Top 5 Lakes around Englefield

The Englefield area features a diverse range of lakes, including historical ornamental lakes like Cranemoor Lake, significant fishing lagoons such as Englefield Lagoon, and newer lakes formed from old gravel workings. You'll also find natural areas like Hosehill Lake and serene spots like Whiteknights Lake.

Yes, Cranemoor Lake, historically associated with Englefield House, dates back to at least the 16th century. Originally fish ponds, it was later converted into an ornamental lake. While parts have faced leakage, the original section with a boathouse remains, and it can refill significantly after heavy rainfall.

Hosehill Lake is excellent for wildlife, known for its meadows, ponds, and sheltered reedbeds. Whiteknights Lake, set within the grounds of Reading University, also offers a quiet environment with diverse wildlife. Additionally, Kiln Pond, nestled in Benyon's Inclosure, provides opportunities to observe surrounding wildlife from its pathways.

Englefield Lagoon is a prominent 47-acre carp lake managed by the Reading & District Angling Association. It's well-known for its large carp, with some specimens exceeding 45 pounds, and also offers good stillwater roach fishing and pike during winter months.

Whiteknights Lake, located within Reading University grounds, is known for offering a quiet and peaceful walk. Longwater Lake, the focal point of Green Park, also provides a calm and flat walk, ideal for relaxation.

Yes, Hosehill Lake offers a nice 1-mile circular walk. While not explicitly circular, Longwater Lake is also suitable for a walk around its calm waters. For more extensive hiking options, you can explore routes like the 'Moor Copse Nature Reserve loop' which is an easy 2.2 km hike, detailed in the Hiking around Englefield guide.

Many lakes in the area are family-friendly. Hosehill Lake, Whiteknights Lake, Garston Lock (which is next to Hosehill Lake), Kiln Pond, and Longwater Lake are all noted as suitable for families, offering easy walks and opportunities for nature observation.

Beyond walking and wildlife viewing, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including 'Theale Lake – Kennet and Avon Canal loop' (49.7 km, moderate) and 'Theale Lake – Garston Lock loop' (22 km, easy), detailed in the Cycling around Englefield guide. Hiking is also popular, with routes like 'Moor Copse & Finder's Folly loop' (9 km, moderate) available in the Hiking around Englefield guide.

While not directly within Englefield, the impressive Virginia Water Lake is a major feature within Windsor Great Park, located in the nearby village of Englefield Green. It offers extensive woodland and scenic beauty, making it a notable larger lake in the broader region. You can learn more about it on Wikipedia.

For walks around Hosehill Lake, visitors often park in the Fox & Hounds pub car park. Specific parking details for other lakes may vary, so it's advisable to check local information before your visit.

Visitors appreciate the variety of environments, from the quiet, wildlife-rich settings of Whiteknights Lake to the picturesque views at Garston Lock, which is situated next to one of the Hosehill Lakes. The opportunity for peaceful walks, nature observation, and the historical context of some lakes are frequently highlighted.