Top 18 Lakes around Fleet
Best lakes around Fleet are found in a region characterized by its natural landscapes and diverse aquatic environments. The area features a variety of lakes, including the largest freshwater lake in Hampshire, Fleet Pond, which covers 141 acres. These bodies of water are often surrounded by heathland, woodland, reedbed, and marshland, supporting a wide array of wildlife. The lakes provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and are recognized for their ecological significance.
Best lakes around Fleet
- The most popular lakes is Horseshoe Lake, an other natural area that is part of Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve. This lake is popular for dinghy sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing, and offers opportunities for birdwatching.
- Another must-see spot is Hawley Lake, a lake surrounded by extensive woodland. Visitors can find a mixture of paved, gravel, and unsurfaced paths and trails, with spots available for paddling.
- Visitors also love Heath Lake, a natural monument and the only acid lake in Berkshire. It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its rare plants, such as water milfoil and six-stemmed water crowfoot.
- Fleet is known for its natural lakes, man-made lakes, and acid lakes. The region offers a variety of aquatic environments to explore, from large freshwater bodies to smaller ponds within woodlands.
- The lakes around Fleet are appreciated by the komoot community, with 15 upvotes and 6 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Observation Tower and Trails at Former TRL Site, Crowthorne
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Hawley Lake
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Heath Lake
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Horseshoe Lake
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There's a cafe at the watersports centre which is open throughout the summer season as well as picnic benches outside. If you're a keen birdwatcher then you'll find plenty of feathered friends here. You can see geese, widgeons, kingfishers and swallows at various times throughout the year.
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Bricksbury Hill Pond
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This specific spot offers some beautiful scenery across one of the larger ponds in the area, which has some lovely clean water with a beach-like feel. Unfortunately, you're not able to swim here, but you can still pull up a picnic blanket and relax in the sunshine.
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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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Great place for dog walking or running pretty good paths
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While walking along the path around the lake, you can observe a wide variety of birds, including swans and ducks, among others. This lake is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is home to several rare plants due to its low pH levels. In fact, it's the only acid lake in the county. Depending on the weather, it can become muddy.
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This lake is the only acid lake in Berkshire. Due to its naturally high pH level, it harbors some very uncommon plants, such as the water milfoil or the six-stemmed water crowfoot. This has earned it the designation of SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). Next to the reserve where this lake is located, there is a small, free parking area. Several trails and routes, like the Ramblers Route, pass by the lake.
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Bricksbury Hill is a summit located in the Farnham area of Surrey. The area surrounding it is made up of numerous sandy mounds and open woodlands, with a number of small ponds dotted around too. This specific spot offers some beautiful scenery across one of the larger ponds in the area, which has some lovely clean water with a beach-like feel. Unfortunately, you're not able to swim here, but you can still pull up a picnic blanket and relax in the sunshine.
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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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Part of Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve, Horseshoe Lake is one of many stunning bodies of water in this area. With an activity centre on the west side, this lake is popular with dinghy sailors, kayakers and windsurfers. There's a cafe at the watersports centre which is open throughout the summer season as well as picnic benches outside. If you're a keen birdwatcher then you'll find plenty of feathered friends here. You can see geese, widgeons, kingfishers and swallows at various times throughout the year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around the lakes in Fleet?
The lakes around Fleet offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and gravel biking on numerous trails. For example, there are easy hiking routes like the Fleet Pond loop, or more challenging mountain biking trails such as the Minley Forest Trail. Horseshoe Lake is popular for dinghy sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing. Fleet Pond also offers fishing opportunities during its season.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Fleet?
Yes, several lakes around Fleet are family-friendly. Horseshoe Lake, part of Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve, has an activity center and a cafe, making it great for families. Hawley Lake and Heath Lake also feature trails suitable for family walks. Fleet Pond Nature Reserve has surfaced paths accessible for pushchairs and offers picnic areas.
What makes Fleet Pond a significant natural area?
Fleet Pond is the largest freshwater lake in Hampshire and is recognized for its diverse habitats, including heathland, woodland, reedbed, and marshland. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its rich biodiversity, supporting various birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and rare species like adders and cuckoos. It also holds the Green Flag Award for its environmental standards.
Are the trails around Fleet's lakes accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs?
Yes, Fleet Pond Nature Reserve features surfaced paths that are accessible for wheelchairs, pushchairs, and bicycles. There's even a fishing jetty at Boathouse Corner designed for wheelchair use. Other lakes like Hawley Lake offer a mixture of paved and gravel paths, which can be suitable depending on the specific trail.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes in Fleet?
Many areas around Fleet's lakes are dog-friendly. For instance, the area around Bricksbury Hill Pond is noted as a great place for dog walking with good paths. While specific rules may vary by reserve, generally, dogs are welcome on leads on most public footpaths around the lakes.
What kind of wildlife can I observe at Fleet Pond?
Fleet Pond is a haven for wildlife. Its diverse habitats support a wide array of species, including numerous birds like cuckoos and reed warblers, butterflies, and dragonflies. You might also spot adders, grass snakes, and slow worms. It's an excellent spot for birdwatching and general wildlife observation.
Are there any historical aspects to the lakes in Fleet?
Fleet Pond has a notable history, dating back to 1324 when it originally functioned as two fishery ponds. It was drained during World War II to reduce visibility to enemy aircraft but was refilled and re-naturalized in 1947. This long history adds a unique dimension to its natural beauty.
When is the best time to visit Fleet Pond?
Fleet Pond can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering different natural beauty. The fishing season runs from June 16th to March 14th. Spring and summer are ideal for wildlife observation and enjoying the vibrant flora, while autumn offers beautiful foliage. Winter walks can be peaceful, but paths might be muddy.
Are there cafes or pubs near the lakes in Fleet?
Yes, there are options for refreshments. Horseshoe Lake has a cafe at its watersports center, open during the summer season, with picnic benches available. While specific cafes or pubs directly adjacent to every lake might be limited, the town of Fleet offers various dining options a short distance away.
What unique natural features can I find among the lakes?
Beyond the general beauty, you can find unique features like Heath Lake, which is the only acid lake in Berkshire. It's designated as an SSSI due to its rare plants, such as water milfoil and six-stemmed water crowfoot, thriving in its naturally low pH levels. The area around Bricksbury Hill Pond also features sandy mounds and open woodlands.
Is fishing permitted at Fleet Pond?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity at Fleet Pond. The dedicated fishing season runs from June 16th to March 14th. Permits are required and can be obtained from the local council. For more details on permits and regulations, you can visit the Hart District Council website: hart.gov.uk/fleet-pond.
What kind of walking routes are available around Fleet Pond?
Fleet Pond offers several well-maintained walking routes. Options range from a shorter 0.6-mile path to a longer 2.5-mile circuit that includes Brookly Wood and Wood Lane Heath. These paths provide excellent views of the lake and its surrounding natural beauty. You can find more information on circular walks at visit-hampshire.co.uk.
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