Best lakes around Edlesborough are found in the surrounding areas, offering diverse natural landscapes. While Edlesborough itself does not feature large lakes, the nearby region provides various water bodies. These locations are characterized by opportunities for wildlife observation, walking, and fishing. The area's geography includes chalk escarpments and natural reserves, contributing to its varied outdoor appeal.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
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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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Public bridleway taking you into Into Rushmere Country Park. More info on Rushmere https://www.greensandtrust.org/rushmere-country-park
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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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Nice bridleway descent from Ivy/Bragenham Lane to Rushmere Country Park . Mainly firm gravel with some firm sand. Usually passable in all conditions but can be muddy at the Rushmere end. Views of peaceful fishing lake as you pass through. As you reach Rushmere Park you have several options including continuing on the bridleway through the lovely Oak Wood
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This is a very nice gravel path that takes you past the Alders Farm Fisheries Lake and into Rushmore Country Park.
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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 area around Edlesborough offers several popular lakes. Among them, Marsworth Reservoir is a magnet for anglers, dog walkers, boaters, and birdwatchers. Wilstone Reservoir, part of the Tring Reservoirs Nature Reserve, is known for its diverse wildlife. For a peaceful spot, Clickmere Pond within Pitstone Common is lovely, especially in autumn. Additionally, College Lake Nature Reserve, though not directly in Edlesborough, is a significant wildlife haven nearby.
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly experiences. Marsworth Reservoir and Wilstone Reservoir are great for easy walks and birdwatching, with well-signed routes of different distances. College Lake Nature Reserve near Tring is particularly family-friendly, offering a two-mile circular Wildlife Walk, a farming exhibition, and seasonal family fun days, along with an eco-visitor centre and easy-access trails.
The lakes are rich in wildlife. The Tring Reservoirs, including Wilstone Reservoir and Marsworth Reservoir, are a natural stronghold for birds, especially during colder months when they host wintering wildfowl like tufted duck, pochard, and wigeon. You might also spot breeding common terns, oystercatchers, and even overwintering bitterns. College Lake Nature Reserve boasts over 1,000 different wildlife species, including breeding waders, common terns, waterbirds, orchids, and butterflies.
Absolutely. The region is well-known for its fishing opportunities. Manor Farm Lakes in Central Bedfordshire is an extensive 100-acre fishery with seven distinct lakes, catering to various angling styles including carp, match, and predator fishing. Jones Pit near Dunstable is another prime spot, famous for its specimen carp and catfish, with venue records including catfish over 84 lbs. Alders Farm Fisheries Lake Path also passes a peaceful fishing lake.
Yes, there are numerous walking opportunities. The Tring Reservoirs offer relaxing, relatively easy circular walks, such as the six-mile route around Marsworth Reservoir and Wilstone Reservoir. College Lake Nature Reserve features a two-mile circular Wildlife Walk and other waymarked trails, including an easy-access path. For more options, you can explore various routes in the Easy hikes around Edlesborough guide.
College Lake Nature Reserve near Tring offers well-maintained visitor facilities and includes easy-access trails, making it suitable for those with mobility considerations. The path along the Grand Union Canal and Marsworth Reservoir is also a wonderful section of running along a gravel path, which can be suitable for some.
Many of the lake areas are popular with dog walkers. Marsworth Reservoir is noted as a magnet for dog walkers. When visiting, always ensure your dog is under control, especially around wildlife, and check for any specific local regulations or restrictions on leads.
Beyond walking and fishing, the area offers a range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy mountain biking or cycling on routes around the lakes, with family-friendly rides available at the Tring Reservoirs. For more adventurous cycling, check out the Gravel biking around Edlesborough guide. There are also several Running Trails around Edlesborough that pass through scenic areas.
Yes, parking is generally available. For instance, Wilstone Reservoir offers free parking. The Tring Reservoirs also have car parks, though they can get busy on sunny weekends. College Lake Nature Reserve has visitor parking facilities.
The lakes offer different appeals throughout the year. Autumn is particularly beautiful at places like Clickmere Pond, when the surrounding trees display vibrant colors. Winter is excellent for birdwatching at the Tring Reservoirs, as large numbers of wildfowl gather. Spring and summer are ideal for general walks and enjoying the lush greenery and warmer weather, with opportunities to spot breeding birds and butterflies.
While specific cafes and pubs directly adjacent to every lake are not detailed, popular areas like the Tring Reservoirs often have tearooms or establishments nearby. For example, the area around Marsworth Reservoir is known to have tearooms. College Lake Nature Reserve features an eco-visitor centre, which may offer refreshments.
The Tring Reservoirs Nature Reserve, which includes Wilstone Reservoir and Marsworth Reservoir, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It's renowned for its diverse plant and animal communities, particularly its nationally important numbers of wintering shoveler ducks and other wildfowl. The reedbeds are crucial for breeding sedge and reed warblers, and it's a fantastic place to spot passage waders and even a heronry.


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