian gardens. The lake is part of a water garden framed by a Japanese rock garden and bridge, offering a beautiful and tranquil setting.

While specific crowd levels can vary, the general appeal of the lakes around Sturry is their integration into natural settings like woodlands and alongside cycle paths, offering opportunities for peaceful enjoyment. Westbere Lake, with its 5 km loop trail, provides a tranquil environment for nature walks and appreciating local wildlife away from more bustling areas.