Top 9 Lakes around Chartham

For internationally-important wildlife and birdwatching, visit Oare Marshes Nature Reserve. Eastwell Lake is known for its rich wildlife, including herons and kingfishers. For varied tree and plant species, including ancient trees, explore Chequers Wood and Old Park.

Yes, several spots are suitable for families. Oare Marshes Nature Reserve and Eastwell Lake are both listed as family-friendly and offer opportunities for wildlife observation. Chequers Wood and Old Park provides natural forests for exploration. Additionally, Mount Ephraim Gardens features ten acres of Edwardian gardens, a small lake, and unique topiary, which can be enjoyable for all ages.

The lakes and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife. At Oare Marshes Nature Reserve, you can spot a wide array of breeding, migrating, and overwintering bird species like pied avocets, common redshanks, and bearded reedlings. Eastwell Lake is home to herons, kingfishers, various wildfowl, and even badgers, stoats, and roe deer. The Stour Valley Walk also offers opportunities to observe wildlife like grey herons.

Yes, the region offers various trails. The Stour Valley Walk passes near large fishing lakes and offers scenic views. For specific routes, you can explore options like 'The Great Stour & Orchard loop' or 'Westgate Towers – Canterbury City Centre loop' which are moderate hikes. For easier walks, consider routes like 'St Mary's Church, Chartham loop' or 'Bridge Over the Stour loop' found in the easy hikes guide around Chartham.

Yes, there are cycling opportunities. The Mill Footpath and Wooden Bridge is described as a footpath well-used by cyclists, with a gravel bike suitable for descending. You can find more routes in the running trails guide around Chartham, which includes routes like 'Gravel Track Beside the Lake – Chilham Lakes Path loop' that might be suitable for cycling.

The best time to visit depends on your interests. For birdwatching, Oare Marshes Nature Reserve is significant for migrating and overwintering birds, suggesting autumn and winter can be excellent. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking and enjoying the lush greenery of places like Chequers Wood and Old Park and the blooms at Mount Ephraim Gardens.

While the lakes themselves are primarily natural or fishing-focused, Eastwell Lake has a historical anecdote, with Queen Victoria reportedly having skated on it when it was frozen. Mount Ephraim Gardens offers ten acres of Edwardian gardens with unique topiary and a Japanese rock garden, providing a cultural and historical landscape experience.

Many of the lakes in the Chartham area, such as Chartham Lake and Milton Lake, are privately owned and primarily operated as fishing venues. They are known for diverse stock including Carp, Tench, Bream, Roach, Rudd, and Pike. Access typically requires tickets or memberships, often managed by Mid Kent Fisheries.

Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and the tranquility. Oare Marshes Nature Reserve is described as 'desolate but lovely,' offering a quiet escape. Eastwell Lake is praised for its 'beautiful views' and being a 'beautiful haven for wildlife.' Mount Ephraim Gardens is noted as 'amazing' and a place to 'come to rest'.

Yes, there are easy walking options. The easy hikes guide around Chartham features routes like 'St Mary's Church, Chartham loop' (4.2 km) and 'Bridge Over the Stour loop' (5.3 km), which are suitable for beginners looking for shorter, less strenuous walks.

Yes, many of the hiking and running routes in the area are circular. For example, the 'The Great Stour & Orchard loop' and 'St Mary's Church, Chartham loop' are circular options that allow you to experience the scenery around the lakes and river without retracing your steps. You can find these and more in the hiking guide and running guide for Chartham.