Abberton Resevoir is a significant freshwater body in Essex, recognized for its diverse habitats and ecological importance. This expansive area features a landscape composed of natural shores, reedbeds, damp grasslands, and woodlands, offering largely flat to gently undulating terrain. It provides opportunities for several sports like hiking, road cycling, jogging, touring cycling, and more, making it a notable destination for outdoor pursuits.
Abberton Resevoir provides a range of outdoor activities for visitors to explore…
124
Routes
4.4
(91)
Average rating
1268
People visited

4.8
(14)
64
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(2)
53
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
22
hikers
21.2km
05:33
160m
160m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
18
hikers
19.8km
05:10
130m
130m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
70
riders
14.6km
01:08
60m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(3)
25
riders
7.53km
00:38
20m
20m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

21
riders
9.10km
00:32
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.3
(3)
10
riders
17.0km
01:01
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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46
riders
74.4km
03:15
340m
340m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.0
(1)
42
riders
35.8km
01:38
120m
120m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

41
riders
11.7km
00:30
70m
70m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

24
riders
26.1km
01:05
140m
140m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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47
runners
3.22km
00:22
10m
10m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
20
runners
42.0km
04:35
250m
250m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

12
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
8
runners
16.2km
01:49
120m
120m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
riders
25.0km
01:31
120m
120m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.0
(1)
2
riders
24.8km
01:39
160m
160m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(3)
5
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(4)
6
riders
20.8km
01:26
140m
130m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
riders
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
19.3km
01:13
100m
100m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
riders
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
riders
8.30km
00:29
40m
40m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Abberton Reservoir is the largest freshwater body in Essex and the fourth largest reservoir in England, encompassing approximately 1,700 acres (700 hectares). It is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA), a Ramsar site, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its ecological importance.
Abberton Reservoir offers various outdoor activities including hiking, road cycling, jogging, and touring cycling. The area features diverse landscapes suitable for different interests and skill levels.
Yes, Abberton Reservoir provides a range of hiking trails, including the 12.4-mile (20 km) Abberton Reservoir Circular Walk. Shorter, easier loops are also available for wildlife observation. Trails largely feature flat to gently undulating terrain. For more options, see Hiking around Abberton Resevoir.
Cyclists can find numerous routes along quiet country lanes surrounding the reservoir. Options include the 10.5-mile (16.9 km) "Potholes Along Edge of Road – Malting Cottage Honey loop" for an easy ride, and the 21.6-mile (34.8 km) "Wrought Iron Gate by the Field – Tiptree Jam Tea Room loop" for a moderate experience. Explore more with Road Cycling Routes around Abberton Resevoir.
Yes, Abberton Reservoir offers routes suitable for families. Shorter, easier loops are available, providing opportunities for wildlife observation in a natural setting. Specific guides like Family-friendly hikes around Abberton Resevoir can help locate suitable trails.
Information regarding dog-friendly trails is available. Visitors can find specific routes that accommodate dogs, allowing them to enjoy the outdoor environment. Consult guides such as Dog-friendly hikes around Abberton Resevoir for suitable options.
Abberton Reservoir is renowned as one of Europe's premier wetland sites, attracting up to 40,000 ducks, swans, and geese annually. It holds international importance for wintering gadwalls, shovelers, and wigeons, and features a unique breeding cormorant colony. Three accessible bird hides offer viewing opportunities.
The terrain at Abberton Reservoir is largely flat to gently undulating. Paths range from well-maintained surfaces to more natural trails, making it accessible for various fitness levels. The landscape includes open fields, woodlands, and wetland habitats.
Abberton Reservoir is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 39,000 visitors sharing their experiences. The routes available have an average rating of 4.59 out of 5 stars from over 2,800 ratings.
Yes, Abberton Reservoir offers easy hiking options suitable for beginners or those seeking less strenuous walks. The terrain is generally flat, and shorter loops are available. Refer to Easy hikes around Abberton Resevoir for specific routes.
Komoot offers several guides for Abberton Reservoir, covering various activities and interests. Examples include Family-friendly hikes around Abberton Resevoir, Traffic-free bike rides around Abberton Resevoir, and Dog-friendly hikes around Abberton Resevoir.
The official website for the Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park, managed by Essex Wildlife Trust, is essexwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/abberton. This site provides further information on the reservoir and its activities.

