Best lakes around Mears Ashby offer diverse natural landscapes in North Northamptonshire, UK. The area is characterized by a rural setting, featuring several reservoirs and fishing lakes that provide opportunities for outdoor activities. These bodies of water are integrated into country parks and nature reserves, contributing to the region's appeal for walking routes and wildlife observation. Mears Ashby serves as a central point for accessing these natural attractions.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Mears Ashby.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
A good hike on a well maintained wide gravel path, ideal for mums with strollers and wheelchairs. A large carpark and coffee shop make it pleasure to access.
0
0
Pitsford Dam is an expansive reservoir surrounded by countryside. It was completed in the 1950s and serves as a vital water supply for the region. There are walking and cycling paths surrounding the lake and lots of beautiful landscaps and wildlife.
1
0
A great spot to check out the local waterbird life. Expect to find the likes of Canada Goose, Ring-necked Pheasant and Great Crested Grebe
1
0
Get up close to the Pitsford Water dam and enjoy expansive views over the glassy waters.
1
0
For walking and cycling, Pitsford Water offers a main walking and cycle path, along with open grassed areas for picnics. Another excellent option is Pitsford Water at Brixworth Country Park, where you can ride bikes around the lake and enjoy various trails. For an easy hike, consider the Sywell Reservoir loop, which is part of the easy hikes guide for the area.
Yes, several lakes are family-friendly. Pitsford Water has a children's play area and open grassed areas perfect for picnics. Pitsford Water at Brixworth Country Park offers a range of activities including a gnome trail and scavenger hunt. The Sywell Reservoir Bird Hide is also suitable for families interested in wildlife spotting.
Mears Ashby is well-known for its fishing lakes. You can visit Ashby Farms (Fishermans Lodge), which features two lakes stocked with various fish like Carp, Roach, and Tench, available year-round on a catch-and-return basis. Another prominent option is Castle Ashby Fishery, comprising three distinct lakes: Grendon Pond, Scotland Pond, and Brickyard Pond, all well-stocked with species such as Bream, Tench, and Pike. Day tickets are available for Castle Ashby Fishery.
Pitsford Water provides a cafe, public toilets, and a bike shop offering bike hire. There are also open grassed areas for picnics, a children's play area, and an accessible garden with raised beds.
Absolutely. The Sywell Reservoir Bird Hide is an excellent spot for observing local waterbird life, including Canada Goose, Ring-necked Pheasant, and Great Crested Grebe. The Northampton Washlands Nature Reserve also offers opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Yes, there are several easy walking routes. The 'Sywell Reservoir loop' is an easy hike. You can also find easy routes like 'Sywell Reservoir – Water Rail Hide loop from Mears Ashby' and 'Hardwater Mill loop from Earls Barton' in the easy hikes guide for the area.
You can find various cycling routes. For touring bicycles, options include 'Wythmails loop from Wellingborough' and 'Hardwater Mill – Castle Ashby Avenue loop from Earls Barton' as detailed in the cycling guide. Road cyclists can explore routes like 'Holcot Lane – Pitsford Water loop from Earls Barton' or 'Sywell Reservoir – Mud Kitchen Café loop from Earls Barton' from the road cycling guide.
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscapes, opportunities for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and fishing, and the peaceful atmosphere. The facilities at places like Pitsford Water, including cafes and play areas, are also highly valued, making them ideal for family outings.
Yes, the Northampton Washlands Nature Reserve is a notable area near the lakes. It offers trails suitable for cycling and walking, providing opportunities to connect with nature and observe local wildlife.
While specific accommodation details are not provided, the region research indicates that Ashby Farms (Fishermans Lodge) offers lodges very close to the water, with fishing access exclusively for guests staying in their accommodation. For other options, you would typically find hotels and guesthouses in Mears Ashby and surrounding villages.
Castle Ashby Fishery is known as a prestigious estate lake fishing venue with three distinct lakes: Grendon Pond, Scotland Pond, and Brickyard Pond. It offers diverse fishing experiences, from specimen carp fishing to mixed coarse fishing, and is appreciated for its beautiful surroundings. Day tickets are available, and weekly matches are held on some ponds.
Yes, at Pitsford Water, to the left of the main grassed area, there is an accessible garden with raised beds, providing a pleasant experience for all visitors.


Still not found your perfect lake around Mears Ashby? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.