Top 6 Lakes around Crowell
Best lakes around Crowell offer diverse natural and historical landscapes. The region features various water bodies, from ancient quarries to tranquil ponds, providing opportunities for exploration. These sites often hold geological or archaeological significance, reflecting the area's past. The natural environment around Crowell supports a range of outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Crowell
- The most popular lakes is Pond in Park Wood, a lake with archaeological significance. Archaeological surveys have revealed ancient field systems and a homestead dating backโฆ
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Old Kiln Lakes Wetland Habitat
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Pond in Park Wood
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The Lyde Garden
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Old Kiln Lakes (Former Chinnor Chalk Pit)
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Russell's Water Pond
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Tips from the Community
This is one of the quarries here, a part of the former Chinnor Chalk Pit, now flooded and known as Old Kiln Lakes. The lakes are freshwater, but very alkaline, and there was a warning to the public issued in 2012 to not swim in there. It's a striking and moon-like place, looking very dramatic and slightly out-of-this-world. A definite must!
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Great Circular walks from this village....very flat as well
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Pond is lovely. Full of ducks (keep dogs on lead) and some large fish!
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This quarry is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and well known by geologists for its phenomenal history. Packed with fossils, some of the finds here date back 100 million years. There's no public access, but you can catch glimpses of its bright high-alkaline water from the surrounding footpaths.
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Chinnor, Chalk and Cement Mr. W. Benton's Cement and Lime Works opened in Chinnor in 1908, but cement making on a truly industrial scale did not begin until 1919. Output of cement from Chinnor peaked at about 5600 tonnes per week in the 1990s. Up to 120 people were employed at any one time. The cement works closed in 1999 and there are plans for the re-development of the site, using the flat areas for housing but also with opportunities for recreation and conservation in the water filled quarries The scale of chalk extraction for cement making can be seen from a short walk along the Ridgeway National Trail. The Ridgeway runs on a high causeway between the large quarries, giving views of the pits through the boundary fences. (Do not cross over or through the fences). Geology One of the chalk quarries has been protected as a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest as it has particularly good exposures of both the Lower Chalk and Middle Chalk geological layers. Both layers have given upimportant fossil ammonites.
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The Lyde, a tributary of the River Thames, rises here and the garden is planted with primulas, astilbes, gunnera and hostas. Originally three watercress beds, surrounded by large and beautiful wych elms, it has โ as a result of elm disease โ become a wilderness. The garden is open at the ownersโ discretion from 9am โ 4pm daily. Dogs are not permitted. See: carington.co.uk/gardens/lyde-garden
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes and ponds around Crowell?
Visitors frequently enjoy Pond in Park Wood, known for its archaeological significance and historical deer park. Another favorite is Russell's Water Pond, which is popular for its family-friendly atmosphere and circular walks.
Are there family-friendly lakes near Crowell?
Yes, Russell's Water Pond is an excellent choice for families, offering ducks and fish, benches for relaxation, and opportunities for easy circular walks. Pond in Park Wood is also categorized as family-friendly.
Where can I find easy walks around lakes in Crowell?
For easy walks, Russell's Water Pond offers very flat, circular routes suitable for a relaxed stroll. The area around Pond in Park Wood also has footpaths through deciduous woodland.
Are there dog-friendly walking spots around Crowell's lakes?
Yes, Russell's Water Pond is dog-friendly, though it's recommended to keep dogs on a lead due to the presence of ducks. Please note that dogs are not permitted at The Lyde Garden.
What natural features can I explore near Crowell's lakes?
You can explore diverse natural settings. Old Kiln Lakes Wetland Habitat, a former quarry, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest known for fossils dating back 100 million years. Pond in Park Wood is set within a quiet area of deciduous woodland.
Are there any historical sites related to the lakes around Crowell?
Yes, Pond in Park Wood has significant archaeological history, with evidence of ancient field systems and a late Iron Age/early Roman homestead. It was also a deer park in Tudor times. The Old Kiln Lakes Wetland Habitat is a former cement works quarry with a rich geological history.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Beyond walking around the lakes, the Crowell area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, running, and mountain biking, with trails ranging from easy to challenging.
Are there challenging hikes or trails near Crowell's lakes?
While Pond in Park Wood is categorized as challenging, you can also find more demanding routes for mountain biking and gravel biking in the wider Crowell area, including trails with significant ascents and descents.
Can I swim in the Old Kiln Lakes?
It is strongly advised not to swim in the Old Kiln Lakes. The water is freshwater but very alkaline, and a public warning was issued in 2012 against swimming due to safety concerns. The area is best appreciated for its dramatic, moon-like landscape from surrounding footpaths.
What is special about The Lyde Garden?
The Lyde Garden is a beautiful, peaceful garden where The Lyde, a tributary of the River Thames, rises. It features various plantings like primulas, astilbes, and hostas. Originally watercress beds, it's now a tranquil spot, open at the owners' discretion.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Crowell?
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural settings, from the tranquil Russell's Water Pond with its ducks and fish, to the historically rich Pond in Park Wood. The unique geological features of Old Kiln Lakes Wetland Habitat also draw interest for their ancient fossils and dramatic scenery.
Are there any viewpoints near the lakes?
Yes, Russell's Water Pond is itself considered a viewpoint, offering benches to sit and observe the pond's wildlife. The Ridgeway National Trail also provides views of the large quarries at Old Kiln Lakes.
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