Lakes around Tring are characterized by a collection of significant water bodies, including the Tring Reservoirs and College Lake. These areas, many of which were originally constructed to supply the Grand Union Canal, are now recognized as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The region is notable for its rich biodiversity, particularly its birdlife, and offers diverse natural landscapes for exploration.
Last updated: June 15, 2026
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Lovely lake and doesn’t look like man made at all and would recommend Boots for the path and Park specially if there has been rain over last few days
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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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Shardeloes Lake is a beautiful man-made lake situated between the villages of Old Amersham & Little Missenden in the Chiltern Hills. The lake provides a tranquil setting for a scenic walk, fishing, and bird-watching opportunities.
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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 🙏
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The path beyond Toby's Lane is getting overgrown. Don't attempt it in your best cashmere and take a thornproof jacket!
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A tiny village with a surprinsigly lot to see. Also a great place for an after ride pint.
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The Tring Reservoirs complex offers excellent walking opportunities, particularly around Marsworth, Startops End, and Wilstone. A popular route begins with locks along the Grand Union Canal, then follows the partially restored Wendover Arm, offering views of Wilstone Reservoir. The towpaths alongside the reservoirs and the Grand Union Canal provide accessible routes. For a tranquil setting, consider a scenic walk around Shardeloes Lake.
Yes, several lakes around Tring are suitable for families. Clickmere Pond within Pitstone Common is a family-friendly spot with a platform for relaxation. The Tring Reservoirs, including Marsworth Reservoir and Wilstone Reservoir, offer easy walking routes and birdwatching opportunities that can be enjoyed by all ages. College Lake also has a visitor centre and easy access trails.
The Tring Reservoirs are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a haven for birdlife. Wilstone Reservoir is known for its heronry, breeding Common Terns, Oystercatchers, and attracts various wildfowl and waders. Marsworth Reservoir features a fantastic reedbed, crucial for overwintering Bitterns. Tringford Reservoir is good for spotting kingfishers, various ducks, Dabchicks, and Great Crested Grebes. College Lake is considered one of Buckinghamshire's best places for water birds, with numerous hides and a key breeding site for rare species like lapwing and redshank.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity in several Tring lakes. Wilstone Reservoir is nationally renowned for specimen fish like tench and large pike. Startops End Reservoir is known for potentially record-breaking bream and tench, and has produced large carp, roach, perch, and pike. Marsworth Reservoir is considered a good mixed fishery with carp, tench, bream, roach, perch, and large catfish, and is generally easier to fish. Tringford Reservoir is the only trout fishery within the complex, popular for fly fishing for rainbow and occasional brown trout.
Yes, the towpaths alongside the Tring Reservoirs and the Grand Union Canal offer accessible hiking routes. College Lake also features waymarked trails, including an easy access trail, making it suitable for visitors with varying mobility.
The Tring Reservoirs are rich in biodiversity. You can expect to see a wide array of resident and migratory bird species, including Marsh Harriers, Bitterns, various waders and wildfowl, Common Terns, Oystercatchers, and Little Egrets. The area is also significant for its bat populations, including Pipistrelle, Brandt's, Noctule, and Daubenton's bats, attracted by the abundance of insects.
Beyond walking, the area around Tring offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like the 'Tring Station Cutting – Grand Union Canal Path loop' or explore mountain biking trails such as the 'Dunstable Downs – Ashridge House loop'. For more cycling options, check out the Cycling around Tring guide or the Road Cycling Routes around Tring guide. Mountain biking enthusiasts can find trails in the MTB Trails around Tring guide.
The Tring lakes offer different attractions throughout the year. Autumn is beautiful at Clickmere Pond with vibrant leaf colors. Winter is excellent for birdwatching, especially for overwintering Bitterns at Marsworth Reservoir and various wildfowl across all four Tring Reservoirs. Spring and summer are ideal for spotting breeding birds like Common Terns and Oystercatchers, and for enjoying the general tranquility and walking paths.
Yes, the Tring Reservoirs themselves have historical significance, originally constructed to supply water to the Grand Union Canal. Tringford Reservoir features an old pumping station, a relic of the area's industrial past. The towpaths alongside the reservoirs and the Grand Union Canal also offer glimpses into the region's historical importance in canal transportation.
Yes, the Tring Reservoirs are popular with dog walkers. The tips for Marsworth Reservoir specifically mention it as a magnet for dog walkers. The circular routes and towpaths provide ample space for walks, but it's always advisable to keep dogs under control, especially given the significant birdlife and SSSI status of the area.
College Lake, managed by the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust, offers a visitor centre, a farming museum, and numerous hides overlooking the lake for birdwatching. It also has waymarked trails, including an easy access trail, making it a well-equipped nature reserve for visitors.
While specific cafes and pubs are not detailed for every lake, the tips for Marsworth Reservoir mention car parks and tearooms nearby, suggesting amenities are available in the vicinity of the Tring Reservoirs complex for refreshments after a walk.


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