Top 7 Lakes around Down Ampney
Best lakes around Down Ampney are primarily found within the Cotswold Water Park, a large network of over 150 lakes spanning 42 square miles across Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. This area, resulting from former gravel extraction, offers a diverse landscape of interconnecting lakes, reed beds, and open countryside. It is recognized for its natural beauty, significant wildlife habitats, and various recreational opportunities.
Best lakes around Down Ampney
- The most popular lakes is Singletrack Between the Manorbrook Lakes, a cycle_way that features great flowing surface tracks with quality turns through the lakes. This route offers a nice flow and good surface for cycling.
- Another must-see spot is Lake at Cotswold Water Park, an other_natural area. This is part of the UK’s largest marl lake system, covering 40 square miles with more than 150 lakes, many designated as nature reserves.
- Visitors also love Cheese Wharf Wild Swimming Spot, a river location. This spot on the River Thames near Buscot is known as a brilliant wild swimming location.
- Down Ampney is known for its diverse water bodies, including large marl lakes, tranquil lagoons, and river sections. Visitors can explore a variety of lakes suitable for different activities and interests.
- The lakes around Down Ampney are appreciated by the komoot community. With more than 38 upvotes and 7 photos, these spots offer diverse experiences.
Last updated: June 16, 2026
Lake at Cotswold Water Park
Highlight • Natural
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Cheese Wharf Wild Swimming Spot
Highlight • River
It's owned by the National Trust and there are a couple of parking spaces nearby.
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Peatmoor Lagoon
Highlight • Forest
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Singletrack Between the Manorbrook Lakes
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Abbey Grounds Park
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Tips from the Community
Best To Visit Is In The Spring & Summer
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This lagoon is set in a picturesque landscape and is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. The surrounding path is paved and flat, with a few smaller offshoots inviting you to explore the surrounding woodland on more rugged trails.
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It’s a wide open space, with lake, wildfowl, children’s play area, bandstand and public toilets near the entrance by the church.
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Great flowing surface track with a quality turns through the lakes.
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Nice flowy route, good surface and fun corners
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Taking its name from the place where delicious cheese were once loaded onto boats for shipping to London, Cheese Wharf is now a brilliant wild swimming spot on the River Thames near Buscot. It's owned by the National Trust and there are a couple of parking spaces nearby.
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The Cotswold Water Park is the UK’s largest marl lake system. Covering an area of 40 square miles, it boasts more than 150 lakes set across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and West Oxfordshire. Many of the lakes and areas have been designated as nature reserves and are home to myriad wildlife. As the park covers a large area, it is free to enter. However, you do have to pay to enter the beach and activity centre. For more information, visit: https://www.waterpark.org/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes near Down Ampney?
The lakes, particularly within the Cotswold Water Park, are rich in wildlife. You can spot a wide variety of birds, especially during winter and spring, including Goldeneye, Lapwing, Gadwall, Pochard, Wigeon, Teal, and Tufted Duck. More elusive species like Water Vole and Otter also inhabit the streams and reedbeds. In summer, look for common terns, dragonflies, and damselflies. Cleveland Lakes Nature Reserve and Roundhouse Lake Nature Reserve are particularly renowned for birdwatching.
Are there specific spots for birdwatching near Down Ampney?
Yes, Cleveland Lakes Nature Reserve (Lakes 68 and 74) is a significant wildlife haven with two bird hides and two birdwatching screens. Roundhouse Lake Nature Reserve is also an excellent location for birdwatching, especially for wintering wildfowl. Both offer opportunities to see a diverse range of avian life.
What outdoor activities are available at the lakes near Down Ampney?
The Cotswold Water Park offers a wide range of activities. You can enjoy various water sports like sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, water skiing, and wakeboarding. There are also extensive paths for walking and cycling, fishing opportunities, and specific spots for wild swimming.
Are there good cycling routes around the lakes near Down Ampney?
Yes, there are excellent cycling opportunities. For instance, Singletrack Between the Manorbrook Lakes offers great flowing surface tracks with quality turns. You can also find numerous road cycling routes in the area; explore more options in the Road Cycling Routes around Down Ampney guide.
Where can I go wild swimming near Down Ampney?
A popular spot for wild swimming is Cheese Wharf Wild Swimming Spot on the River Thames near Buscot. It's known as a brilliant location for a refreshing dip.
Are there hiking trails near the lakes around Down Ampney?
Absolutely. The area boasts miles of flat, scenic paths ideal for walking. You can find various hiking routes, including easy loops like 'Lake 6 loop from Elmlea Meadows' or 'All Saints Church, Down Ampney loop'. For more detailed options, refer to the Hiking around Down Ampney guide.
Are the lakes near Down Ampney suitable for families?
Many lakes are very family-friendly. Lake at Cotswold Water Park is part of a large system with many nature reserves. Abbey Grounds Park offers a wide open space with a lake, wildfowl, a children’s play area, and public toilets. The Cotswold Country Park and Beach also features an inland bathing beach and an inflatable obstacle course, perfect for family fun.
Are there accessible paths for visitors with limited mobility?
Yes, some areas offer accessible paths. For example, Peatmoor Lagoon features a paved and flat path, making it suitable for a leisurely stroll for visitors with limited mobility.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Down Ampney?
The best time to visit depends on your interests. Winter and spring are excellent for birdwatching, with many migratory species present. Spring and summer are ideal for water sports, cycling, and enjoying the family-friendly activities and scenic beauty when the weather is warmer.
Are there places to eat or drink near the lakes?
While specific cafes and pubs are not detailed for every lake, the broader Cotswold Water Park area and nearby villages offer various options. Many routes, particularly cycling ones, often pass through or near villages with amenities.
What makes the Cotswold Water Park unique?
The Cotswold Water Park is unique due to its origin as a former gravel extraction site, now transformed into a vast network of over 150 interconnecting lakes. It's recognized internationally for its diverse wildlife, particularly its birdlife, and offers a wide array of recreational activities, from tranquil nature observation to exhilarating water sports.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes near Down Ampney?
Many areas within the Cotswold Water Park are dog-friendly, especially for walks on public footpaths and bridleways. However, it's always advisable to check specific reserve rules or signage, as some nature reserves may have restrictions to protect wildlife, particularly during nesting seasons. Always keep dogs under control, especially near livestock or wildlife.
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