Top 18 Lakes around West End
Best lakes around West End are found within a region characterized by extensive woodlands, parks, and diverse natural settings. This area offers a variety of water bodies, from tranquil ponds to larger lakes, providing opportunities for walking, wildlife observation, and quiet recreation. The landscape features a mix of forest trails and open spaces, making it suitable for outdoor activities.
Best lakes around West End
- The most popular lakes is Cow Pond, a lake that features an oak arbour and a Baroque-style footbridge, renovated in 2012. It is a spot for picnics and observing ducks and birds.
- Another must-see spot is Rapley Lake, a forest lake located within Swinley Forest. Visitors can explore a network of paths around the lake and through the surrounding forest.
- Visitors also love Hawley Lake, an extensive lake surrounded by woodlands. It offers a mix of paved, gravel, and unsurfaced paths, with opportunities for views across the water.
- West End is known for its forest lakes, acid lakes, and renovated historical ponds. The variety of lakes provides diverse natural habitats and recreational opportunities.
- The lakes around West End are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 50 upvotes and 29 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Cow Pond
Highlight • Lake
Whilst visiting Cow Pond, take a trip to nearby Chapel Wood. Autumn fills this woodland with the glorious colour of the Japanese maples, while a visit during January and February will be rewarded with colourful and sweetly perfumed witch hazels. Whatever the season, this charming wood is always a worthwhile addition to your walk.
Cow Pond was formally created in the early 1700s by architect Henry Flitcroft, as an extension from an existing pond. The oak arbour and footbridge, added as part of the renovations in 2012, were built according to the original 1748 designs.
windsorgreatpark.co.uk/en/experiences/cow-pond
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Rapley Lake
Highlight • Forest
The area can get a bit muddy after heavy rainfall, so keep that in mind and wear appropriate footwear.
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Observation Tower and Trails at Former TRL Site, Crowthorne
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Five Arch Bridge, Virginia Water Lake
Highlight • Bridge
virginiawater.org.uk/scr/histlist.php?locid=&bid=15
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Hawley Lake
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
Nice peaceful spot, although there are no facilities or coffee shops in the immediate vicinity.
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Rapley Lake is beautiful and sits on the outskirts of the Royal Estate of Bagshot Park. It's very peaceful and on a still day the lake is like a mirror. It's a bit of a dead end if you cycle there as there's only really one path in or out, but lots of little paths for hiking. There's ducks and geese who like to be fed!
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Very close to Bagshot, within Swinley Forest, you will find this beautiful lake, perfect for a walk and for getting lost in the network of paths throughout the forest. The area can get a bit muddy after heavy rainfall, so keep that in mind and wear appropriate footwear.
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The Crowthorne location that formerly housed the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) has now been transformed into a vast expanse of open space. The area features a legendary and monumental high-speed vehicle testing berm, gravelpads, and hillclimbing tracks, and labs once utilised to test crash test dummies. The vicinity also boasts sprawling woodlands, offering a plethora of well-maintained trails that are perfect for running, hiking, or extending a gravel ride. An enormous skid pan adds to the allure of this region, as does the presence of test zones that were previously utilised to test out-of-the-box ideas, such as miniature roundabouts and bike paths, all within the expanse of a well-landscaped forest.
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Former Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) in Crowthorne Berkshire is now huge open space with now defunct, massive high speed vehicle testing berms, gravelpads and hillclimbing tracks in what used to be the home of the crash test dummies. Wide woodlands littered with well surfaced tracks perfect for running, extending a gravel ride or walking. A huge skid pan and areas once used to test ‘innovative’ ideas such as mini-roundabouts and bike paths amongst a well landscaped forest.
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It would be helpful to put in the walk title where it is!
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Really peaceful here and just one of the many different and interesting features you'll find along this route
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular lakes for walking and nature observation around West End?
The West End area offers several beautiful lakes ideal for walks and observing nature. Cow Pond features an oak arbour and a Baroque-style footbridge, perfect for picnics and birdwatching. Rapley Lake, nestled within Swinley Forest, provides a peaceful setting with a network of paths. Hawley Lake is surrounded by woodlands with diverse paths and offers great views across the water. Additionally, Heath Lake is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, known for its rare plants and birdlife.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the West End area?
Yes, several lakes around West End are suitable for families. Cow Pond is a great spot for picnics and observing ducks and birds. Rapley Lake and Hawley Lake both offer accessible paths through woodlands, making them pleasant for family strolls. The trails at the Former TRL Site in Crowthorne also provide wide, well-surfaced tracks suitable for families.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes in West End?
The lakes in West End are set within diverse natural environments. You'll find extensive woodlands, such as those surrounding Rapley Lake and Hawley Lake. Cow Pond features an oak arbour and is home to various ducks and birds. Heath Lake is unique as Berkshire's only acid lake, harboring rare plants like water milfoil and six-stemmed water crowfoot, and is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Are there any historical or notable landmarks near the lakes?
Yes, Cow Pond has historical significance, with its Baroque-style footbridge and oak arbour renovated in 2012 according to original 1748 designs. The Former TRL Site in Crowthorne, now an open space with trails, was once a Transport Research Laboratory, featuring remnants of vehicle testing berms and tracks within a landscaped forest.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes in West End?
Beyond walking and nature observation around the lakes, the West End area offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous running trails, enjoy road cycling routes, or try gravel biking through the surrounding woodlands and open spaces. Many routes pass by or near the lakes, offering scenic views during your activity.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around West End?
The lakes around West End can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering a different experience. Spring and summer are ideal for picnics and enjoying the lush greenery and birdlife. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, especially in woodlands like those around Rapley Lake. Winter walks can be peaceful, though some paths, particularly around Rapley Lake and Heath Lake, can become muddy after heavy rainfall, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
Are there easy walking trails suitable for beginners around the lakes?
Yes, many of the lake areas offer easy and accessible walking options. Cow Pond is perfect for leisurely strolls. Hawley Lake features a mix of paved, gravel, and hardpacked trails that are generally easy to navigate. The new system of paths at the Former TRL Site in Crowthorne also provides well-surfaced tracks suitable for relaxed walks.
Can I find parking near the lakes in West End?
Parking availability varies by lake. For Heath Lake, there is a small, free parking area next to the reserve. For other lakes like Rapley Lake within Swinley Forest, parking is generally available at designated forest car parks, though fees may apply. It's always advisable to check specific location details before your visit.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around West End?
Visitors frequently praise the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of the lakes. Many appreciate the opportunities for scenic walks and observing wildlife, such as the ducks and birds at Cow Pond. The extensive network of paths, especially around Rapley Lake and Hawley Lake, is popular for exploring and enjoying the tranquility of the woodlands. The unique ecological significance of Heath Lake also draws interest from nature enthusiasts.
Are there opportunities for wild swimming in or near the West End lakes?
While the guide data doesn't explicitly mention designated wild swimming spots for the specific lakes listed, Hawley Lake does offer a couple of spots for a paddle. For more established wild swimming experiences in the broader London area, the Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds are renowned, though they are not directly within the West End region covered by this guide.
Are the trails around the lakes suitable for cycling?
Yes, some areas offer trails suitable for cycling. The Former TRL Site in Crowthorne features wide woodlands with well-surfaced tracks perfect for extending a gravel ride. Hawley Lake also has wide gravel and hardpacked trails that are great for cycling. For more dedicated cycling, you can explore the road cycling and gravel biking guides for the West End area.
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