Lakes around Ivinghoe are situated within the Chiltern Hills and along the Grand Union Canal, offering diverse natural experiences. The area features several notable bodies of water popular for recreation and wildlife observation. These include reservoirs and ponds that provide opportunities for walking, birdwatching, and appreciating local flora. Visitors can explore a landscape known for its natural beauty and historical significance.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Highlight β’ Settlement
Tip by
Highlight β’ Lake
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight β’ Forest
Tip by
Highlight β’ Lake
Tip by
Highlight β’ Lake
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Ivinghoe.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
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.
1
0
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.
1
0
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
0
0
Great family friendly rides around the lakes, 3 will signed routes of different distance. Great fun π
1
0
A tiny village with a surprinsigly lot to see. Also a great place for an after ride pint.
3
0
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.
1
1
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.
3
0
A pretty stop when you've had enough of the surrounding hills.
1
0
The primary bodies of water to explore in the area include Marsworth Reservoir, Wilstone Reservoir, and Clickmere Pond. These offer diverse experiences from wildlife observation to walking.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Marsworth Reservoir and Clickmere Pond are both considered family-friendly. You can enjoy easy walks, observe canal boats, and find pleasant spots for relaxation.
Wilstone Reservoir is particularly known for its ecological significance, attracting breeding common terns and hosting a variety of wintering wildfowl. Marsworth Reservoir also offers birdwatching opportunities, with a bird hide available.
Yes, the area offers relatively easy walking. The path along the Grand Union Canal and Marsworth Reservoir is a wonderful section for walking, featuring superb views. Many routes around the reservoirs are designed for relaxed, circular walks.
Wilstone Reservoir is notable for the rare mudwort plant, visible on the mudflats when water levels recede in autumn. The reservoirs also feature extensive reedbeds and diverse habitats for various bird species.
Clickmere Pond is particularly lovely in autumn, when the surrounding trees display gorgeous, vibrant colors, enhancing the beauty of the area.
Yes, there are several running trails in the vicinity. For example, you can find routes like the 'Steps Hill β Bridgewater Monument loop' or 'Ivinghoe Beacon β Red Cedar Woods Path loop' which are moderate difficulty. You can explore more options on the Running Trails around Ivinghoe guide.
The area offers gravel biking routes, such as 'Beacon Hill and the Chilterns loop from Tring'. These routes can range from moderate to difficult. More details can be found in the Gravel biking around Ivinghoe guide.
Yes, free parking is available at Wilstone Reservoir. The Marsworth Reservoirs area also has car parks, making it convenient for visitors to access the lakeside activities and walking paths.
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural experiences, from the superb views of colorful canal boats and flowing reeds along the Grand Union Canal and Marsworth Reservoir to the peaceful birdwatching opportunities and the vibrant autumn colors at Clickmere Pond. The area is popular for walking, angling, and observing wildlife.
While specific lake-only hiking trails aren't detailed, many hiking routes in the region, such as the 'Ashridge Estate Wildlife Walk' or 'Ivinghoe Beacon loop', pass through or near these water bodies. You can find more hiking options in the Hiking around Ivinghoe guide.
Absolutely. The area around Marsworth Reservoir is characterized by a flight of locks along the Grand Union Canal, offering superb views of colorful canal boats. The walkway between the Grand Union Canal and Startop's End Reservoir also features riverboats.


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