Lakes around Buckland offer a variety of natural settings for exploration and activity. This region features several reservoirs and ponds, many of which are part of larger nature reserves. The landscape includes diverse habitats, from open water to reedbeds and woodlands, supporting a range of wildlife. These areas provide opportunities for walking, birdwatching, and observing local flora and fauna.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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This is a lovely trail that travels between the Grand Union Canal and Startop's End Reservoir via a green walkway. In the area you'll find sitting benches, beautiful grasslands and riverboats. Additionally a nearby birdwatching hide provides an excellent opportunity to observe local wildlife.
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A really beautiful pond here within Pitstone Common, with a newly built (in 2010) platform. The pond has shrunk in size over the years, but it's still a lovely place to be, and in the autumn the colours of the leaves on the trees here are totally gorgeous, only adding to the effect of the place.
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Great walks from here that can be short or long. You can also walk to the Pitsone windmill which is the oldest Windmill in the British Isles
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Great family friendly rides around the lakes, 3 will signed routes of different distance. Great fun π
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Tring Reservoirs Nature Reserve comprises four individual reservoirs: Startop's End, Marsworth and Tringford reservoirs are all close together and Wilstone reservoir is a short distance to the west. The reservoirs are home to a variety of wildlife and their reedbeds, wet woodland and open water habitats are a natural stronghold for birds. During colder months, you can find a large number of wintering wildfowl across all four reservoirs, including tufted duck, pochard, teal, gadwall, wigeon and shoveler with occasional goldeneye, goosander and smew if it is very cold. Wilstone Reservoir boasts the rare mudwort plant that can be spotted on the mudflats during autumn months as the waters recede. The site attracts breeding common terns which use rafts the Trust has installed and breeding oystercatchers have been recorded here. Between December and February, Marsworth Reservoir is a great place to see overwintering bitterns, as this site has a fantastic reedbed that retains its water to allow the birds to feed throughout the season. There is a heronry on the bank of Wilstone Reservoir and if you take binoculars you should be able to catch a glimpse of these usually solitary birds in large numbers. If you visit the reservoirs during late spring then you may spot a hobby hunting over the water. The hobby is an African migrant bird that is best seen on warm summer days at the end of May when there is plenty of prey around. You can also occasionally hear the call of the cuckoo especially from the back of the reedbed at Wilstone or Marsworth where you should also be able to hear and see reed warblers. Tring Reservoirs are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for a number of reasons including their situation on the lower chalk at the foot of the Chilterns escarpment resulting in diverse communities of plants and animals. Additionally, nationally-important numbers of shoveler are present during winter, together with other wildfowl. Large numbers of sedge and reed warblers breed here and Tring Reservoirs are a fantastic place to spot passage waders too.
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The Marsworth Reservoirs act as a magnet for anglers, dog walkers, boaters, birdwatchers and walkers, especially over a sunny weekend, but few ever really venture much beyond the car parks and tearooms. The walk begins with a flight of locks along the Grand Union Canal, before heading down a stretch of the partially restored Wendover Arm. The route then diverts into open countryside before regaling the walker with a magnificent view of the large Wilstone Reservoir, one of four on this walk. Here there is an option to enter a bird hide to view the many species who call this water their home at different times of the year. The other reservoirs follow, making this a relaxing six miles of relatively easy walking following a circular route. Allow a good couple of hours to complete the walk, longer if you want to linger.
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Wilstone Reservoir boasts the rare mudwort plant that can be spotted on the mudflats during autumn months as the waters recedes. The site also attracts breeding common terns. There is free parking available.
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View of rare UK birds in the famous birdwatching spot. The reserve is a former chalk quarry in Pitstone and is one of the flagship reserves of the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust, and it has an information centre, education facilities, a cafΓ©, toilets and a shop.
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The most popular lake is Marsworth Reservoir, which attracts anglers, dog walkers, boaters, and birdwatchers. Another highly regarded spot is the Walkway Between Grand Union Canal and Startop's End Reservoir, offering scenic trails and birdwatching opportunities. Visitors also enjoy the Path along the Grand Union Canal and Marsworth Reservoir for its superb views of canalboats and reeds.
Yes, many areas around Buckland's lakes are family-friendly. Marsworth Reservoir offers relatively easy walking routes suitable for families, and there are great family-friendly rides around the lakes with three well-signed routes of different distances. Clickmere Pond is also a lovely spot for families to sit and relax.
Yes, dog walkers frequently visit the lakes around Buckland. Marsworth Reservoir is a popular spot for dog walkers. Many of the trails are suitable for dogs, but always ensure they are under control and check for any specific local regulations regarding leads or restricted areas.
The lakes around Buckland, particularly the Tring Reservoirs (including Wilstone Reservoir and Marsworth Reservoir), are a natural stronghold for birds. You can spot a wide variety of wildfowl, especially during colder months, such as tufted duck, pochard, teal, and shoveler. There are bird hides available, for example, near Wilstone Reservoir, and a heronry on its bank. Reed and sedge warblers breed here, and you might even spot a hobby or hear a cuckoo in late spring.
Yes, there are several easy walking options. The walk around the Marsworth Reservoirs, including Marsworth Reservoir and Wilstone Reservoir, is described as a relaxing six miles of relatively easy walking. You can find more easy hiking routes in the area by exploring the Easy hikes around Buckland guide.
The lakes offer different experiences throughout the year. Autumn is excellent for observing the rare mudwort plant on the mudflats of Wilstone Reservoir as waters recede, and for the beautiful colours of leaves around places like Clickmere Pond. Winter is ideal for birdwatching, with nationally important numbers of wildfowl present. Late spring and summer are great for spotting breeding birds like common terns and oystercatchers, and for enjoying the trails in warmer weather.
Yes, there are amenities available. Near the Marsworth Reservoirs, you'll find tearooms, and the general area around the lakes has cafes and pubs. For specific options, it's recommended to check local listings or explore the nearby villages.
Beyond walking and birdwatching, the area around Buckland's lakes offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy road cycling on routes like the 'Aldbury Village Pond β St Mary's Church, Ivinghoe loop from Tring' found in the Road Cycling Routes around Buckland guide. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails such as the 'View from Whiteleaf Hill β Pulpit Wood singletrack loop from Dancersend' available in the MTB Trails around Buckland guide.
You can expect diverse natural features. The trails often run alongside the Grand Union Canal, offering views of colourful canalboats and flowing reeds. You'll see open water, reedbeds, and woodlands. Clickmere Pond is nestled within Pitstone Common, and Wilstone Reservoir features mudflats where rare plants can be spotted. The landscape is characterized by diverse habitats supporting a range of flora and fauna.
A circular route around the Marsworth Reservoirs, which includes Marsworth Reservoir and Wilstone Reservoir, is approximately six miles long. This walk is relatively easy and typically takes a good couple of hours to complete, allowing for time to linger and enjoy the scenery or bird hides.
Yes, parking is generally available. For instance, Wilstone Reservoir offers free parking. Many of the popular lake areas have designated car parks, though they can get busy on sunny weekends.
The Tring Reservoirs, including Wilstone Reservoir and Marsworth Reservoir, are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). They are crucial for their diverse plant and animal communities, particularly for nationally important numbers of wintering wildfowl. The reedbeds and wet woodland habitats provide a haven for birds, and rare plants like mudwort can be found here.


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