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Tring

Top 14 Lakes around Tring

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.

Best lakes around Tring

  • The most popular lakes is Marsworth Reservoir, a lake that attracts anglers, dog walkers, boaters, birdwatchers, and walkers. It features a fantastic reedbed that provides crucial habitat for overwintering Bitterns and is considered a good mixed fishery.
  • Another must-see spot is Shardeloes Lake, an intermediate lake. This man-made lake offers a tranquil setting for scenic walks, fishing, and bird-watching opportunities, with potential sightings of Spotted Flycatchers, Roe, and Muntjac Deer.
  • Visitors also love Clickmere Pond, a family-friendly lake within Pitstone Common. This pond, with its newly built platform, is a place to relax, especially in autumn when the surrounding leaves display vibrant colors.
  • Tring is known for large reservoirs, smaller ponds, and canal-side water bodies. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from those popular for fishing and birdwatching to tranquil spots for relaxation.
  • The lakes around Tring are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 upvotes and 15 photos shared across the highlights.

Last updated: June 15, 2026

Aldbury Village Pond

Highlight • Settlement

This small 'chocolate box' village is not quite as understated as it seems. Due to its closeness in proximity to Elstree Studio, it has been featured in quite the array of televisions and films.

Whilst it's probably best known internationally for its appearances in The Dirty Dozen and Bridget Jone's Diary, it's also featured in British gems such as Midsomer Murders, Inspector Morse and The Avengers.

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Marsworth Reservoir

Highlight • Lake

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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Shardeloes Lake

Highlight • Natural

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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Clickmere Pond

Highlight • Forest

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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Wilstone Reservoir

Highlight • Lake

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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Popular around Tring

The Old Chalk Way

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The Old Chalk Way

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Tips from the Community

Bangaa
February 11, 2024, Shardeloes Lake

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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chuk
October 17, 2021, Shardeloes Lake

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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Robin
August 8, 2020, Shardeloes Lake

Not sure how to get here... Seems to be private property

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best lakes around Tring for walking?

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.

Are there family-friendly lakes around Tring?

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.

Which lakes are best for birdwatching in the Tring area?

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.

Can I go fishing in the Tring lakes?

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.

Are there accessible trails around the Tring lakes?

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.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the Tring Reservoirs?

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.

What outdoor activities can I do near the Tring lakes besides walking?

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.

What is the best time of year to visit the Tring lakes?

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.

Are there any historical points of interest near the Tring lakes?

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.

Can I bring my dog to the Tring Reservoirs?

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.

What facilities are available at College Lake?

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.

Are there cafes or pubs near the Tring lakes?

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.

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