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.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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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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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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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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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