Best lakes around Pishill With Stonor are situated in the high Chilterns of South Oxfordshire, an area primarily known for its picturesque rural landscape. The region features common lands, woodlands, and smaller ponds rather than expansive natural lakes. Russell's Water Pond stands out as a notable body of water, contributing to the area's idyllic rural atmosphere. This location offers serene settings for walks and observation of nature.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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This is one of the quarries here, a part of the former Chinnor Chalk Pit, now flooded and known as Old Kiln Lakes. The lakes are freshwater, but very alkaline, and there was a warning to the public issued in 2012 to not swim in there. It's a striking and moon-like place, looking very dramatic and slightly out-of-this-world. A definite must!
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Great Circular walks from this village....very flat as well
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Pond is lovely. Full of ducks (keep dogs on lead) and some large fish!
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This quarry is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and well known by geologists for its phenomenal history. Packed with fossils, some of the finds here date back 100 million years. There's no public access, but you can catch glimpses of its bright high-alkaline water from the surrounding footpaths.
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Chinnor Works Angling Society has been running for over 25 years, we use to have the fishing at the Cement Works.
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Chinnor, Chalk and Cement Mr. W. Benton's Cement and Lime Works opened in Chinnor in 1908, but cement making on a truly industrial scale did not begin until 1919. Output of cement from Chinnor peaked at about 5600 tonnes per week in the 1990s. Up to 120 people were employed at any one time. The cement works closed in 1999 and there are plans for the re-development of the site, using the flat areas for housing but also with opportunities for recreation and conservation in the water filled quarries The scale of chalk extraction for cement making can be seen from a short walk along the Ridgeway National Trail. The Ridgeway runs on a high causeway between the large quarries, giving views of the pits through the boundary fences. (Do not cross over or through the fences). Geology One of the chalk quarries has been protected as a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest as it has particularly good exposures of both the Lower Chalk and Middle Chalk geological layers. Both layers have given upimportant fossil ammonites.
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On an island in the lake, the Music Temple is an elegant, Doric temple with a semi-circular end. Dating from the 1770s it was used as a theatre and the remains of a stage survive inside it. It is still sometimes used for musical entertainments in the summer.
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The region of Pishill With Stonor, situated in the high Chilterns, is known for its picturesque rural landscape, featuring common lands, woodlands, and smaller ponds rather than expansive natural lakes. The most prominent bodies of water include Russell's Water Pond, a charming duck pond, and the unique Old Kiln Lakes Wetland Habitat, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Additionally, Old Kiln Lakes (Former Chinnor Chalk Pit) offers dramatic, moon-like views of a flooded former quarry.
Russell's Water Pond is a large duck pond that serves as a focal point for the charming hamlet of Russell's Water. It gained international recognition for its appearance in the 1968 film "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," where it was featured in an iconic scene. Beyond its film history, it offers a serene setting for walks, wildlife observation, and is considered family-friendly and dog-friendly.
Yes, the Old Kiln Lakes Wetland Habitat is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, well-known by geologists for its phenomenal history and abundant fossils, some dating back 100 million years. While there's no public access directly to the site, you can catch glimpses of its bright, high-alkaline water from surrounding footpaths. The nearby Old Kiln Lakes (Former Chinnor Chalk Pit) is a flooded former quarry with a striking, moon-like appearance.
The area around Pishill With Stonor offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, running, and cycling. For detailed options, explore the hiking trails, running trails, and cycling routes available in the region.
Yes, there are several hiking trails that pass near or offer views of the lakes. For example, you can find moderate routes like the "Russell's Water Pond β Warburg Nature Reserve loop from Pishill with Stonor" or more challenging options like the "Chiltern Way: Stonor Park Loop." You can explore more options on the hiking guide for Pishill With Stonor.
Yes, the Chiltern Hills area around Pishill With Stonor provides various cycling routes. You can find moderate trails such as the "Chilterns National Landscape β Ipsden Wood loop from Swyncombe" or the "Cowleaze Wood Bluebells β Northend Village Hall loop from Turville." For a comprehensive list of routes, refer to the cycling guide for Pishill With Stonor.
Yes, Russell's Water Pond is specifically noted as family-friendly, offering a peaceful spot to relax and observe nature, including ducks and fish. The surrounding common lands and woodlands also provide opportunities for family walks, kite flying, and picnics.
Yes, Russell's Water Pond is dog-friendly. However, it's recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially around the pond, due to the presence of ducks and fish. The wider area around Russell's Water Common and Maidensgrove Common also offers good opportunities for dog walking.
The area is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking and enjoying the wildflowers. Autumn provides stunning foliage, while winter can offer crisp, quiet walks. The specific appeal depends on your preferred activities, but the scenic beauty is consistent.
Yes, Russell's Water Pond has a notable historical connection, having been featured in the 1968 film "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." This cinematic link adds a unique point of interest for visitors. Additionally, the Old Kiln Lakes Wetland Habitat has a significant geological history, with fossils dating back 100 million years.
Near Russell's Water Pond, you can observe ducks and large fish. The surrounding common lands and woodlands are home to various local wildlife, including birds and small mammals. The area's natural habitats support diverse flora and fauna typical of the Chiltern Hills.
While specific cafes directly adjacent to the lakes are not highlighted, the Pishill With Stonor area, being a rural region, has local pubs in nearby villages that offer refreshments. It's advisable to check local listings for current options and opening times.
Information on specific parking facilities directly at each lake is limited. However, for areas like Russell's Water Pond, visitors typically find parking within the hamlet or on Russell's Water Common. For other walking routes in the wider Pishill With Stonor area, parking might be available at trailheads or designated car parks.


Still not found your perfect lake around Pishill With Stonor? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.