Top 12 Lakes around Burghfield
Best lakes around Burghfield are found in this village in Berkshire, England. The area features several lakes, offering diverse natural settings. These bodies of water provide opportunities for nature observation and walking. The landscape around Burghfield includes both intimate and expansive lake environments.
Best lakes around Burghfield
- The most popular lakes is Dinton Pastures Lake View, a cafe and lake that offers a place to relax and recharge. This location is suitable for meeting groups and starting or ending bike rides.
- Another must-see spot is Hosehill Lake, an other natural area with a 1 mile circular walk. Visitors can enjoy views close to the Kennet and Avon Canal.
- Visitors also love Whiteknights Lake, a forest and lake set in the grounds of Reading University. This lake offers a quiet, peaceful walk with wildlife.
- Burghfield is known for lakes, viewpoints, and family-friendly natural areas. The variety of lakes provides options for different activities and experiences.
- The lakes around Burghfield are appreciated by the komoot community. There are 12 photos and 47 upvotes from visitors.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Dinton Pastures Lake View
Highlight • Cafe
The convenient car parks (parking charges apply, see dinton-pastures.co.uk/plan-your-visit/parking-and-location/), which can fill up especially at weekends when the weather is nice, make it a good place to meet as a group (pandemic restrictions allowing) and start/end a bike ride on the outskirts of Reading.
Incidentally, this is where the friendly "Dinton Sky Ride" group (facebook.com/groups/409137742582442) meet to start their rides, well worth joining if you are looking for company and new routes in the area!
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Hosehill Lake
Highlight • Natural
bbowt.org.uk/nature-reserves/hosehill-lake
'A beautiful lake surrounded by meadows, ponds and sheltered reedbeds, a great place to watch time go by.'
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Whiteknights Lake
Highlight • Forest
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South Lake
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
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Garston Lock
Highlight • Structure
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Tips from the Community
A quiet, peaceful walk with lots of wildlife around the lake.
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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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This is a picturesque lock situated along the Kennett and Avon Canal on the western outskirts of Reading. On the other side of the lock is one of the Hosehill Lakes so you're granted great views in all directions.
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A wonderful place to enjoy nature and escape from the suburbs of Reading. Children will have fun feeding the ducks and there is a flat path that goes round the perimeter of the lake. You can easily link up with Highwood Local Nature Reserve to the east if you would like a longer walk.
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Set in the grounds of Reading University, Whiteknights Lake is a secret wildlife wilderness in the chaos of the town. There is a public right of way through the park but some routes, like the loop around the lake, are permissive paths.
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A nice park to relax and recharge, the cafe makes it a great option for a mid-ride (or a pre-ride) coffee and cake stop. The convenient car parks (parking charges apply, see https://www.dinton-pastures.co.uk/plan-your-visit/parking-and-location/), which can fill up especially at weekends when the weather is nice, make it a good place to meet as a group (pandemic restrictions allowing) and start/end a bike ride on the outskirts of Reading. Incidentally, this is where the friendly "Dinton Sky Ride" group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/409137742582442) meet to start their rides, well worth joining if you are looking for company and new routes in the area!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular lakes around Burghfield for general visits and relaxation?
For a relaxing visit, consider Dinton Pastures Lake View, which offers a cafe and a pleasant spot to recharge. Another option is Whiteknights Lake, located within the University of Reading grounds, providing a quiet, peaceful walk with opportunities to observe wildlife.
Are there lakes suitable for family outings and gentle walks in the Burghfield area?
Yes, South Lake is a wonderful place for families, offering a flat path around its perimeter and a popular spot for children to feed ducks. It can also be linked with the Highwood Local Nature Reserve for a longer walk. Hosehill Lake also features a pleasant 1-mile circular walk suitable for families.
What kind of natural features and wildlife can I expect to see around Burghfield's lakes?
The lakes around Burghfield offer diverse natural settings. Hosehill Lake is surrounded by meadows, ponds, and sheltered reedbeds, making it ideal for wildlife observation. Whiteknights Lake is known for its peaceful environment and abundant wildlife. You can often spot various bird species and enjoy the serene natural landscapes.
What outdoor activities, such as hiking or cycling, can I do near the lakes in Burghfield?
There are several outdoor activities available. For easy hikes, you can explore routes like the 'Kennet and Avon Canal – Hosehill Lake loop' or the 'Fobney Island Nature Reserve & Reading Green Park loop'. You can find more details on these and other easy hikes in the Easy hikes around Burghfield guide. For gravel biking, routes like 'Ridgeway Track to Streatley' are available, detailed in the Gravel biking around Burghfield guide.
Are there any lakes in Burghfield known for fishing, particularly carp fishing?
Yes, Burghfield is renowned for its excellent carp fishing lakes. The Burghfield Main Lake is a prominent destination for anglers seeking large carp, including the famous 'Burghfield Common'. The more intimate Burghfield Blue Pool and Burghfield Gold Lake are also celebrated for their clear waters and high concentration of specimen carp, offering prolific fishing experiences.
What are the best times to visit the lakes around Burghfield?
The lakes are generally enjoyable year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather for walks and outdoor activities. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter can offer peaceful, crisp walks, though some paths might be muddy. Always check local conditions before your visit.
Are there any specific viewpoints or scenic spots around the lakes?
Yes, Hosehill Lake offers scenic views, especially close to the Kennet and Avon Canal. Garston Lock, situated on the Kennet and Avon Canal, also provides great views in all directions, with one of the Hosehill Lakes nearby.
Can I find cafes or pubs near the lakes in Burghfield?
Yes, Dinton Pastures Lake View has a cafe, making it a convenient spot for refreshments. For Hosehill Lake, visitors often park at the Fox & Hounds pub carpark, suggesting a pub is nearby for food and drink.
What makes Burghfield Main Lake a significant destination for anglers?
Burghfield Main Lake is a significant destination due to its expansive 90-acre size and its stock of over 180 carp, including 'The Burghfield Common,' which has been caught weighing over 62lb 8oz. It's known for its challenging yet idyllic environment, attracting experienced anglers seeking exceptionally large and historic carp.
Are there any running trails near the lakes in Burghfield?
Yes, there are several running trails. You can find moderate routes like the 'Hermit's Hill loop from Burghfield' or the 'Running loop from Reading Green Park'. For more options, consult the Running Trails around Burghfield guide.
What is unique about Burghfield Blue Pool for fishing enthusiasts?
Burghfield Blue Pool is a more intimate 4-acre lake celebrated for its crystal clear, weedy water and high concentration of large carp. It holds over 165 carp, with many weighing between 30lb and 42lb, making it an excellent venue for those seeking a prolific and intimate fishing experience, especially for stalking.
Is there parking available near the lake walks in Burghfield?
Parking is available at some locations. For instance, Dinton Pastures has convenient car parks, though charges may apply and they can fill up quickly on weekends. For walks around Hosehill Lake, visitors often use the Fox & Hounds pub carpark.
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