Top 15 Lakes around Mentmore
Best lakes around Mentmore are primarily found within the wider Buckinghamshire area, as the village itself is known for its historical significance and the Mentmore Towers estate. While the estate once featured water gardens, these are no longer prominent natural lakes. The region offers a variety of man-made lakes and reservoirs, providing settings for walks, fishing, and bird-watching. These water bodies contribute to the natural landscape and recreational opportunities in the vicinity of Mentmore.
Best lakes around Mentmore
- The most popular lakes is Marsworth Reservoir, a lake that attracts anglers, dog walkers, boaters, birdwatchers, and walkers. This area features a flight of locks along the Grand Union Canal and offers views of large reservoirs.
- Another must-see spot is Path along the Grand Union Canal and Marsworth Reservoir, a trail that runs between the canal and the reservoir. This section offers views of canalboats, reeds, and lakeside activity.
- Visitors also love Alders Farm Fisheries Lake Path, an intermediate trail that takes you past a peaceful fishing lake. This gravel path leads into Rushmere Country Park, offering views of the water.
- Mentmore is known for reservoirs, fishing lakes, and ponds. The area offers a variety of water bodies suitable for walking, birdwatching, and enjoying the natural surroundings.
- The lakes around Mentmore are appreciated by the komoot community, with 61 upvotes and 15 photos contributing to their appeal.
Last updated: June 15, 2026
Aldbury Village Pond
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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
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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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Alders Farm Fisheries Lake Path
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Clickmere Pond
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Wilstone Reservoir
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Tips from the Community
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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Public bridleway taking you into Into Rushmere Country Park. More info on Rushmere https://www.greensandtrust.org/rushmere-country-park
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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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A tiny village with a surprinsigly lot to see. Also a great place for an after ride pint.
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Nice bridleway descent from Ivy/Bragenham Lane to Rushmere Country Park . Mainly firm gravel with some firm sand. Usually passable in all conditions but can be muddy at the Rushmere end. Views of peaceful fishing lake as you pass through. As you reach Rushmere Park you have several options including continuing on the bridleway through the lovely Oak Wood
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This is a very nice gravel path that takes you past the Alders Farm Fisheries Lake and into Rushmore Country Park.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes and water bodies to visit near Mentmore?
The most popular water body is Marsworth Reservoir, which attracts anglers, dog walkers, boaters, birdwatchers, and walkers. Another highly regarded spot is Stockgrove Lake, located within Rushmere Country Park, offering tree-lined paths for walks. The Path along the Grand Union Canal and Marsworth Reservoir is also very popular for its scenic views.
Are there family-friendly lakes or walks suitable for children near Mentmore?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Marsworth Reservoir offers family-friendly rides and walks. Stockgrove Lake in Rushmere Country Park is popular with families, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Clickmere Pond within Pitstone Common also provides a lovely setting for short or long family walks.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes near Mentmore?
The Marsworth Reservoirs are particularly known for their birdlife. There's even a bird hide at Wilstone Reservoir, one of the four Marsworth reservoirs, allowing visitors to observe many species that call the water home at different times of the year. The natural surroundings of lakes like Clickmere Pond also support local flora and fauna.
Are there dog-friendly walking routes around the lakes near Mentmore?
Yes, the Marsworth Reservoirs are a popular spot for dog walkers. Many of the paths around these water bodies, including the Path along the Grand Union Canal and Marsworth Reservoir, are suitable for walks with dogs. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially near wildlife or other visitors.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Mentmore?
Beyond walking and birdwatching, the area offers various outdoor activities. The Marsworth Reservoirs are popular for angling and boating. For more active pursuits, you can find numerous running trails and cycling routes nearby. For example, you can explore running trails around Mentmore or discover cycling routes around Mentmore, some of which pass by the lakes and canals.
Are there specific hiking or walking trails around the lakes?
Yes, there are several dedicated trails. The Marsworth Reservoirs offer a relaxing six-mile circular route, which includes a flight of locks along the Grand Union Canal and views of Wilstone Reservoir. Stockgrove Lake has tree-lined paths that can be enjoyed as part of a short stroll or a longer walk within Rushmere Country Park. The Path along the Grand Union Canal and Marsworth Reservoir is also a wonderful gravel path for walking.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Mentmore?
The lakes offer beauty throughout the year. Autumn is particularly stunning around Clickmere Pond, where the surrounding trees display vibrant colors. Sunny weekends are popular at the Marsworth Reservoirs. Generally, spring and summer provide pleasant weather for walks and outdoor activities, while autumn offers picturesque scenery.
Are there any historical or cultural points of interest near the lakes?
While Mentmore village itself is known for its historical significance, particularly Mentmore Towers, the lakes primarily offer natural and recreational appeal. However, the Grand Union Canal, which runs alongside Marsworth Reservoir, is a historical waterway with its flight of locks, offering a glimpse into Britain's industrial heritage.
How accessible are the lakes near Mentmore by public transport?
Access to the lakes by public transport can vary. While Mentmore village itself has limited public transport, areas like the Tring Reservoirs (which include Marsworth Reservoir) are more accessible. It's advisable to check local bus routes or train connections to nearby towns like Tring or Leighton Buzzard, and then plan for a shorter walk or taxi to the specific lake area.
Are there facilities like parking, cafes, or pubs near the lakes?
Yes, especially around the more popular spots. The Marsworth Reservoirs area has car parks and tearooms. Rushmere Country Park, home to Stockgrove Lake, also offers facilities. For a wider range of amenities, nearby towns like Tring, Leighton Buzzard, and Mentmore village itself provide cafes, pubs, and accommodation options.
What makes Alders Farm Fisheries Lake Path unique?
The Alders Farm Fisheries Lake Path is a pleasant gravel path that takes you past a peaceful fishing lake and leads directly into Rushmere Country Park. It's a public bridleway, mainly firm gravel with some sand, making it generally passable in most conditions, and offers views of the lake as you pass through.
Can I cycle around the lakes near Mentmore?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Marsworth Reservoirs offer great family-friendly rides with three well-signed routes of different distances. The Alders Farm Fisheries Lake Path is also a bridleway suitable for cycling. You can find more cycling options, including general cycling routes and road cycling routes around Mentmore, some of which incorporate lake views.
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