Best lakes around Marsworth are primarily the Tring Reservoirs, a group of four interconnected water bodies that straddle the border of Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. These reservoirs, including Marsworth, Startops End, Tringford, and Wilstone, were originally constructed to supply the Grand Union Canal. They are now recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and are managed for their ecological value and recreational opportunities. The area offers diverse habitats for wildlife and is known for its walking routes.
Last updated: May 17, 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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A tiny village with a surprinsigly lot to see. Also a great place for an after ride pint.
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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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A pretty stop when you've had enough of the surrounding hills.
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The Tring Reservoirs, including Marsworth, Startops End, Tringford, and Wilstone, are nationally renowned as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). They feature approximately 100 hectares of reedbeds, wet woodland, and open water, attracting a wide variety of native and migrating birds throughout the year. You can spot species like overwintering Bitterns at Marsworth Reservoir, and hear Cuckoos, Reed Warblers, and Sedge Warblers at Wilstone. They are also important for nationally significant numbers of Shoveler during winter.
Yes, the area offers lovely walks suitable for all ages due to the low elevation. You can explore all four Tring Reservoirs on routes like the Marsworth, Wilstone, and Tring Reservoir Walk. A popular option is the Path along the Grand Union Canal and Marsworth Reservoir, which offers superb views of canalboats and lakeside scenery. For more options, you can find various hiking routes in the Hiking around Marsworth guide.
Absolutely. Many of the highlights, such as Marsworth Reservoir and Clickmere Pond, are marked as family-friendly. The low elevation of the walking paths around the reservoirs makes them accessible for all ages, providing a relaxing setting with varied scenery and abundant birdlife. There are also easy hiking routes available in the Easy hikes around Marsworth guide.
The Tring Reservoirs are excellent for birdwatching year-round, but specific seasons offer unique sightings. Winter (December to February) is ideal for spotting overwintering Bitterns at Marsworth Reservoir and large numbers of wintering wildfowl like tufted duck, pochard, and shoveler. Late spring is good for seeing hobbies hunting over the water, and hearing Cuckoos and warblers. Autumn is notable for passage waders and the rare mudwort plant at Wilstone Reservoir as waters recede.
The reservoirs are popular with anglers and have a history of holding record-sized fish. Marsworth Reservoir is particularly known as a good mixed fishery, hosting carp, tench, bream, roach, perch, and large catfish. Wilstone Reservoir is famous in angling history for holding former British record Wels catfish.
The walks around the Tring Reservoirs generally have low elevation, making them suitable for many. Paths like the Path along the Grand Union Canal and Marsworth Reservoir are often gravel. While many routes are relatively easy, specific wheelchair accessibility may vary. It's best to check individual route details for terrain information if you have specific accessibility needs.
Free parking is available at Wilstone Reservoir. Parking is generally available near the main reservoir areas, especially around Marsworth, which can get busy on sunny weekends. Look for designated car parks near the canal and reservoir access points.
While the guide does not specify direct public transport routes, the Tring Reservoirs are located near the town of Tring, which has train connections. From Tring, local bus services or taxis would likely be needed to reach the reservoirs. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for routes serving Marsworth or the Tring Reservoirs area.
Yes, there are road cycling routes available in the area. You can find various options, including routes like 'Long Marston Road β View of Tring Reservoirs loop from Pitstone' or 'Quiet Road Near The Chilterns β View of Mentmore Countryside loop from Pitstone'. For detailed routes and distances, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Marsworth guide.
The Tring Reservoirs are not natural lakes but were originally constructed between 1802 and 1817 to supply water to the Grand Union Canal. They were vital for maintaining water levels in the canal system. Today, they are recognized for their ecological value as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and are managed by the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust.
Yes, the Tring Reservoirs are a popular spot for dog walkers. Many of the trails, including those around Marsworth Reservoir, are dog-friendly. However, as the area is a significant wildlife habitat (SSSI), it's important to keep dogs under control, especially near bird nesting areas and reedbeds, and to clean up after them.
For a quieter experience, consider visiting Clickmere Pond within Pitstone Common. It features a newly built platform and offers varied scenery, especially in autumn with gorgeous leaf colors. While the main reservoirs can be popular, exploring the less-trafficked sections or visiting during off-peak hours can also provide a more serene experience.
Yes, there are pubs and cafes in the vicinity of the Tring Reservoirs. The area around the Grand Union Canal, particularly near Marsworth, often has establishments catering to visitors. You can find options for refreshments after your walk or cycle.


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