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United Kingdom
England
East Midlands
Northamptonshire

Mears Ashby

Top 4 Lakes around Mears Ashby

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.

Best lakes around Mears Ashby

  • The most popular lakes is Pitsford Water, a lake with facilities including a cafe, public toilets, and bike hire. It features open grassed areas for picnics and a children's play area, alongside a main walking and cycle path.
  • Another must-see spot is Sywell Reservoir Bird Hide, a lake viewpoint. This spot is suitable for observing local waterbird life, including species like Canada Goose and Great Crested Grebe.
  • Visitors also love View of Pitsford Reservoir, a lake and viewpoint. Visitors can get up close to the Pitsford Water dam and enjoy expansive views over the water.
  • Mears Ashby is known for its reservoirs, fishing lakes, and natural reserves. These offer a variety of walking routes and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
  • The lakes around Mears Ashby are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 100 upvotes and 12 photos shared.

Last updated: May 16, 2026

Pitsford Water

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There is a cafe, public toilets and bike shop providing bike hire at the top of the main carpark, with open grassed areas (perfect for picnics) leading down to a childrens play area and then the main walking/cycle path around the water. To the left of the grass beside the other footpath is an accessible garden with raised beds.

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Pitsford Dam

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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.

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Sywell Reservoir

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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.

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Sywell Reservoir Bird Hide

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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

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View of Pitsford Reservoir

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Get up close to the Pitsford Water dam and enjoy expansive views over the glassy waters.

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Popular around Mears Ashby

Hiking around Mears Ashby

Road Cycling Routes around Mears Ashby

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Tips from the Community

Tom Skulander
May 15, 2026, Sywell Reservoir

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.

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Nice flat walk. quite corner of the nature

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Paula
January 22, 2025, Pitsford Water

Easy Gravel Ride with some stunning views

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Grace Mulligan
September 23, 2024, Pitsford Dam

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

Graeme
August 9, 2022, Sywell Reservoir

great walk what ever the weather

0

2

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best lakes for walking and cycling near Mears Ashby?

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.

Are there family-friendly lakes around Mears Ashby?

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.

Where can I go fishing near Mears Ashby?

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.

What facilities are available at Pitsford Water?

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.

Can I observe wildlife around the lakes?

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.

Are there easy walking routes around the lakes?

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.

What kind of cycling routes are available near Mears Ashby's lakes?

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.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Mears Ashby?

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.

Are there any nature reserves near the lakes?

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.

Can I find accommodation near the lakes in Mears Ashby?

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.

What makes Castle Ashby Fishery unique?

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.

Is there an accessible garden at any of the lakes?

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.

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

Earls BartonWilbyEctonSywellWellingboroughLittle HarrowdenOrlingburyGrendonHardwickGreat DoddingtonWollastonBozeatEaston MauditGreat HarrowdenIrchesterStrixton

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