Top 11 Lakes around Ellesborough
Best lakes around Ellesborough are situated in the surrounding Buckinghamshire landscape, featuring a variety of natural and man-made water bodies. While Ellesborough itself does not contain prominent natural lakes, the nearby area offers several options for outdoor exploration. The region is characterized by its rolling hills and woodlands, typical of the Chiltern Hills, with water features often integrated into walking routes. These locations serve as points of interest for those exploring the natural features of the area.
Best lakes aroundβ¦
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Marsworth Reservoir
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Old Kiln Lakes Wetland Habitat
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Pond in Park Wood
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The Lyde Garden
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Old Kiln Lakes (Former Chinnor Chalk Pit)
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This is one of the quarries here, a part of the former Chinnor Chalk Pit, now flooded and known as Old Kiln Lakes. The lakes are freshwater, but very alkaline, and there was a warning to the public issued in 2012 to not swim in there. It's a striking and moon-like place, looking very dramatic and slightly out-of-this-world. A definite must!
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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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This quarry is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and well known by geologists for its phenomenal history. Packed with fossils, some of the finds here date back 100 million years. There's no public access, but you can catch glimpses of its bright high-alkaline water from the surrounding footpaths.
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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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Good place for walk or mountain bike tour. Bird watching hide is there.
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Chinnor, Chalk and Cement Mr. W. Benton's Cement and Lime Works opened in Chinnor in 1908, but cement making on a truly industrial scale did not begin until 1919. Output of cement from Chinnor peaked at about 5600 tonnes per week in the 1990s. Up to 120 people were employed at any one time. The cement works closed in 1999 and there are plans for the re-development of the site, using the flat areas for housing but also with opportunities for recreation and conservation in the water filled quarries The scale of chalk extraction for cement making can be seen from a short walk along the Ridgeway National Trail. The Ridgeway runs on a high causeway between the large quarries, giving views of the pits through the boundary fences. (Do not cross over or through the fences). Geology One of the chalk quarries has been protected as a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest as it has particularly good exposures of both the Lower Chalk and Middle Chalk geological layers. Both layers have given upimportant fossil ammonites.
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The Lyde, a tributary of the River Thames, rises here and the garden is planted with primulas, astilbes, gunnera and hostas. Originally three watercress beds, surrounded by large and beautiful wych elms, it has β as a result of elm disease β become a wilderness. The garden is open at the ownersβ discretion from 9am β 4pm daily. Dogs are not permitted. See: carington.co.uk/gardens/lyde-garden
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of water bodies can I expect to find near Ellesborough?
While Ellesborough itself does not contain prominent natural lakes, the surrounding Buckinghamshire landscape offers a variety of water bodies. You can find reservoirs, natural ponds, and wetland habitats, often integrated into walking routes within the rolling hills and woodlands of the Chiltern Hills.
Are there any family-friendly lakes or walks around Ellesborough?
Yes, several spots are suitable for families. Marsworth Reservoir is popular for family-friendly rides and walks, with three signed routes of different distances. Pond in Park Wood is also considered family-friendly, offering a natural setting within a historic woodland.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Ellesborough?
The area around Ellesborough offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, road cycling, and running. For example, there are easy hikes like 'The Best of Coombe Hill Walk', road cycling routes such as the 'Upper Winchendon Climb', and running trails like the 'Wendover Woods and The Ridgeway Loop'.
Are there specific rules for dog walking around the lakes near Ellesborough?
While many areas are dog-friendly, specific rules can vary by location. For instance, The Lyde Garden explicitly states that dogs are not permitted. Always look for local signage or check specific venue guidelines before visiting with your dog.
What natural features or wildlife can I observe near these lakes?
The lakes and surrounding areas are rich in natural features and wildlife. At Marsworth Reservoir, you can find a bird hide to view many species throughout the year. Old Kiln Lakes Wetland Habitat is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, known for its geological history and fossils, with unique high-alkaline water visible from footpaths.
Are there any historical or archaeological points of interest near the lakes?
Yes, Pond in Park Wood is a notable example. Archaeological surveys have revealed ancient field systems, possibly dating back to the late Iron Age/early Roman period, and evidence of a late thirteenth/early fourteenth-century homestead. The woodland was also a deer park in Tudor times.
Can I go wild swimming in any of the lakes near Ellesborough?
It is generally not recommended. For example, the Old Kiln Lakes (Former Chinnor Chalk Pit) are freshwater but very alkaline, and a public warning was issued in 2012 advising against swimming there. Always prioritize safety and check local regulations before attempting wild swimming.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Ellesborough?
The area is enjoyable year-round. However, the Marsworth Reservoirs are particularly popular on sunny weekends for walkers and birdwatchers. Visiting during spring or autumn can offer pleasant weather for walks and beautiful seasonal foliage.
Are there cafes or pubs near the walking routes around Ellesborough's lakes?
Yes, some areas offer amenities. The Marsworth Reservoirs area has car parks and tearooms. While specific cafes or pubs directly adjacent to every lake are not detailed, many villages in the Chiltern Hills region offer such facilities.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots around the lakes?
Yes, the area provides scenic views. The circular route around Marsworth Reservoir offers magnificent views of the large Wilstone Reservoir. The Lyde Garden is also noted as a viewpoint, offering peaceful garden scenery.
Is public transport available to reach the lakes near Ellesborough?
Information on specific public transport routes to each lake is not readily available. However, Ellesborough is located in Buckinghamshire, and local bus services may connect to nearby towns and villages from which some lake areas could be accessed. Planning your route in advance is recommended.
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