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Little Marlow

Top 8 Lakes around Little Marlow

Best lakes around Little Marlow are found within an expansive area featuring several lakes, woodlands, and meadows. The region is characterized by the Little Marlow Lakes Country Park, a 300-hectare park situated between Marlow and Bourne End. This area offers a diverse landscape of lakes, riverside areas, woodlands, and grasslands, providing miles of footpaths for exploring the countryside. The park connects the Thames floodplain meadows with the Chiltern Hills, creating attractive open countryside.

Best lakes around Little Marlow

  • The most popular lakes is Shardeloes Lake, a other_natural that provides a tranquil setting for a scenic walk, fishing, and bird-watching opportunities. This man-made lake is situated between the villages of Old Amersham and Little Missenden in the Chiltern Hills.
  • Another must-see spot is Penn Common Pond, a lake with a charming pub nearby. This pond offers a place to stop for a break or to enjoy the view.
  • Visitors also love Spade Oak Nature Reserve, a forest and lake area situated along the banks of the River Thames near Bourne End and Little Marlow. This reserve hosts wetlands, meadows, and woodlands, providing habitats for a variety of bird and animal species.
  • Little Marlow is known for natural lakes, man-made lakes, and nature reserves. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from tranquil settings for wildlife observation to venues for watersports.
  • The lakes around Little Marlow are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 130 upvotes and over 30 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 17, 2026

Shardeloes Lake

Highlight • Natural

Shardeloes Lake is a beautiful man-made lake situated between the villages of Old Amersham & Little Missenden in the Chiltern Hills. The lake provides a tranquil setting for a scenic walk, fishing, and bird-watching opportunities.

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Pond in Park Wood

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Archaeological Surveys undertaken in Park Wood have revealed a fascinating past for this quiet area of deciduous woodland. Lynchets and banks within the woods give evidence of ancient field systems which may date back to the late Iron Age/early Roman period (or they may be medieval). In the beech woodland opposite the pond is evidence of a late thirteenth/early fourteenth homestead in the woodlands and in Tudor times (1485 – 1603) the woodland was a deer park. Much of Park Wood was converted to beech woodland from the late 18th until the early 20th century to cater for the High Wycombe furniture industry. Associated features include sawpits, tracks and charcoal burning platforms.
nationaltrust.org.uk/chilterns-countryside/trails/bradenham-beech-woods-and-bunkers-trail

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Owned by Eton College, Dorney Lake is an epic watersports and outdoor activities venue. It holds fantastic triathlons each year and was the London 2012 Olympics rowing venue. You don't have to get wet to visit though, and in the surroundings are footpaths and cycle paths so you can admire it from the snugness of your dry clothes.

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Spade Oak Nature Reserve

Highlight • Forest

This is a beautiful nature reserve situated along the banks of the River Thames near Bourne End and Little Marlow. The reserve hosts a number of habitats such as wetlands, meadows, and woodlands, that provide home to a variety of wonderful bird and animal species.

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Penn Common Pond

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just over the road from the red lion

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Popular around Little Marlow

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Tips from the Community

Psk8140
April 15, 2025, Dorney Lake Olympic Rowing Course

Dorney Lake is a purpose-built rowing lake and Meetings & Events Venue in England. It is near the village of Dorney, Buckinghamshire, and is around 3 km west of Windsor and Eton, close to the River Thames. The lake is privately owned and financed by Eton College. The 3-mile flat, tarmacked loop around Dorney Lake's rowing course ideal for running. NOTE: Closed to the public from mid-April to September. Public parking onsite What3words: ///entire.vibes.sport

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Bangaa
February 11, 2024, Shardeloes Lake

Lovely lake and doesn’t look like man made at all and would recommend Boots for the path and Park specially if there has been rain over last few days

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Stunning little pond on Penn Common with a charming pub nearby. A great place to stop for a break, or just to enjoy the view as you ride past. Especially beautiful as the sun is going down.

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On the other side of the lakes is sewage works, giving off horrendous smells

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This is a beautiful nature reserve situated along the banks of the River Thames near Bourne End and Little Marlow. The reserve hosts a number of habitats such as wetlands, meadows, and woodlands, that provide home to a variety of wonderful bird and animal species.

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Shardeloes Lake is a beautiful man-made lake situated between the villages of Old Amersham & Little Missenden in the Chiltern Hills. The lake provides a tranquil setting for a scenic walk, fishing, and bird-watching opportunities.

