Top 19 Lakes around Barkham
Lakes around Barkham offer a variety of natural and recreational water bodies. The region features diverse lakeside destinations, including those within country parks and nature reserves. These areas provide environments ranging from ecologically significant acid lakes to large water bodies popular for activities. The landscape around Barkham's lakes supports both wildlife observation and outdoor recreation.
Best lakes around Barkham
- The most popular lakes is Horseshoe Lake, a natural lake that is part of Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve. It…
Last updated: June 17, 2026
Observation Tower and Trails at Former TRL Site, Crowthorne
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Heath Lake
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Horseshoe Lake
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Hurst Village Pond
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Dinton Pastures Lake View
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Rolling through Dinton Pastures in the evening is fast, quiet, and just eerie enough to keep you sharp. The gravel trails run smooth, looping through open glades and shadowy patches where the bats skim low and the bugs feel unusually organised. Signs still warn: “No faster than a jogger.” If we’re still honoring old world metrics, that’s Daniel Komen’s 2 mile world record from 1997—about 24 km/h (15 mph). Back when things were still… consistent. Whether the rule’s enforced is unclear, but if the rangers are still around and still armed like they were during the “wildlife management years,” best keep it respectful. You don’t want to find out what counts as a pest now. Bring good lights, stay smooth on the corners, and be aware: things move in the treeline. Usually ducks. Occasionally something else. Either way-yield with confidence. Ride safe. Keep your exits in mind. And remember: dusk is when the place starts to remember
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Barkham are best for families?
For families, Longmoor Lake at California Country Park is an excellent choice, offering a large adventure playground, a paddling pool in warmer months, and a 0.9-mile accessible loop trail. Horseshoe Lake also has an activity centre and cafe, while Dinton Pastures Country Park, featuring Dinton Pastures Lake View, provides an award-winning adventure playground and a wide array of activities.
Are there any ecologically significant lakes in the Barkham area?
Yes, Heath Lake in Crowthorne is a 6-hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the only acid lake in Berkshire. It supports several rare plant species like alternate water-milfoil and six-stamened waterwort. Additionally, Longmoor Bog, adjacent to Longmoor Lake, is also designated as an SSSI for its rare heath and mosses.
What kind of wildlife can I observe at the lakes?
The lakes are rich in wildlife. At Horseshoe Lake, you can spot geese, widgeons, kingfishers, and swallows. Dinton Pastures Country Park is a haven for birdwatchers, attracting wetland birds such as swans, geese, coots, moorhens, and even rarer species like bitterns and nightingales. Heath Lake is home to various bird species including cormorants, herons, mallards, and kingfishers, as well as invertebrates like brown hawkers.
Can I do water sports on any of the lakes near Barkham?
Yes, Horseshoe Lake is popular for dinghy sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing, with an activity centre on its west side. Dinton Pastures Country Park also features an activity centre offering various water sports on its lakes.
Are there accessible walking trails around the lakes for buggies or those with mobility issues?
Yes, Longmoor Lake at California Country Park features a flat, 0.9-mile loop trail that is accessible for buggies and dog walkers. Dinton Pastures Country Park also boasts a network of accessible paths suitable for walking, cycling, and pushchairs, including a main circular walk around Black Swan Lake.
Where can I find cafes or refreshments near the lakes?
You can find cafes at several locations. Horseshoe Lake has a cafe at its watersports centre, open during the summer season. At California Country Park, Jackson's Cafe is available near Longmoor Lake. Dinton Pastures Country Park, home to Dinton Pastures Lake View, also has a cafe.
Are the lakes around Barkham suitable for dog walking?
Many lakes in the area are dog-friendly. Heath Lake allows dogs to paddle in its clear, shallow waters and offers paths for leisurely walks. Longmoor Lake at California Country Park also has a 0.9-mile loop trail suitable for dog walkers. Dinton Pastures Country Park provides vast open spaces and paths ideal for walks with dogs.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Beyond lake activities, the Barkham area offers various outdoor pursuits. You can explore easy hikes like the 'Memorial Bench – Longmoor Lake loop' or 'The Coombes loop'. For mountain biking, trails like 'Buckler's Forest Banked Curve – Gorrick Plantation loop' are available. Road cycling routes, such as 'Hurst Village Pond – The Flower Pot Inn loop', also crisscross the region. For more details on these and other routes, visit the Easy hikes around Barkham, MTB Trails around Barkham, and Road Cycling Routes around Barkham guides.
Is parking available at the lakes?
Yes, parking is generally available. Heath Lake offers free but limited parking off Nine Mile Ride. Dinton Pastures Country Park has convenient car parks, though parking charges apply and they can fill up quickly on weekends. California Country Park, which hosts Longmoor Lake, also has parking facilities where day tickets for fishing can be purchased.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Barkham?
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Warmer months are ideal for enjoying the paddling pool at California Country Park and water sports at Horseshoe Lake and Dinton Pastures. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and excellent opportunities for birdwatching as migratory species pass through. Winter walks can also be tranquil, especially around Heath Lake's woodland and heathland.
Are there any historical points of interest related to the lakes?
Longmoor Lake at California Country Park has a historical connection, as it was originally created in the 19th century for brick-making. This gives it a unique character with its clear, shallow waters and overhanging trees.
What makes Hurst Village Pond a noteworthy spot?
Hurst Village Pond is a picturesque and tranquil location in the village of Hurst. It offers a peaceful spot to take a break, with benches overlooking the water, making it ideal for a quiet moment or a short rest during a walk or cycle.
Can I find viewpoints or scenic spots around the lakes?
Yes, Dinton Pastures Lake View offers scenic vistas within the large country park. Hurst Village Pond also provides a picturesque setting with benches overlooking the water. The trails around Longmoor Lake and Heath Lake offer pleasant views of the water and surrounding natural landscapes.
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