Top 5 Lakes around Gurnard
Best lakes around Gurnard offers opportunities to explore the natural and historical landscapes near this coastal village on the Isle of Wight. Gurnard itself is known for its Solent views and access to coastal walks. While natural lakes are not a prominent feature directly within Gurnard, the surrounding region provides various ponds and former mill lakes. These areas offer diverse environments for outdoor activities and wildlife observation.
Best lakes around Gurnard
- The most popular lakes is Cassey Bridge and Causeway…
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Cassey Bridge and Causeway Lake Estuary
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Mopley Pond
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Badminston Common
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Birchmore Pond
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Sowley Pond
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Tips from the Community
Lovely bridge over the Causeway Lake estuary. Enjoy views of the lake on one side and mouth of the river on the other, before setting off for more exploring of this beautiful landscape on the Isle of Wight.
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Now a fishing lake, Mopley Pond was formed some time in the past by damming the valley where two streams met to form a mill pond for the Mopley watermill on the Bourne. The earlies known reference to a mill here is 1626, but the mill referred to under Woodington in 1555 is almost certainly Mopley. The mill appears on the Fawley tithe map of 1838, but it has been removed by the OS Survey undertaken in 1868. The PLUTO pipeline ran from the holding tanks on Badminston Common to a pump house at Mopley Pond, but was removed after the war. The pump-house was constructed of corrugated iron with a gabled tin roof and double doors in the end, making it look like a domestic garage. All that is left today is the concrete base, and even this is overgrown with vegetation. From Mopley to Stone Point on the Lepe foreshore, the PLUTO pipeline then ran underwater across the Solent to Thorness Bay on the Isle of Wight and thence across the Island to Shankling Chine, where it crossed the Channel to the Cherbourg Peninsular.
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There were many wartime installations in the Fawley area, including the storage tanks used for the PLUTO project, a Second World War Pipe Line Under the Ocean. These were located at the end of Badminston Lane in an area generally known as the Common. It was largely open heathland, much like the New Forest, covered with heather and gorse. The tanks measured about 180 metres by 100 metres and stood about three or four metres high. They were covered over with soil and sand and then grassed over to conceal their position and purpose. The removal of the sand and gravel left a huge scar on the landscape about a metre deep and required to be camouflaged. This was achieved by lopping off the top 2 metres of pine trees, positioning them in the manner of plantation trees and securing them in position with wooden pegs and galvanised iron wire. They soon became a local feature as a forest of small dead tree tops! Badminston Common was used for common grazing land in the 18th century. Gravel has been extracted from this area for years. The now flooded Badminston gravel pit is a haven for all sorts of wildlife.
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Sowley Pond is a Site of Special Scientific Interest that is home to many species of wildlife, most notably birdlife. Keep a look-out for herons, teal, goosanders, wigeon, pochard, plus more.
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Is a Gift to Nature site next to Naturezones. The pond has been cleared and maintained to make it the perfect environment for dragonflies and damselflies. There is a bench next to the pond and it is a peaceful place for a picnic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of 'lakes' can I expect to find around Gurnard?
While Gurnard itself doesn't have large natural lakes, the surrounding area features a variety of ponds, former mill lakes, and estuaries. These include sites like Cassey Bridge and Causeway Lake Estuary, which offers views of a lake-like estuary, and historical sites such as Mopley Pond, a former mill pond.
Are there family-friendly spots among the lakes around Gurnard?
Yes, several locations are suitable for families. Cassey Bridge and Causeway Lake Estuary is noted as a family-friendly location for exploring the landscape. Birchmore Pond also offers a peaceful spot for a picnic, which can be enjoyable for families.
What historical significance do some of these 'lakes' hold?
Some of the ponds and former mill lakes have interesting historical backgrounds. For example, Mopley Pond was historically a mill pond for the Mopley watermill and later played a role in the PLUTO pipeline project during World War II. Badminston Common, now a flooded gravel pit, was also a site for wartime installations related to the PLUTO project.
What kind of wildlife can I observe at these locations?
The areas around Gurnard's ponds and estuaries are rich in wildlife. Sowley Pond, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is particularly known for its birdlife, including herons, teal, goosanders, wigeon, and pochard. Birchmore Pond is maintained to be an ideal environment for dragonflies and damselflies.
Are there walking trails near the lakes around Gurnard?
Yes, there are numerous walking trails in the vicinity. You can find various hiking routes around Gurnard, including easy loops like 'Mushroom in the Forest loop from Northwood' or coastal walks such as 'Egypt Point Lighthouse – Gurnard Beach Huts loop from Cowes'. For more options, explore the Hiking around Gurnard guide.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Gurnard?
Beyond walking, the area offers opportunities for cycling and mountain biking. You can find routes like 'Cowes to Newport Cycleway – Red Squirrel Trail loop from Cowes' for cycling or 'Carved Rabbit Picnic Tables – Red Squirrel Trail loop from Cowes' for mountain biking. Check out the Cycling around Gurnard and MTB Trails around Gurnard guides for detailed routes.
What makes Sowley Pond a significant natural area?
Sowley Pond is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its rich biodiversity. It's a crucial habitat, especially for various bird species like herons, teal, and wigeon, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching.
What is special about Cassey Bridge and Causeway Lake Estuary?
Cassey Bridge and Causeway Lake Estuary offers unique views, with the lake on one side and the mouth of the river on the other. It's a picturesque and family-friendly location, perfect for a leisurely stroll and enjoying the coastal landscape.
Is Birchmore Pond a good place for a quiet visit?
Yes, Birchmore Pond is described as a peaceful place, ideal for a picnic. It's also a 'Gift to Nature' site, specifically maintained to support dragonflies and damselflies, offering a tranquil spot for nature observation.
What do visitors generally enjoy about the lakes and ponds around Gurnard?
Visitors appreciate the diverse environments offered by these locations, from historical sites to natural habitats. The komoot community has contributed over 40 upvotes and 6 photos, highlighting the appeal of these spots for outdoor exploration, wildlife observation, and enjoying the scenic views.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Gurnard?
The best time to visit largely depends on your interests. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking and observing dragonflies at Birchmore Pond. Autumn and winter can be excellent for birdwatching at Sowley Pond, when migratory birds are present. Coastal walks are enjoyable year-round, weather permitting.
Are the areas around the lakes dog-friendly?
Many outdoor areas around Gurnard, including coastal paths and rural trails near the ponds, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially in nature reserves like Sowley Pond, to protect wildlife, and to check for any specific local signage regarding pet access.
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