4.6
(510)
9,222
hikers
282
hikes
Hiking around Knight Reservoir offers accessible trails in a protected natural environment, despite direct access to the reservoir itself being restricted. The area is situated south of the River Thames, west of West Molesey, and is characterized by its proximity to the river and its ecological significance as a habitat for various wildfowl. The surrounding landscape provides opportunities for observing diverse birdlife and enjoying scenic views along easily accessible paths.
Last updated: July 13, 2026
60
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
52
hikers
9.20km
02:19
10m
10m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
15
hikers
12.5km
03:09
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Nice quiet cafe near the water, with an outside terrace and plenty of space for bikes. Good coffee and food too.
1
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Beautiful spot and very nice place for a stop
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Some mud jumping fun after rain.
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Extremely dog friendly! Nice pub with friendly service right on the Thames. If you don't like it here: there are numerous other places to stop for refreshments within a few 100m!
1
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This is a particularly scenic section of the Thames Path known as Molesey Riverside. It features a wide open grassy space backing on the the Hurst Park estate, house boats and small islands. The terrain is compact gravel, making it suitable for any type of bike.
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You can hike onto Desborough Island at either the east or west side, over public access bridges. It is a quiet and calm place and walking its perimeter is generally much less busy than the Thames Path. The island was created in the 1930s by the digging of a straight channel to remove a meandering section of the River Thames.
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There are over 290 hiking routes accessible from bus stations around Knight Reservoir. The majority of these are rated as easy or moderate, making the area suitable for a wide range of hikers.
Yes, the area offers a great selection of easy trails. Out of the nearly 300 routes, over 210 are classified as easy, featuring gentle terrain and accessible paths. An example is "The Anglers of Walton – Wilde Brunch Café loop from Walton-on-Thames", which is just over 4 km long.
The hikes around Knight Reservoir, particularly those near the River Thames, generally feature very gentle terrain with minimal elevation changes. Paths are often easily accessible, making them suitable for various fitness levels. You'll find routes like "Garrick's Ait Houseboats loop from Sunbury-on-Thames" which has less than 15 meters of elevation gain over 8 km.
Yes, many of the trails are family-friendly due to their easy difficulty and relatively flat terrain. The paths are generally accessible, and the opportunity to observe wildlife, especially birds, can be engaging for children. Consider shorter, easy loops for younger family members.
Absolutely. Many routes in the area are dog-friendly, offering pleasant walks along the Thames and through surrounding natural spaces. Always ensure your dog is under control, especially near wildlife habitats, and check for any local signage regarding leash requirements.
While direct access to Knight Reservoir itself is restricted, the surrounding area is rich in natural beauty and wildlife. The reservoir and its neighbor, Bessborough Reservoir, are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Protection Area, known for significant populations of wildfowl like Northern Shovelers, Gadwalls, Great Cormorants, and Common Goldeneyes. Hikers can often observe diverse birdlife from nearby accessible trails.
Yes, many of the available routes are circular, allowing for convenient starting and ending points near bus stops. For instance, the "Garrick's Ait Houseboats loop from Walton-on-Thames" is a moderate 12.5 km circular hike that brings you back to your starting point.
Yes, several routes pass by amenities like cafes and pubs, particularly those along the River Thames in towns like Walton-on-Thames and Sunbury-on-Thames. These offer convenient refreshment stops during your hike. The "The Anglers of Walton – Riverhouse Barn Community Café loop from Walton-on-Thames" is an example of a route that includes such stops.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.57 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessible paths, the peaceful riverside walks, and the opportunities for wildlife observation, especially birdwatching. The convenience of public transport access is also a frequently highlighted positive aspect.
The area is enjoyable year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Winter can be excellent for birdwatching, as the reservoirs host significant numbers of migratory wildfowl. Given the generally flat terrain, most trails remain accessible even in wetter conditions.
While many routes are easy, there are also moderate options for those seeking a bit more distance. For example, the "Riverhouse Barn Community Café – The Anglers of Walton loop from Walton-on-Thames" is an easy 4.3 km hike, but other moderate routes extend up to 12.5 km, offering longer exploration without significant elevation challenges.


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