Top 5 Lakes around Breamore

Breamore is situated along the River Avon, known for fishing, and features managed coarse fisheries like Ashmoor Lakes. You'll also find natural ponds and nature reserves with a series of thriving lakes, offering diverse environments for outdoor activities.

The area is rich in wildlife. At Ashmoor Lakes, you might see moorhens, buzzards, kingfishers, and various woodland birds. Grass snakes and woodpeckers are also present. Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve is particularly known for its birdlife, especially in winter when many species overwinter there, including lapwings, terns, and oyster catchers.

Yes, Green Pond, Fritham Plain offers a scenic viewpoint on a heathland plateau where you can often see horses and cows drinking. Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve also provides many viewpoints across its series of lakes, with managed paths for good views of lakes like Mockbeggar Lake.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity. The River Avon at Breamore is renowned for its fishing opportunities, managed by the Ringwood and District Angler Association. Ashmoor Lakes is a tranquil coarse fishery with three interconnected lakes, offering a variety of fish species like Carp, Bream, Roach, and Tench. Day tickets are available for Ashmoor Lakes.

Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. You can explore woodlands around Eyeworth Pond, which also has Roman remains. Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve features managed paths around its lakes, ideal for walks. For more extensive options, you can find various hiking routes around Breamore, including those that pass by water bodies, on the Hiking around Breamore guide.

Beyond hiking and fishing, the area offers cycling and running. You can find various cycling routes, including those exploring the New Forest, on the Cycling around Breamore guide. Running trails are also available, such as routes around Whitsbury Castle or Breamore Wood, detailed in the Running Trails around Breamore guide.

Many of the water bodies are family-friendly. Eyeworth Pond is a nice spot for a picnic. Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve is suitable for families with public toilets and car parks. Green Pond, Fritham Plain is a great place to see New Forest ponies and cows. Ellingham Pound Lake also has easy-to-walk banks.

Summer is a lovely time to visit for general outdoor enjoyment and picnics. However, for birdwatching, winter is particularly rewarding at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, as many migratory birds overwinter there. The tranquil settings of Ashmoor Lakes can be enjoyed throughout the warmer months.

Ashmoor Lakes provides essential facilities like net dips, bins, and a toilet (during warmer months), and anglers can arrive and pay on-site. Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve has public toilets and car parks, and features managed paths that offer good views of the lakes, suggesting a degree of accessibility.

Eyeworth Pond has a small number of parking places. Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve offers several car parks. For other locations, it's advisable to check local signage or specific highlight details for parking availability.

While specific rules vary, the New Forest area, where some of these water bodies are located, generally welcomes dogs on leads. However, it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, especially around livestock (like the ponies and cows at Green Pond, Fritham Plain) and wildlife, particularly during bird nesting seasons at nature reserves like Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.

Eyeworth Pond, though called a pond, functions more like a lake. It was created in the late 19th century to power a nearby gunpowder mill, giving it a unique historical context. It's a peaceful spot for a picnic and offers woodland walks with glimpses of Roman remains.