Best lakes around Aldbury are found within and surrounding this picturesque Hertfordshire village. Aldbury itself features a large duck pond, a central element contributing to its historic charm, surrounded by traditional architecture. The wider area provides access to reservoirs and canal-side paths, offering diverse natural landscapes for exploration. These areas are suitable for various outdoor activities, including walking and wildlife observation.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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Popular around Aldbury
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Hiking around Aldbury
Running Trails around Aldbury
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 🙏
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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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Martin’s Pond is a traditional country pub situated in the heart of Potten End, on the village green beside the pond. The pub is dog-friendly and has a great choice of food and drink. For more information, visit: https://www.martinspond.co.uk.
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Visitors frequently enjoy the diverse offerings around Aldbury. Popular spots include Marsworth Reservoir, known for its circular routes and bird hides, and the scenic Walkway Between Grand Union Canal and Startop's End Reservoir, which offers views of canalboats and grasslands. Another favorite is the Path along the Grand Union Canal and Marsworth Reservoir, a gravel path perfect for observing canal life and reeds.
Yes, several locations are ideal for families. Marsworth Reservoir offers great family-friendly rides around the lakes with well-signed routes. Clickmere Pond within Pitstone Common is a lovely spot with a platform, perfect for relaxing after an ice cream. The Walkway Between Grand Union Canal and Startop's End Reservoir also features benches and birdwatching hides, suitable for all ages.
The lakes and reservoirs are rich in wildlife. Wilstone Reservoir, part of the Tring Reservoirs Nature Reserve, is a stronghold for birds, including wintering wildfowl like tufted duck and shoveler. You might spot breeding common terns, herons, hobbies, cuckoos, and reed warblers. Marsworth Reservoir also has excellent reedbeds, attracting overwintering bitterns.
Absolutely. The area offers many walking opportunities. Marsworth Reservoirs provide circular routes, and the walk often begins with locks along the Grand Union Canal before heading into open countryside. The Path along the Grand Union Canal and Marsworth Reservoir is a wonderful gravel path for a leisurely stroll. For more options, you can explore the various walking routes available in the wider Aldbury area.
Yes, the region around Aldbury offers various cycling and mountain biking opportunities. You can find numerous routes for different skill levels. For detailed trails, explore the MTB Trails around Aldbury guide, the Cycling around Aldbury guide, or the Gravel biking around Aldbury guide.
Yes, for example, Wilstone Reservoir offers free parking. Many of the popular reservoirs and trailheads in the area have dedicated parking facilities, though they can get busy on sunny weekends.
The lakes are beautiful year-round. Autumn offers stunning colours, particularly around Clickmere Pond. Winter is excellent for birdwatching, with large numbers of wildfowl at the Tring Reservoirs. Late spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the canalboats and lakeside activities, with opportunities to spot migrant birds like hobbies.
Many of the trails and areas around the reservoirs, such as Marsworth Reservoir, are popular with dog walkers. It's generally a dog-friendly area, but always keep dogs under control and check for any specific signage regarding lead requirements, especially near wildlife habitats.
The village of Aldbury itself is a significant historical point, known for its picturesque charm, timber-framed cottages, historic inn, and old stocks. It has even been a filming location for TV shows. From Clickmere Pond, you can also walk to the Pitstone Windmill, which is the oldest windmill in the British Isles.
The village of Aldbury, a central point for exploring the lakes, has a historic inn and other amenities. While specific cafes are not directly at every lake, the surrounding villages and towns, including Aldbury, offer places for refreshments. The Marsworth Reservoirs area also has tearooms near the car parks.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity, especially at the Marsworth Reservoirs. Marsworth Reservoir acts as a magnet for anglers. Always ensure you have the necessary permits and licenses before fishing.


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