Top 18 Lakes around Windlesham

For walking and hiking, Rapley Lake in Swinley Forest offers a peaceful atmosphere with a network of forest paths. Hawley Lake is surrounded by extensive woodland with a mix of paved, gravel, and unsurfaced trails. Heath Lake also has several trails, including the Ramblers Route, passing by its unique ecosystem. Additionally, the Observation Tower and Trails at Former TRL Site in Crowthorne provide wide woodlands and well-surfaced tracks suitable for walking.

Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Cow Pond is ideal for picnics and wildlife observation, featuring an oak arbour and a Baroque-style footbridge. Rapley Lake and Hawley Lake are also listed as family-friendly, offering pleasant walks and opportunities for paddling at Hawley Lake. Heath Lake is another great option for families to explore nature.

The region boasts unique natural features. Heath Lake is notable as the only acid lake in Berkshire, hosting rare plants like water milfoil and six-stemmed water crowfoot, earning it a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designation. The extensive woodlands surrounding lakes like Hawley Lake and Rapley Lake also offer diverse natural environments.

Yes, Cow Pond was formally created in the early 1700s and renovated in 2012, featuring an oak arbour and a Baroque-style footbridge designed to commemorate H.M. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The Observation Tower and Trails at Former TRL Site in Crowthorne are built on the grounds of a former Transport Research Laboratory, featuring old vehicle testing berms and tracks now repurposed for recreational use.

A small, free parking area is available next to the reserve where Heath Lake is located. For other lakes, parking availability can vary, but many areas like Swinley Forest (near Rapley Lake) typically have designated parking facilities.

Beyond walking, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. The area around Windlesham offers numerous running trails, including routes like the 'Rapley Lake – Mill Pond loop from Bagshot' and 'The Folly loop from Windlesham'. For mountain biking, there are trails such as the 'Swinley Forest — Red Trailhead – Berms Section – Blue MTB Trail loop from Bagshot'. You can find more details and routes in the Running Trails around Windlesham and MTB Trails around Windlesham guides.

Yes, there are several easy walking routes. For instance, the 'Rapley Lake and Waterfall – Rapley Lake loop from Windlesham' is an easy 6 km hike. Another easy option is the 'Free Car Park – Wide Forest Path loop from Surrey Heath', which is about 4.2 km. You can explore more easy hikes in the Easy hikes around Windlesham guide.

The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Autumn brings glorious colors to woodlands like Chapel Wood near Cow Pond, with Japanese maples. January and February are ideal for seeing colorful and fragrant witch hazels. During wetter periods, especially after heavy rainfall, areas around Rapley Lake and Heath Lake can get muddy, so appropriate footwear is advisable.

Hawley Lake offers a couple of spots suitable for paddling, making it a pleasant destination for some water-based fun. Specific information about wild swimming is not available, so it's best to check local regulations and safety guidelines before attempting to swim in any natural body of water.

Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. Many enjoy the extensive network of paths for walking, the opportunities for wildlife observation, and the scenic views, especially sunsets over Hawley Lake. The unique ecological significance of Heath Lake and the historical charm of Cow Pond are also highly valued.

While popular spots can attract visitors, areas like Rapley Lake within Swinley Forest are known for their peaceful atmosphere, especially on still days. Exploring the wider network of paths around lakes like Hawley Lake, which has extensive woodland trails, can also lead to quieter spots away from main access points.

The lakes are home to various wildlife. At Cow Pond, you can observe ducks and other birds. Rapley Lake is also frequented by ducks and geese. Heath Lake, being a Site of Special Scientific Interest, allows for observation of a wide variety of birds, including swans and ducks, along its paths.