Top 13 Lakes around Shottesbrooke
Best lakes around Shottesbrooke are found within a rural hamlet and civil parish in Berkshire, England. The immediate area is characterized by farmland and woodland, with water features primarily consisting of tributaries and ponds. While Shottesbrooke itself does not feature large natural lakes, the broader administrative area of Windsor and Maidenhead offers several water-based attractions. These include man-made lakes and various ponds, providing diverse environments for exploration.
Best lakes around Shottesbrooke
- The most popular lakes is Dinton Pastures Lake View…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Observation Tower and Trails at Former TRL Site, Crowthorne
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Dorney Lake
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Dorney Lake Olympic Rowing Course
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Hurst Village Pond
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Dinton Pastures Lake View
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Rolling through Dinton Pastures in the evening is fast, quiet, and just eerie enough to keep you sharp. The gravel trails run smooth, looping through open glades and shadowy patches where the bats skim low and the bugs feel unusually organised. Signs still warn: “No faster than a jogger.” If we’re still honoring old world metrics, that’s Daniel Komen’s 2 mile world record from 1997—about 24 km/h (15 mph). Back when things were still… consistent. Whether the rule’s enforced is unclear, but if the rangers are still around and still armed like they were during the “wildlife management years,” best keep it respectful. You don’t want to find out what counts as a pest now. Bring good lights, stay smooth on the corners, and be aware: things move in the treeline. Usually ducks. Occasionally something else. Either way-yield with confidence. Ride safe. Keep your exits in mind. And remember: dusk is when the place starts to remember
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Dorney Lake is a purpose-built rowing lake and Meetings & Events Venue in England. It is near the village of Dorney, Buckinghamshire, and is around 3 km west of Windsor and Eton, close to the River Thames. The lake is privately owned and financed by Eton College. The 3-mile flat, tarmacked loop around Dorney Lake's rowing course ideal for running. NOTE: Closed to the public from mid-April to September. Public parking onsite What3words: ///entire.vibes.sport
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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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Dorney Lake is completely closed to all visitors during Spring, Summer and Autumn. NCN 4 which skirts the site is in poor condition after rain, with deep mud. A very regrettable decision by Eton College.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of water features can I expect to find around Shottesbrooke?
While Shottesbrooke itself is characterized by farmland and woodland with primarily tributaries and ponds, the broader Windsor and Maidenhead area offers a variety of water-based attractions. These include village ponds like Hurst Village Pond and larger man-made recreational lakes such as Dorney Lake, which was an Olympic rowing venue.
Are there any family-friendly lake spots near Shottesbrooke?
Yes, several spots are suitable for families. Hurst Village Pond is a picturesque location with benches, perfect for a pit stop and feeding ducks. Dinton Pastures Lake View offers a park setting with a cafe, making it a great place to relax and recharge with family.
Where can I find a good place for a coffee or snack near the lakes?
For a convenient stop, Dinton Pastures Lake View features a cafe that is ideal for a mid-ride or pre-ride coffee and cake. It's located within a park, offering a pleasant environment to relax.
What kind of activities can I do at Dorney Lake?
Dorney Lake, owned by Eton College, is a significant venue for watersports, including rowing and canoeing, and was the site for Olympic rowing events. While public access to the lake itself can be restricted, the surrounding park offers footpaths and cycle paths for admiring the views. It also hosts triathlons and other events.
Are there walking or hiking trails near the lakes around Shottesbrooke?
Yes, the wider area around Shottesbrooke offers various walking and hiking opportunities. You can find trails that pass by some of these water features. For detailed routes, explore the Hiking around Shottesbrooke guide, which includes routes like 'The Bell, Waltham St Lawrence – Pond loop'.
What cycling routes are available near the lakes?
The region provides several cycling routes that incorporate lake views and pleasant scenery. You can find options in the Cycling around Shottesbrooke guide, such as 'The Pond at Hurst – The Castle Inn, Hurst loop from White Waltham', or explore road cycling routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Shottesbrooke guide, like 'Hurst Village Pond – Sonning Bridge loop'.
Can I find any unique natural or historical landmarks near the lakes?
Beyond the lakes themselves, you might encounter interesting sites like the Observation Tower and Trails at Former TRL Site, Crowthorne. This area, once a Transport Research Laboratory, is now a vast open space with woodlands and unique features like old vehicle testing berms, offering a blend of natural and man-made history to explore.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the lakes and surrounding areas?
Visitors appreciate the serene settings, such as the picturesque Hurst Village Pond for a quiet break. The presence of cafes, like the one at Dinton Pastures Lake View, is also highly valued for convenient refreshment stops during activities.
Are there any lakes known for wildlife viewing?
While specific wildlife details for each lake are not extensively documented, areas like Clay Pit Ponds (mentioned in regional research) are known for newts and aquatic plants, suggesting a rich ecosystem. Larger parks and natural areas surrounding the lakes often provide opportunities for birdwatching and observing local flora and fauna.
Is there a specific lake that hosted the Olympics?
Yes, Dorney Lake, also known as Dorney Lake Olympic Rowing Course, served as the venue for rowing events during the London 2012 Olympics. It's a purpose-built, 2,200-meter flat water rowing lake owned by Eton College.
What are the best lakes for walking near Shottesbrooke?
For walking, the parkland surrounding Dorney Lake offers footpaths and cycle paths. Additionally, the trails around Dinton Pastures Lake View provide pleasant walking opportunities within a park setting, often with gravel trails suitable for a stroll.
Most popular attractions around Shottesbrooke
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