Top 10 Lakes around Bluntisham
Best lakes around Bluntisham are primarily found in the surrounding Huntingdonshire area, particularly near St. Ives. These bodies of water are often former gravel pits that have been transformed into thriving nature reserves and recreational areas. The region offers diverse natural features, providing opportunities for walking routes and wildlife observation. Many of these lakes are appreciated for their tranquil settings and natural beauty.
Best lakes around Bluntisham
- The most popular lakes include Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve, a lake and cycle way that features a series of scenic lakes formed from old sand and gravel quarries. This reserve provides beautiful water views and a cycle path, making it ideal for walking and wildlife observation.
- Another must-see spot is Far Fen Lake, a lake that is part of the RSPB Nature Reserve. Visitors can recognize it by the island near its eastern shore, offering a natural setting for observation.
- Visitors also love Wildlife Sanctuary Lake, an area known for spotting birds and wildlife. It offers an attractive waterside walk, providing a peaceful place to observe nature.
- Bluntisham is known for former gravel pits, nature reserves, and peat-cut areas. These provide a variety of lakes to see and explore, many offering family friendly walks.
- The lakes around Bluntisham are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 20 upvotes and 9 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Far Fen Lake
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Godmanchester Nature Reserve
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As well as songbirds, ducks, geese, kingfishers and overwintering wildfowl, the reserve is also notable for its Roman heritage. Roman Lake was the site of a Roman well, discovered during quarrying work in the 1980s.
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Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve
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Wildlife Sanctuary Lake
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Benches Along the Busway Cycle Path
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Tips from the Community
Being here three times in the nice weather, I consider this a place where you can reset yourself after your daily routine or others, where you can sit and listen to the seagulls and the geese and any other sound. In the evening the sunset was so astonishing during the summer. I understood the place was becoming muddy after a few days of rain.
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Parking is £2. There is a portaloo and a bin in the carpark. This hike was limited in what you could see, in August the trees and weeds blocked most of the view. For safety note that the pathway takes the narrow road that cars are entering and exiting. There are two crossings over the guided path where the buses are traveling at speed. The first part of the walk by the Ouse was lovely as was the last part on a field where you ton off by the weight limited bridge. I would imagine in winter the path would be a mush pit.
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The cycleway passes between a series of scenic lakes formed from old sand and gravel quarries, now a nature reserve. The path is often flooded and unpassable for road bikes between autumn and spring though.
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The tarmac cycle lane runs parallel to the bus-way, both providing an excellent link between Huntingdon and Cambridge. Cycle-parks at each major bus stop.
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The bus whizzes through the yellow grain landscape like oiled lightning. The intercity bus from Cambridge to St Ivy rolls over a special lane bus track and reaches an impressive speed. Today he transports the four of us to the "Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve", in the lake landscape we hike and do "birdwatching". “Fen Drayton Lakes was originally a flooded sand and gravel pit bordering river floodplains. Today the area is a magnet for a variety of wildlife including otters, dragonflies, ducks, swans and geese. There is something to see (and hear) here all year round.” (https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/fen-drayton-lakes/)
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Like many nature reserves in England, Godmanchester Nature Reserve was once gravel pits. The peaceful nature could not be further away from its industrial history. Keep an eye out for songbirds, ducks, geese, kingfishers and overwintering wildfowl as you run through.
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Part of the RSPB Nature Reserve, Far Fen Lake is recognisable by the island near its eastern shore.
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The busway cycle path provides plenty of spots to stop and take in a view or have some refreshments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes around Bluntisham for visitors?
Visitors frequently enjoy Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve, known for its scenic views and cycle path. Far Fen Lake, part of the RSPB Nature Reserve, is also popular for its natural setting, recognizable by an island near its eastern shore. Another favorite is Wildlife Sanctuary Lake, which offers attractive waterside walks and opportunities for birdwatching.
Are there family-friendly lakes near Bluntisham?
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Godmanchester Nature Reserve features four lakes and offers a superb place for a walk with areas of grassland and hedgerows. Wildlife Sanctuary Lake is also considered family-friendly, providing a peaceful environment to observe nature.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Bluntisham?
The lakes and surrounding areas offer diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including loops around Colne Village and the River Great Ouse. For cycling enthusiasts, there are MTB trails and road cycling routes that pass by the lakes, such as the cycle path through Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve.
Are there any lakes with historical significance in the area?
Yes, Godmanchester Nature Reserve is notable for its Roman heritage. One of its lakes, Roman Lake, was the site where a Roman well was discovered during quarrying work in the 1980s.
Where can I go for birdwatching near Bluntisham?
Several lakes are excellent for birdwatching. Godmanchester Nature Reserve is a great spot to see songbirds, ducks, geese, kingfishers, and overwintering wildfowl. Wildlife Sanctuary Lake is also known as a good area for spotting birds and wildlife. Additionally, Hinchingbrooke Country Park features Heronry South Lake and Heronry North Lake, which are excellent for observing various species like cormorants, herons, and terns.
What is the terrain like for walking around the lakes?
The terrain around the lakes, many of which are former gravel pits, generally offers relatively flat and accessible paths. For example, Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve features a tarmac cycle lane that is also suitable for walking. Some areas, particularly during wetter seasons, might become muddy, as noted by visitors at Wildlife Sanctuary Lake.
Are there good cycling routes that pass by the lakes?
Absolutely. The Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve features an amazing cycle lane that runs parallel to the bus-way, offering beautiful water views and connecting Huntingdon and Cambridge. There are also benches along the busway cycle path for resting and enjoying the scenery.
What natural features can I expect to see at these lakes?
The lakes, often formed from old sand and gravel quarries or peat-cut areas, are now thriving nature reserves. You can expect to see diverse habitats including open water, grasslands, and hedgerows. Many reserves, like Godmanchester Nature Reserve, are magnets for wildlife, including various bird species and sometimes otters and dragonflies.
Is Grafham Water near Bluntisham, and what does it offer?
Grafham Water is slightly further afield but is a significant reservoir known for its recreational opportunities. The path around Grafham Water offers fantastic views, particularly at Church Hill Bay, where it closely skirts the shoreline, making it popular for walking and cycling.
Are there any hidden gems or quieter lakes to explore?
Burnhams Mere, created from an area cut for peat, is a peaceful wildlife haven for nature enthusiasts. Somersham Local Nature Reserve Lake, located in the pleasant village of Somersham, is part of a reserve that developed around a disused railway line, offering woodlands, grasslands, and wildflower meadows for a quieter exploration.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Bluntisham?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, but specific seasons offer different experiences. Spring and summer are ideal for spotting songbirds and enjoying the full greenery. Autumn and winter are excellent for observing overwintering wildfowl. However, be aware that paths, especially at Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve, can be flooded and unpassable for road bikes between autumn and spring.
Are there facilities like parking or public transport near the lakes?
Some reserves, like Far Fen Lake, offer parking, sometimes for a small fee. Public transport options exist, with intercity buses from Cambridge to St. Ives often passing near reserves like Fen Drayton Lakes, which has cycle-parks at major bus stops along the bus-way.
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