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Owned by Eton College, Dorney Lake is an epic watersports and outdoor activities venue. It holds fantastic triathlons each year and was the London 2012 Olympics rowing venue. You don't have to get wet to visit though, and in the surroundings are footpaths and cycle paths so you can admire it from the snugness of your dry clothes.

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just over the road from the red lion

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes in Little Marlow?

The lakes around Little Marlow are primarily part of the expansive Little Marlow Lakes Country Park, which spans 300 hectares. You'll find a diverse landscape including lakes, riverside areas, woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, and scrubland. This area connects the pastoral Thames floodplain meadows with the rolling Chiltern Hills, offering attractive open countryside and rich habitats for wildlife.

Are there good walking trails around the lakes in Little Marlow?

Yes, the Little Marlow Lakes Country Park offers miles of footpaths for exploring. You can find sections of the Thames Path National Trail, Shakespeare's Way, and the London Green Belt Way within the park. For specific hiking routes, consider exploring options like the hiking guide for Little Marlow, which includes trails like the 'Spade Oak Nature Reserve & Warren Wood loop'.

Are the lakes in Little Marlow suitable for families?

Absolutely. The Little Marlow Lakes Country Park is popular with families, offering peaceful walks, picnic spots by the river, and opportunities to enjoy scenic beauty. Highlights like Spade Oak Nature Reserve and Penn Common Pond are noted as family-friendly.

Can I bring my dog to the lakes in Little Marlow?

Yes, the area is popular with dog walkers. The extensive network of footpaths and open spaces within the Little Marlow Lakes Country Park provides ample opportunities for walks with your dog. Please ensure dogs are kept under control, especially in nature reserve areas where wildlife is present.

What is Spade Oak Nature Reserve known for?

Spade Oak Nature Reserve, located within the Little Marlow Lakes Country Park, is regionally important for migrating and breeding wading birds, with over two hundred species recorded. It's also a significant stillwater fishing venue and provides habitats for otters, amphibians, and various fish species within its wetlands, meadows, and woodlands.

Are there any historical sites near the lakes in Little Marlow?

Yes, the Little Marlow Lakes Country Park includes the historic conservation area of Little Marlow village, which features a twelfth-century church. Additionally, Pond in Park Wood has archaeological evidence of ancient field systems and a late Iron Age/early Roman homestead, with the woodland itself being a deer park in Tudor times.

Can I go fishing in the lakes around Little Marlow?

Yes, Spade Oak Lake, within the Spade Oak Nature Reserve, is a well-known fishing venue. It's home to various species including pike, tench, bream, and carp, offering a rewarding coarse angling experience on a season ticket.

What is the best time of year to visit the lakes in Little Marlow?

The lakes are enjoyable year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and active wildlife, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Winter walks can be peaceful, especially for birdwatching. The area is popular for its natural beauty in all seasons.

Are there places to eat or drink near the lakes?

Yes, the historic Little Marlow village, located within the Country Park, features charming pubs. Penn Common Pond also has a charming pub nearby, making it a great spot to stop for a break or enjoy the view.

What makes Shardeloes Lake a popular spot?

Shardeloes Lake is a beautiful man-made lake situated between Old Amersham and Little Missenden in the Chiltern Hills. It provides a tranquil setting for scenic walks, fishing, and bird-watching opportunities, making it a popular choice for those seeking a peaceful natural escape.

What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?

Beyond walking and hiking, the area offers opportunities for running and cycling. You can find various routes, including easy and moderate options, in the running trails guide for Little Marlow. Dorney Lake, while primarily a rowing venue, also has surrounding footpaths and cycle paths for admiring the lake from dry land.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Little Marlow?

Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquil settings, the diverse natural habitats for wildlife observation, and the extensive network of paths for walking and exploring. The blend of lakes, woodlands, and riverside areas, coupled with the charm of nearby villages and pubs, creates a highly enjoyable outdoor experience.

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

EllesboroughHughendenDownleyLane EndPiddington And Wheeler EndGreat And Little HampdenWooburnBledlow-Cum-SaundertonGreat And Little Kimble Cum MarshChepping WycombeWest WycombeHambledenLacey GreenLongwick-Cum-IlmerPrinces RisboroughHedsorHazlemereBradenhamIbstoneStokenchurchMedmenhamGreat MarlowTurvilleRadnageMarlow BottomMarlow

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