Best lakes around Aston Clinton are situated in a region defined by its proximity to the Chilterns escarpment and the Grand Union Canal. This Buckinghamshire village is surrounded by several notable bodies of water, including the Marsworth Reservoirs and Weston Turville Reservoir. These natural features provide diverse recreational activities and opportunities for wildlife observation. The area offers a blend of water, woods, and countryside for visitors to explore.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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This is a lovely trail that travels between the Grand Union Canal and Startop's End Reservoir via a green walkway. In the area you'll find sitting benches, beautiful grasslands and riverboats. Additionally a nearby birdwatching hide provides an excellent opportunity to observe local wildlife.
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A really beautiful pond here within Pitstone Common, with a newly built (in 2010) platform. The pond has shrunk in size over the years, but it's still a lovely place to be, and in the autumn the colours of the leaves on the trees here are totally gorgeous, only adding to the effect of the place.
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Great walks from here that can be short or long. You can also walk to the Pitsone windmill which is the oldest Windmill in the British Isles
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Great family friendly rides around the lakes, 3 will signed routes of different distance. Great fun π
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Tring Reservoirs Nature Reserve comprises four individual reservoirs: Startop's End, Marsworth and Tringford reservoirs are all close together and Wilstone reservoir is a short distance to the west. The reservoirs are home to a variety of wildlife and their reedbeds, wet woodland and open water habitats are a natural stronghold for birds. During colder months, you can find a large number of wintering wildfowl across all four reservoirs, including tufted duck, pochard, teal, gadwall, wigeon and shoveler with occasional goldeneye, goosander and smew if it is very cold. Wilstone Reservoir boasts the rare mudwort plant that can be spotted on the mudflats during autumn months as the waters recede. The site attracts breeding common terns which use rafts the Trust has installed and breeding oystercatchers have been recorded here. Between December and February, Marsworth Reservoir is a great place to see overwintering bitterns, as this site has a fantastic reedbed that retains its water to allow the birds to feed throughout the season. There is a heronry on the bank of Wilstone Reservoir and if you take binoculars you should be able to catch a glimpse of these usually solitary birds in large numbers. If you visit the reservoirs during late spring then you may spot a hobby hunting over the water. The hobby is an African migrant bird that is best seen on warm summer days at the end of May when there is plenty of prey around. You can also occasionally hear the call of the cuckoo especially from the back of the reedbed at Wilstone or Marsworth where you should also be able to hear and see reed warblers. Tring Reservoirs are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for a number of reasons including their situation on the lower chalk at the foot of the Chilterns escarpment resulting in diverse communities of plants and animals. Additionally, nationally-important numbers of shoveler are present during winter, together with other wildfowl. Large numbers of sedge and reed warblers breed here and Tring Reservoirs are a fantastic place to spot passage waders too.
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The Marsworth Reservoirs act as a magnet for anglers, dog walkers, boaters, birdwatchers and walkers, especially over a sunny weekend, but few ever really venture much beyond the car parks and tearooms. The walk begins with a flight of locks along the Grand Union Canal, before heading down a stretch of the partially restored Wendover Arm. The route then diverts into open countryside before regaling the walker with a magnificent view of the large Wilstone Reservoir, one of four on this walk. Here there is an option to enter a bird hide to view the many species who call this water their home at different times of the year. The other reservoirs follow, making this a relaxing six miles of relatively easy walking following a circular route. Allow a good couple of hours to complete the walk, longer if you want to linger.
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Wilstone Reservoir boasts the rare mudwort plant that can be spotted on the mudflats during autumn months as the waters recedes. The site also attracts breeding common terns. There is free parking available.
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View of rare UK birds in the famous birdwatching spot. The reserve is a former chalk quarry in Pitstone and is one of the flagship reserves of the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust, and it has an information centre, education facilities, a cafΓ©, toilets and a shop.
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The primary bodies of water near Aston Clinton include the Marsworth Reservoirs (which encompass Wilstone Reservoir and Startop's End Reservoir), Weston Turville Reservoir, and the smaller, charming Clickmere Pond. These offer diverse natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
The Marsworth Reservoirs are popular for angling, dog walking, boating, and birdwatching. You can find relatively easy circular walking routes, and bird hides are available for observing diverse wildlife. The area also features picturesque views of canal boats and reeds.
Yes, Weston Turville Reservoir is excellent for family walks and nature detection. It's a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) known for its blend of water, woods, and wildlife. Bird hides are available for spotting various species, and there's an active sailing club and fishing opportunities.
Yes, many of the lakes offer easy walking routes. For instance, the Marsworth Reservoirs feature relatively easy circular walks. You can also enjoy the Path along the Grand Union Canal and Marsworth Reservoir, which is a wonderful gravel path with superb views. The Walkway Between Grand Union Canal and Startop's End Reservoir also provides a pleasant green walkway with benches.
The reservoirs are a haven for wildlife, especially birds. At Wilstone Reservoir, you might spot a heronry, common terns, oystercatchers, and the rare mudwort plant. During colder months, the Tring Reservoirs (including Wilstone and Marsworth) attract numerous wintering wildfowl like tufted duck, pochard, and shoveler. Bitterns can be seen at Marsworth Reservoir between December and February, and hobbies, reed warblers, and cuckoos are present in late spring.
The lakes offer beauty year-round. Late spring is ideal for spotting migrant birds like hobbies, reed warblers, and cuckoos. Autumn brings gorgeous colors to the leaves around Clickmere Pond, enhancing its aesthetic. Winter is excellent for observing large numbers of wildfowl. Sunny weekends generally attract more visitors for walks and activities.
Beyond walking, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. For running, explore routes like 'St. Maryβs Church, Buckland β Coffee at Number 108 loop' from Aston Clinton. Mountain biking enthusiasts can try routes such as 'View of Bacombe Hill β Icknield Way Trail loop' from Wendover. For more detailed routes, you can check the Running Trails around Aston Clinton, MTB Trails around Aston Clinton, and Hiking around Aston Clinton guides.
Yes, there are several hiking trails. An easy option is the 'Dancersend, Ragpits and Halton β Chiltern Hills' route, which is about 7 km. For a moderate challenge, consider 'Aston Hill, Boddington Hill, Pavis Wood and Wendover Woods β Chiltern Hills' at around 11.8 km. You can find more hiking options in the Hiking around Aston Clinton guide.
Clickmere Pond, located within Pitstone Common, offers a tranquil setting for a stroll. While smaller, it's particularly beautiful in autumn when the surrounding leaves display gorgeous colors. It features a platform built in 2010 and provides a peaceful spot to enjoy seasonal changes in nature.
Visitors frequently praise the diverse opportunities for outdoor activities, from peaceful walks and birdwatching to more active pursuits like cycling. The scenic views, vibrant canal boats, and rich wildlife are often highlighted. The area's blend of water, woods, and countryside provides a relaxing escape for nature lovers and families alike.
Yes, many areas around the lakes, particularly the Marsworth Reservoirs, are popular with dog walkers. The relatively easy circular routes and open spaces make them suitable for enjoying with your canine companions.
Absolutely. The Path along the Grand Union Canal and Marsworth Reservoir offers superb views of canal boats, reeds, and the lakeside. The Walkway Between Grand Union Canal and Startop's End Reservoir also provides scenic views with sitting benches. Bird hides at Wilstone and Weston Turville Reservoirs double as excellent viewing points for wildlife.


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