Top 20 Lakes around Wokingham Without
Best lakes around Wokingham Without offer diverse natural landscapes for outdoor activities. This area features a mix of woodland, heathland, and wetland environments, providing habitats for various wildlife. Visitors can explore a range of lakes, from ecologically significant sites to recreational hubs. The region is characterized by its accessible natural spaces, suitable for walking and nature observation.
Best lakes around Wokingham Without
- The most popular lakes is Horseshoe Lake, an other natural feature that is part of Moor Green…
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Rapley Lake
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Observation Tower and Trails at Former TRL Site, Crowthorne
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Hawley Lake
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Heath Lake
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Horseshoe Lake
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Tips from the Community
Nice peaceful spot, although there are no facilities or coffee shops in the immediate vicinity.
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Rapley Lake is beautiful and sits on the outskirts of the Royal Estate of Bagshot Park. It's very peaceful and on a still day the lake is like a mirror. It's a bit of a dead end if you cycle there as there's only really one path in or out, but lots of little paths for hiking. There's ducks and geese who like to be fed!
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Very close to Bagshot, within Swinley Forest, you will find this beautiful lake, perfect for a walk and for getting lost in the network of paths throughout the forest. The area can get a bit muddy after heavy rainfall, so keep that in mind and wear appropriate footwear.
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While walking along the path around the lake, you can observe a wide variety of birds, including swans and ducks, among others. This lake is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is home to several rare plants due to its low pH levels. In fact, it's the only acid lake in the county. Depending on the weather, it can become muddy.
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This lake is the only acid lake in Berkshire. Due to its naturally high pH level, it harbors some very uncommon plants, such as the water milfoil or the six-stemmed water crowfoot. This has earned it the designation of SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). Next to the reserve where this lake is located, there is a small, free parking area. Several trails and routes, like the Ramblers Route, pass by the lake.
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The Crowthorne location that formerly housed the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) has now been transformed into a vast expanse of open space. The area features a legendary and monumental high-speed vehicle testing berm, gravelpads, and hillclimbing tracks, and labs once utilised to test crash test dummies. The vicinity also boasts sprawling woodlands, offering a plethora of well-maintained trails that are perfect for running, hiking, or extending a gravel ride. An enormous skid pan adds to the allure of this region, as does the presence of test zones that were previously utilised to test out-of-the-box ideas, such as miniature roundabouts and bike paths, all within the expanse of a well-landscaped forest.
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Former Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) in Crowthorne Berkshire is now huge open space with now defunct, massive high speed vehicle testing berms, gravelpads and hillclimbing tracks in what used to be the home of the crash test dummies. Wide woodlands littered with well surfaced tracks perfect for running, extending a gravel ride or walking. A huge skid pan and areas once used to test ‘innovative’ ideas such as mini-roundabouts and bike paths amongst a well landscaped forest.
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Really peaceful here and just one of the many different and interesting features you'll find along this route
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Heath Lake a unique natural site?
Heath Lake is Berkshire's only acid lake, making it a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This unique characteristic supports rare plant species like water-milfoil and six-stemmed water crowfoot. You can explore its surrounding woodland and heathland, and observe various birdlife. Find out more about Heath Lake.
What activities can I do at Dinton Pastures Country Park?
Dinton Pastures Country Park offers a wide range of activities across its several lakes. You can enjoy boat hire, paddleboarding, sailing, and open water swimming at the Dinton Activity Centre. The park also features extensive woodlands, meadows, and lakeside paths perfect for walking and wildlife watching. It's a great spot for birdwatching, especially at Lavell's Lake Local Nature Reserve, where you might spot rare birds like Great White Egrets and Kingfishers.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Wokingham Without area?
Yes, several lakes are family-friendly. Dinton Pastures Country Park is ideal, offering a café, restrooms, and a playground. California Country Park, featuring Longmoor Lake, also has a paddling pool and a play park. Horseshoe Lake, part of Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve, is another family-friendly option with a watersports centre and café during the summer season.
Where can I go for a peaceful walk around a lake?
For a peaceful walk, consider Rapley Lake within Swinley Forest, known for its serene environment. Heath Lake also offers pleasant walks through its surrounding woodland and heathland. The paths around Longmoor Lake in California Country Park are hard-surfaced and accessible, providing scenic routes.
What kind of fishing opportunities are available near Wokingham Without?
The area offers excellent fishing. White Swan Lake at Dinton Pastures is a premier specimen carp fishing venue. Longmoor Lake in California Country Park is popular for carp, tench, and pike. For dedicated angling, Greenfields Carp Fishery, just outside Wokingham, provides five linked ponds for carp, bream, and other species.
Are there any lakes suitable for birdwatching?
Lavell's Lake Local Nature Reserve, north of Dinton Pastures, is a crucial area for birdwatching, with managed wetland habitats attracting a vast array of rare birds. Colebrook Lake North within Dinton Pastures is also a haven for birdwatchers, with sightings of herons and kingfishers. Horseshoe Lake is also a good spot to see geese, widgeons, kingfishers, and swallows.
What are the parking options for visiting these lakes?
Most major lake areas offer parking. Heath Lake has a small, free car park on Nine Mile Ride. Dinton Pastures Country Park has car parks available daily. California Country Park also provides parking for visitors. It's always advisable to check specific park websites for the most current parking information.
Can I find cafes or amenities near the lakes?
Yes, Dinton Pastures Country Park has a café and restrooms. California Country Park also offers amenities. At Horseshoe Lake, there's a café at the watersports centre open during the summer season. For Heath Lake, nearby amenities would be in Crowthorne.
Are there dog-friendly walking routes around the lakes?
Many of the natural areas around the lakes are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control. The extensive woodlands around Hawley Lake and the paths within Swinley Forest near Rapley Lake are popular for dog walks. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding dogs, especially in nature reserves.
What kind of outdoor activities and routes are available near Wokingham Without's lakes?
The area around Wokingham Without's lakes offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy loops around Heath Lake, and more moderate routes through areas like Wildmoor Heath Nature Reserve. For cycling, there are routes ranging from moderate to difficult, such as the Pudding Hill – Swinley Forest Blue Trail. Explore more options on the Hiking around Wokingham Without and Cycling around Wokingham Without guide pages.
When is the best time to visit the lakes in Wokingham Without?
The lakes are generally accessible year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for water sports, picnics, and enjoying the lush greenery. Autumn provides beautiful foliage for walks, while winter can offer tranquil, less crowded experiences, though paths might be muddy, especially around Heath Lake, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
Are there any lakes with accessible paths for wheelchairs or strollers?
Longmoor Lake within California Country Park features a hard-surfaced footpath around the lake, making it more accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Dinton Pastures Country Park also has many well-maintained paths suitable for various mobility levels.
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