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United Kingdom
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South East England
Windsor and Maidenhead

Waltham St Lawrence

Top 17 Lakes around Waltham St Lawrence

Best lakes around Waltham St Lawrence include various water bodies offering natural features and recreational opportunities. This Berkshire village is situated in a landscape that once featured a large historical lake, influencing local place names. The area provides diverse outdoor experiences, from nature reserves with ponds to purpose-built rowing lakes. Visitors can explore a range of aquatic environments within the Waltham St Lawrence area.

Best lakes around Waltham St Lawrence

  • The most popular lakes is Hurst Village Pond, a…

Last updated: June 24, 2026

Observation Tower and Trails at Former TRL Site, Crowthorne

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On a new system of paths around the old Transport Research Laboratory site near Crowthorne. Currently, about 2 miles of tracks but, unfortunately, neither access to Nine Mile Ride (and …

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Dorney Lake

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Not bad for a school rowing lake! Built, owned & used by Eton College for its school rowing, it was also used as the venue for the rowing events during …

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Heath Lake

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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 …

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Owned by Eton College, Dorney Lake is an epic watersports and outdoor activities venue. It holds fantastic triathlons each year and was the London 2012 Olympics rowing venue. You don't …

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Hurst Village Pond

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With a couple of benches overlooking the pond, this a picturesque location in the village of Hurst to take a pit stop.

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Popular around Waltham St Lawrence

Running Trails around Waltham St Lawrence

Cycling around Waltham St Lawrence

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Road Cycling Routes around Waltham St Lawrence

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Tom Gibson
June 9, 2025, Hurst Village Pond

Herons ignore the no fishing signs here.

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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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Javi Jaavii
September 5, 2023, Heath Lake

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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Javi Jaavii
September 1, 2023, Heath Lake

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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Nice place for a pit stop next to the pond

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Nice place for a pit stop right next to the pond

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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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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular lakes and water bodies to visit around Waltham St Lawrence?

Visitors often enjoy Hurst Village Pond for a picturesque break, Heath Lake for its unique natural features, and Dorney Lake for its sporting heritage and recreational paths.

Are there any family-friendly lakes or nature spots in the area?

Yes, the Shurlock Road Nature Reserve is a great option, featuring a pond, picnic benches, and a natural play area for children. Hurst Village Pond is also suitable for families looking for a short, relaxing stop.

What unique natural features can I find around the lakes?

Heath Lake is particularly notable as the only acid lake in Berkshire, supporting rare plants like water milfoil and six-stemmed water crowfoot, earning it a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designation. The Shurlock Road Nature Reserve also features semi-improved grassland and marshy grassland alongside its pond.

Can I go fishing at any of the lakes near Waltham St Lawrence?

Yes, West End Fishery is a well-known spot for fishing, stocked with various fish including carp, chub, roach, rudd, and tench. Be aware of specific rules, such as the prohibition of barbed hooks.

Are there walking or cycling routes around the lakes?

Yes, Dorney Lake offers an easy ride along its towpath, popular for cycling, walking, and running. The Shurlock Road Nature Reserve also has paths for leisurely walks. For more extensive cycling, you can explore routes like the 'Sipp and Spoke – Bottle Lane loop' from Waltham St. Lawrence, which is part of the Cycling around Waltham St Lawrence guide.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?

Around Heath Lake, you can observe a variety of birds, including swans and ducks. The unique ecosystem of this acid lake also supports uncommon plant species. Hurst Village Pond is also a popular spot for feeding ducks.

Are there any historical connections to lakes in the Waltham St Lawrence area?

Historically, a large lake once separated Waltham St Lawrence from Ruscombe, leading to the southern part of the parish being known as 'South Lake.' The name 'Stanlake' is a remnant of this past geographical feature, highlighting the area's natural heritage, even though the original large lake no longer exists in its former state.

Where can I park when visiting lakes like Shurlock Road Nature Reserve?

The Shurlock Road Nature Reserve offers a small car park and cycle spaces for visitors. For Heath Lake, there is a small, free parking area next to the reserve.

What are the best times to visit the lakes around Waltham St Lawrence?

The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. However, for Heath Lake, be aware that paths can become muddy depending on the weather, so appropriate footwear is recommended, especially during wetter seasons.

Can I find mountain biking trails near the lakes?

While not directly adjacent to all lakes, the wider area around Waltham St Lawrence offers mountain biking opportunities. You can find trails like the 'Waltham St Lawrence Bridleway – Sipp and Spoke loop' in the MTB Trails around Waltham St Lawrence guide.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the lakes in this region?

Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences, from the tranquil setting of Hurst Village Pond for a quick break, to the unique ecological interest of Heath Lake. The opportunity for cycling and walking along Dorney Lake's paths is also highly valued.

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