Best lakes around Tring Rural are primarily found within the Tring Reservoirs, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and College Lake. These water bodies are significant for their abundant wildlife, especially birdlife, and offer opportunities for walking and connecting with nature. The area is characterized by its interconnected reservoirs, originally built to supply the Grand Union Canal, and a former chalk quarry transformed into a thriving wildlife hub. Visitors can explore diverse habitats and enjoy the serene landscape.
Last updated: August 22, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Forest
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 • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Tring Rural.
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.
2
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 🙏
1
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
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.
1
0
View of rare UK birds in the famous birdwatching spot. The reserve is a former chalk quarry in Pitstone and is one of the flagship reserves of the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust, and it has an information centre, education facilities, a café, toilets and a shop.
0
0
The Tring Reservoirs, including Wilstone, Marsworth, Startop's End, and Tringford, are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). They are renowned for their abundant wildlife, particularly birdlife, attracting over 250 bird species. They also host nationally important numbers of Shoveler in winter and a large heronry at Wilstone Reservoir.
Yes, Tring Rural is excellent for birdwatching. The Tring Reservoirs are considered one of the best bird-watching spots in the south of England. Marsworth Reservoir is particularly good for seeing overwintering Bitterns due to its reedbed, and Wilstone Reservoir has a heronry and attracts breeding common terns.
The Tring Reservoirs offer a network of footpaths and canal towpaths suitable for various walks. You can enjoy short strolls or full-day explorations. For example, a circular route around the reservoirs is approximately six miles, offering relatively easy walking. Accessible paths are available around Startop's End and Marsworth along the Grand Union Canal.
College Lake, a Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust nature reserve, was transformed from a chalk quarry into a thriving wildlife hub. It supports over 1,000 species and is one of Buckinghamshire's best places for water birds. Visitors can find diverse wildlife throughout the year, including breeding activity in spring, wildflowers and insects in summer, and wintering wildfowl.
Yes, many areas are family-friendly. Marsworth Reservoir is popular with families for walks and bike tours. College Lake also offers excellent birdwatching facilities with many hides and an easy-access trail, making it suitable for families. The Walkway Between Grand Union Canal and Startop's End Reservoir is another lovely, family-friendly trail.
A pay-and-display car park is available at Startop's End Reservoir, which is a common starting point for exploring the reservoirs. Free parking is also available at Wilstone Reservoir.
The Tring Reservoirs were built in the early 19th century to supply water to the Grand Union Canal. Both the reservoirs and the canal are rich in history, showcasing 19th-century engineering that was vital during the Industrial Revolution.
Beyond walking and birdwatching, you can enjoy cycling and mountain biking. There are various routes available, such as the 'Tring Station Cutting – Grand Union Canal Path loop from Tring' for easy cycling, or more challenging mountain bike trails like the 'Dunstable Downs – Ashridge House loop from Tring'. You can find more cycling routes in the Cycling around Tring Rural guide and mountain biking trails in the MTB Trails around Tring Rural guide.
Yes, Wilstone Reservoir boasts the rare Mudwort plant, which can be spotted on its mudflats during autumn months as the waters recede. College Lake is also notable for its arable weeds project, conserving rare and beautiful wildflowers that create a spectacular display in June and July.
College Lake features a Visitor Centre with a cafe and information desk, a farming museum, and waymarked trails, including an easy-access trail. These amenities make it a comfortable and informative visit for all.
Visitors particularly appreciate the serene and picturesque settings, the abundance of wildlife, especially birds, and the opportunities for relaxing walks. The views along the Grand Union Canal, featuring colorful canalboats and flowing reeds, are often highlighted as superb, such as along the Path along the Grand Union Canal and Marsworth Reservoir.
The lakes offer something year-round. Winter is excellent for birdwatching, with nationally important numbers of Shoveler and overwintering wildfowl. Spring brings breeding activity, while summer showcases wildflowers and insects. Autumn provides beautiful colors and opportunities to spot the rare Mudwort plant at Wilstone Reservoir.


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