Top 4 Lakes around Kempsford

The lakes around Kempsford, particularly within the Cotswold Water Park, offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy various water sports like sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, water skiing, and wakeboarding. For land-based activities, there are numerous well-marked walking and cycling trails. You can also find specific routes for road cycling and gravel biking. For example, there are several road cycling routes and gravel biking routes available in the area.

Yes, a notable spot for wild swimming is the Cheese Wharf Wild Swimming Spot on the River Thames near Buscot. This location is historically significant and is owned by the National Trust.

For exceptional wildlife viewing, consider visiting Whelford Pools Nature Reserve and Roundhouse Lake. Both were once gravel pits that have transformed into freshwater havens, attracting a variety of wintering wildfowl, including Wigeon, Red-crested Pochard, and Goldeneye. In spring, Great Crested Grebes perform their courtship displays, and summer brings abundant dragonflies and damselflies. Otters, nightingales, and bitterns can also be spotted.

The Cotswold Water Park features an inland beach, which is great for family bathing. Additionally, the Grotesque Head Pillars by the Lake are a unique man-made monument that can be an interesting stop for families.

The best time to visit depends on your interests. Spring and summer are ideal for general outdoor activities like cycling, as noted for the Singletrack Between the Manorbrook Lakes. These seasons also offer opportunities to see dragonflies and damselflies. For birdwatching, winter is excellent for observing wildfowl, while spring is perfect for seeing courtship displays of birds like Great Crested Grebes.

The Cotswold Water Park offers numerous cycling trails. A popular option is the Singletrack Between the Manorbrook Lakes, known for its flowing surface and quality turns. Another area with good cycling paths is the Gravel Paths by Lakeside Houses and Supercars, though caution is advised for those on skinny tyres due to deep gravel in some sections.

Yes, Claydon Park Fishery, located within the Cotswold Water Park near Lechlade-on-Thames, is known as an 'angler's lake.' It's over 50 years old and holds a variety of coarse fish, including Pike over 30lb, Tench over 9lb, Bream, Roach, and Perch. It's a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.

The Cotswold Water Park offers diverse terrain. Many trails are well-marked and can range from easy, flat paths to gravel paths. For instance, the Gravel Paths by Lakeside Houses and Supercars feature gravel surfaces. The overall area is generally low-lying, making for accessible walks.

Cleveland Lakes Reserve is a significant wetland nature reserve comprising two large lakes (Lakes 68 and 74) in the Cotswold Water Park. It boasts the largest area of reedbed, marsh swamp, and willow carr in the region, providing a rich habitat for fish, birds, and insects. Elusive water voles and otters also inhabit its streams and reedbeds, supported by high water quality.

Yes, within the Cotswold Water Park, you can find waterside pubs. The area around the Gravel Paths by Lakeside Houses and Supercars also features a trendy cafe near the main reception, offering a convenient stop for refreshments.

The Cotswold Water Park is a vast network of over 150 lakes spanning 40 square miles, making it one of the largest marl lake systems in the UK. It's known for its crystal-clear waters and lack of tides, which makes it ideal for various water sports. It's also a significant habitat for a wide array of wildlife and offers numerous land-based activities.