Top 17 Lakes around Wealden

The lakes in Wealden offer a wide range of activities. At Bewl Water, you can enjoy walking, cycling, running, horse riding on a 12.5-mile path, or water-based activities like sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and open-water swimming. Arlington Reservoir is popular for walking, fishing, boating, and birdwatching. For dedicated angling, Sharnfold Farm Fishery offers coarse fishing. You can also find various outdoor routes nearby, including cycling, mountain biking, and easy hikes.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Bewl Water features an inflatable Aqua Park, a pirate ship adventure playground, and a children's fishing pond. Abbot's Wood, with its medieval lake, offers two wheel-friendly walking trails, picnic and barbecue facilities, and a small play area. Sharnfold Farm Fishery also has a farm shop and play park alongside its fishing lake.

For extensive walks, Bewl Water offers a 12.5-mile scenic path suitable for various paces. Arlington Reservoir has a popular perimeter path of about one mile. Abbot's Wood provides two wheel-friendly trails, the Abbot's Amble (3 km) and Oak Wood Walk (1.5 km), through ancient woodlands. You can also find many easy hiking routes around the region.

Absolutely. Arlington Reservoir is a designated Local Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching, especially from the Osprey bird hide on the northwest bank. You might see cormorants, swallows, mallards, coots, and black swans. The habitat garden there also attracts various wildlife.

Yes, the region has both. Abbot's Wood features an ancient woodland setting with a 'medieval lake.' Oxbow Lake on the River Ouse is set within a scenic river valley country park alongside the iconic Seven Sisters in the South Downs National Park. Sheffield Park and Garden Lakes are part of a historical estate known for its natural beauty.

The lakes in Wealden are enjoyable year-round. Spring brings nightingales to Abbot's Wood, while summer evenings might reveal bats and glow worms. The 12.5-mile path around Bewl Water is open all year, offering diverse landscapes and wildlife regardless of the season. For specific activities like water sports, summer is ideal, while autumn offers beautiful foliage.

Bewl Water Country Park is dog-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their dogs to enjoy the extensive paths and natural surroundings. Always check specific rules for other locations, as some nature reserves or private fisheries may have restrictions or require dogs to be on a lead.

Bewl Water has on-site facilities including a cafe, bike hire, and children's play area. Sharnfold Farm Fishery also has a farm shop. For broader amenities, the towns and villages surrounding the lakes, such as those near Arlington Reservoir or Abbot's Wood, will offer cafes, pubs, and accommodation options.

Beyond the larger reservoirs, consider exploring Weir Wood Reservoir Local Nature Reserve for its natural beauty and wildlife. Eridge Park Lake offers a tranquil forest setting, and Sheffield Mill Pond provides a peaceful spot for nature observation during a woodland walk.

While some larger sites like Bewl Water may have limited public transport access, many lakes in Wealden are best reached by car. It's advisable to check local bus routes or train connections to nearby towns and then plan for a taxi or a longer walk to the specific lake entrance. For detailed travel information to Bewl Water, you may consult their official website.

The lakes and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife. Abbot's Wood is home to dormice and nearly thirty species of butterfly, including the rare pearl-bordered fritillary. Arlington Reservoir is a haven for various bird species. The Winding Road Through Pevensey Levels SSSI area, with its canals and ponds, is also known for great wildlife.