Top 4 Lakes around Ashton
Best lakes around Ashton offer diverse natural and recreational opportunities. This region, located near Milton Keynes and Northampton in the UK, features a variety of lakes, reservoirs, and nature reserves. The landscape includes former gravel workings transformed into wetlands, extensive nature sites, and fishing lakes. These areas provide habitats for wildlife and offer accessible paths for walking and cycling.
Best lakes around Ashton
- The most popular lakes is Stony Stratford Nature Reserve, a trail featuring 5 lakes and 57โฆ
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Stony Stratford Nature Reserve
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Kislingbury Syndicate Lakes
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Linford Lakes Nature Reserve
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Sixfields Reservoir
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Northampton Washlands Nature Reserve
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The Stony Stratford Nature Reserve is a beautiful nugget of countryside with cleared islands and renovated bird hides connected by footpaths. The nature reserve offers nesting grounds and thriving wetland habitats for wildfowl and waders such as Kingfishers. Make sure to take advantage of the picturesque lake with its dipping platform, known for its vibrant dragonflies and damselflies.
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Great gravel path, perfect place to bring the kids for a bike ride
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A beautiful part of the wider Ouse Valley Park, Stony Stratford Nature Reserve is a great place to see breeding and over-wintering birds, as well as many dragonfly species. Created in 1979 from the gravel workings used in the building of the nearby A5, the reserve comprises five lakes and 57 acres (23 ha) of wet meadow. It is owned and operated by the Parks Trust. Two hides allow you to spot various bird species, depending on the time of year. Terns, oystercatchers and lapwings nest on the islands between March and June. Itโs a good place to see a number of raptors, including kestrels, sparrow-hawks, buzzards and red kites. It is not uncommon to spot ospreys on autumn passage.
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Lovely location. This site requires a permit which can be purchased from the Parks Trust.
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This 91-acre (37 ha) site is the most diverse nature reserve in the Milton Keynes area. Originally opened in 1970 as a wildfowl research centre, today Linford Lakes is still a superb place to amble and watch the birds. The reserve consists of an extensive lake, reedbeds, wet woodland and a number of meadows interlaced with smaller lakes and ponds. There are four hides from which to watch the wildlife, which includes herons, little egrets, terns, barn owls, otters and water shrews.
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Nicely updated gravel paths run between the fishing lakes and form part of the updated walking and cycles paths of Upton Country Park.
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Handy parking at the far end of the Reservoir gives easy access from the sixfields leisure park where there are numerous food outlets. From here you can also connect with the Northampton canal which takes you further into town or towards Hatton and Weedon Bec in the other direction.
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You can ride a full loop of the Washlands by following the path to the left or right of the information board. If you cycle to the other side (around half way) you will find the canal and river but be prepared to cross a footbridge with gates at each end. If you want to connect up to the Riverside retail park you will also need to lift your bike over a fence/gate and push it over a very narrow footbridge which crosses the canal. It is just a short cycle 200-300m to the corner of the retail park.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for walking and cycling around Ashton?
For walking and cycling, Kislingbury Syndicate Lakes offers nicely updated gravel paths suitable for family bike rides. You can also explore the full loop at Northampton Washlands Nature Reserve, which connects to the canal and river.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Ashton area?
Yes, several lakes around Ashton are great for families. Stony Stratford Nature Reserve is a beautiful spot with bird hides and a dipping platform for dragonflies. Kislingbury Syndicate Lakes has gravel paths perfect for family bike rides, and Sixfields Reservoir offers easy access and nearby food outlets.
Where can I go birdwatching or observe wildlife near Ashton's lakes?
Both Stony Stratford Nature Reserve and Linford Lakes Nature Reserve are excellent for wildlife observation. Stony Stratford is known for breeding and overwintering birds and various dragonfly species, with two hides available. Linford Lakes, the most diverse nature reserve in the Milton Keynes area, features an extensive lake, reedbeds, and wet woodland, offering sightings of herons, little egrets, terns, barn owls, otters, and water shrews from its four hides.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around Ashton's lakes?
The lakes around Ashton offer diverse natural features. You'll find extensive lakes, wet meadows, reedbeds, and wet woodlands. These areas are often former gravel workings transformed into rich wetland habitats, supporting a variety of bird species, dragonflies, and even mammals like otters and water shrews.
Are there easy walks around the lakes near Ashton?
Yes, there are several easy walking options. The paths at Kislingbury Syndicate Lakes are updated gravel paths, suitable for leisurely strolls. Additionally, you can find easy hiking routes in the wider area, such as the Gruffalo Statue loop from Salcey Forest, which is 4.7 km long.
When is the best time to visit the lakes for wildlife spotting?
The best time depends on what you want to see. For breeding birds like terns, oystercatchers, and lapwings, visit between March and June. For overwintering birds, the colder months are ideal. Dragonflies and damselflies are most vibrant during warmer seasons. Stony Stratford Nature Reserve is noted for both breeding and overwintering birds, as well as dragonflies.
Where can I find parking and food outlets near the lakes?
For convenient parking and nearby food options, Sixfields Reservoir offers handy parking at the far end, with numerous food outlets available at the adjacent Sixfields leisure park.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Beyond enjoying the lakes themselves, the Ashton area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy, moderate, and difficult options, such as the Salcey Forest loop. There are also dedicated running trails around Ashton, with routes like the Salcey Forest Cafรฉ loop.
Are there any specific requirements to visit Linford Lakes Nature Reserve?
Yes, Linford Lakes Nature Reserve requires a permit for entry. These permits can be purchased from the Parks Trust.
Can I connect to other waterways from the lakes?
Yes, from Sixfields Reservoir, you can connect with the Northampton canal, which extends further into town or towards Hatton and Weedon Bec. Northampton Washlands Nature Reserve also provides access to the canal and river.
What makes Stony Stratford Nature Reserve unique?
Stony Stratford Nature Reserve is unique for its origin as former gravel workings, transformed into five lakes and 57 acres of wet meadow. It's a crucial site for breeding and overwintering birds, and its dipping platform is known for vibrant dragonflies and damselflies, making it a beautiful part of the wider Ouse Valley Park.
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