Top 7 Lakes around Watermead
Best lakes around Watermead are primarily found within Watermead Country Park in Leicestershire, UK, a designated Local Nature Reserve. These artificial lakes are situated in the valley of the River Soar and the old Grand Union Canal. The area provides a haven for wetland wildlife, including extensive reedbeds, wet woodlands, and wildflower meadows. Over 200 bird species have been recorded here, making it suitable for birdwatching.
Best lakes around Watermead
- The most popular lakes is Marsworth Reservoir, a lake that acts as a magnet for anglers, dog walkers, boaters, birdwatchers, and walkers. This location offers a relaxing six miles of relatively easy walking following a circular route.
- Another must-see spot is Walkway Between Grand Union Canal and Startop's End Reservoir, a trail that travels between the Grand Union Canal and Startop's End Reservoir via a green walkway. Visitors can expect sitting benches, beautiful grasslands, and riverboats, with a nearby birdwatching hide providing opportunities to observe local wildlife.
- Visitors also love View of Tring Reservoirs, a viewpoint offering beautiful views of the reservoir. This spot is known for its calm waters and is a suitable place to stop for a rest.
- Watermead is known for its reservoirs and artificial lakes. These bodies of water offer diverse activities like walking, cycling, and birdwatching.
- The lakes around Watermead are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 60 upvotes and 15 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Marsworth Reservoir
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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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Wilstone Reservoir
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Walkway Between Grand Union Canal and Startop's End Reservoir
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View of Tring Reservoirs
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Watermead Lake
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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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Watermead Lake is a beautiful and peaceful place situated on the northern end of Aylesbury. There are many waterbirds often seen bobbing around the river and a lovely bandstand where the locals picnic.
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Beautiful views of the reservoir - usually as still as a duck pond. And if you're lucky you'll see some actual ducks too!
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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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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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The Marsworth Reservoirs act as a magnet for anglers, dog walkers, boaters, birdwatchers and walkers, especially over a sunny weekend, but few ever really venture much beyond the car parks and tearooms. 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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Wilstone Reservoir boasts the rare mudwort plant that can be spotted on the mudflats during autumn months as the waters recedes. The site also attracts breeding common terns. There is free parking available.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features and wildlife can I expect to see around the Watermead lakes?
The lakes within Watermead Country Park are part of a designated Local Nature Reserve, offering extensive reedbeds, wet woodlands, wildflower meadows, and open water. Over 200 bird species have been recorded, making it excellent for birdwatching, with four bird hides available. At Wilstone Reservoir, you might spot the rare mudwort plant, breeding common terns, and a variety of wintering wildfowl. Marsworth Reservoir also features a birdwatching hide.
Are there family-friendly activities or walks around the Watermead lakes?
Yes, many areas around the Watermead lakes are very family-friendly. Watermead Country Park offers children's play areas and the Jurassic Play Trail around King Lear's Lake. The paths around lakes like Marsworth Reservoir are suitable for family walks and cycling, with tips mentioning 'Great family friendly rides' and easy circular routes.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the Watermead lakes?
The lakes offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking, cycling, running, and birdwatching. Fishing and various watersports are also popular, particularly at Watermead Country Park. For hiking, there are routes like the 'Bierton Lakes loop from Watermead' or the 'Watermead Lake loop from Watermead'. Cyclists can explore routes such as the 'Waddesdon Greenway' or the 'Aylesbury Canal Towpath'. You can find more details on these activities and routes in the hiking guide and cycling guide for Watermead.
Are there any historical or notable landmarks around the Watermead lakes?
Yes, Watermead Country Park in Leicestershire features a statue of the final scene of Shakespeare's *King Lear* on the western side of King Lear's Lake. Further south, near Mammoth Lake, you'll find the 'Millennium Mammoth' statue, commemorating Ice Age mammoth remains discovered during quarrying operations in the area.
What are some popular walking routes around the Watermead lakes?
Many lakes offer pleasant walking opportunities. Marsworth Reservoir provides a relaxing six-mile circular route. The Walkway Between Grand Union Canal and Startop's End Reservoir is another lovely trail with benches and views. For easy hikes, consider the 'Bierton Lakes loop' or the 'Watermead Lake loop' from Watermead. You can explore more options in the easy hikes guide for Watermead.
Is Watermead Lake in Aylesbury different from the lakes in Watermead Country Park?
Yes, Watermead Lake in Aylesbury is a distinct urban garden park lake, separate from the network of lakes within Watermead Country Park in Leicestershire. The Aylesbury lake is split into two parts by a road bridge and offers tranquil walking trails, wildlife, and a waterside inn. There is no entrance fee, and it's generally open from dawn till dusk.
What is the best time to visit the Watermead lakes?
The Watermead lakes can be enjoyed year-round. During colder months, the Tring Reservoirs (including Wilstone Reservoir) are excellent for spotting overwintering wildfowl and even bitterns. Late spring and summer are ideal for seeing African migrant birds like hobbies and hearing warblers. Sunny weekends are popular for walking and watersports, but be aware that areas like Marsworth Reservoir can be busy.
Are the trails around Watermead lakes suitable for dogs?
Yes, many trails around the Watermead lakes are dog-friendly. King Lear's Lake in Watermead Country Park is a popular spot for dog walking, and the Watermead Lake in Aylesbury is also well-regarded by dog walkers. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially near wildlife or other visitors.
Where can I find parking near the Watermead lakes?
Parking is available at various points. For instance, Wilstone Reservoir offers free parking. Watermead Country Park also has designated parking areas. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival for specific parking instructions and any potential fees.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Watermead lakes?
Visitors frequently praise the tranquil escape offered by the lakes, the diverse wildlife, and the well-maintained pathways for walking and cycling. The opportunities for birdwatching, the family-friendly atmosphere, and the blend of natural beauty with recreational activities are highly appreciated. The scenic views, such as those from View of Tring Reservoirs, are also a highlight.
Are there any specific lakes known for watersports?
John Merricks Lake in Watermead Country Park is known for watersports, named after an Olympic silver medallist who trained there. King Lear's Lake is also utilized for open water swim training by the Leicester Triathlon Club and for water training by Newfoundland Dogs. The River Soar and Grand Union Canal, accessible from Watermead Country Park, also offer opportunities for boating and watersports.
Can I find cafes or pubs near the Watermead lakes?
Yes, there are options for refreshments. Watermead Lake in Aylesbury features an idyllic waterside inn. While specific cafes are not detailed for Watermead Country Park, the area is generally well-serviced, and you can often find tearooms or pubs near popular car parks, especially around the Tring Reservoirs area.
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