Top 14 Lakes around White Waltham
Best lakes around White Waltham are found in a village in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire, England. The area features a mix of natural and man-made lakes, some of which are part of fisheries or designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. These lakes offer opportunities for angling, nature walks, and watersports. The landscape around White Waltham includes woodlands and open spaces, providing varied settings for outdoor activities.
Best lakes around White Waltham
- The most popular…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Observation Tower and Trails at Former TRL Site, Crowthorne
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Dorney Lake
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Heath Lake
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Dorney Lake Olympic Rowing Course
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Hurst Village Pond
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Dorney Lake is a purpose-built rowing lake and Meetings & Events Venue in England. It is near the village of Dorney, Buckinghamshire, and is around 3 km west of Windsor and Eton, close to the River Thames. The lake is privately owned and financed by Eton College. The 3-mile flat, tarmacked loop around Dorney Lake's rowing course ideal for running. NOTE: Closed to the public from mid-April to September. Public parking onsite What3words: ///entire.vibes.sport
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While walking along the path around the lake, you can observe a wide variety of birds, including swans and ducks, among others. This lake is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is home to several rare plants due to its low pH levels. In fact, it's the only acid lake in the county. Depending on the weather, it can become muddy.
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This lake is the only acid lake in Berkshire. Due to its naturally high pH level, it harbors some very uncommon plants, such as the water milfoil or the six-stemmed water crowfoot. This has earned it the designation of SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). Next to the reserve where this lake is located, there is a small, free parking area. Several trails and routes, like the Ramblers Route, pass by the lake.
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The Crowthorne location that formerly housed the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) has now been transformed into a vast expanse of open space. The area features a legendary and monumental high-speed vehicle testing berm, gravelpads, and hillclimbing tracks, and labs once utilised to test crash test dummies. The vicinity also boasts sprawling woodlands, offering a plethora of well-maintained trails that are perfect for running, hiking, or extending a gravel ride. An enormous skid pan adds to the allure of this region, as does the presence of test zones that were previously utilised to test out-of-the-box ideas, such as miniature roundabouts and bike paths, all within the expanse of a well-landscaped forest.
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Former Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) in Crowthorne Berkshire is now huge open space with now defunct, massive high speed vehicle testing berms, gravelpads and hillclimbing tracks in what used to be the home of the crash test dummies. Wide woodlands littered with well surfaced tracks perfect for running, extending a gravel ride or walking. A huge skid pan and areas once used to test ‘innovative’ ideas such as mini-roundabouts and bike paths amongst a well landscaped forest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes for a relaxing visit around White Waltham?
For a picturesque and relaxing stop, consider Hurst Village Pond. It offers benches overlooking the water, perfect for a short break and enjoying the village scenery, or even feeding the ducks.
Are there any lakes around White Waltham that are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)?
Yes, Heath Lake is notable as the only acid lake in Berkshire and is designated as an SSSI. It supports uncommon plants like water milfoil and six-stemmed water crowfoot due to its unique pH level. You can find a small, free parking area nearby and several trails, such as the Ramblers Route, pass by it.
Which lakes are suitable for watersports or have historical sporting significance?
Dorney Lake, also known as Dorney Lake Olympic Rowing Course, is a significant venue. It was famously used for the London 2012 Olympics rowing events and hosts triathlons annually. While the lake itself is primarily for organised events, its surrounding park offers footpaths and cycle paths for visitors to enjoy.
Are there good options for fishing enthusiasts near White Waltham?
Yes, fishing enthusiasts can visit Pondwood Farm, which features lakes like Island Lake (Lake 1) and The Specimen Water (Lake 5). Island Lake offers carp and catfish angling, while The Specimen Water is known for carp in the 10-26lb range. Both are accessible on a day ticket.
What kind of walking trails can I find around the lakes near White Waltham?
Many lakes offer walking opportunities. For instance, Heath Lake has trails like the Ramblers Route passing by, allowing for nature walks and bird watching. The grounds around Dorney Lake Olympic Rowing Course also feature footpaths and cycle paths.
Are there family-friendly lakes around White Waltham?
Several lakes are considered family-friendly. Hurst Village Pond is a lovely spot for a short break with children, offering benches and ducks to feed. Heath Lake and Dorney Lake also offer accessible paths suitable for family strolls.
Where can I find parking for lakes around White Waltham?
For Heath Lake, there is a small, free parking area conveniently located next to the reserve. For other locations, it's advisable to check local signage or specific venue websites for parking availability.
What outdoor activities, besides walking, can I do near the lakes?
The area around White Waltham offers various outdoor activities. You can find excellent options for gravel biking and mountain biking. Explore routes like the 'Star Lane Trail – Waltham St Lawrence Bridleway loop from Wargrave' for gravel biking or the 'Waltham St Lawrence Bridleway – Braywick Nature Reserve loop from Maidenhead' for MTB. For more details, check out the Gravel biking around White Waltham guide and the MTB Trails around White Waltham guide.
Are there running trails available near the lakes?
Yes, there are several running trails in the vicinity. For example, you can find routes like the 'Knowl Hill Bridleway Circuit – Great Breakfast Spot loop from White Waltham' or shorter, easy loops from Cox Green. For more running options, refer to the Running Trails around White Waltham guide.
What unique natural features can be observed at the lakes?
Beyond its unique acidity and rare plants, Heath Lake is also a great spot for birdwatching, where you can observe a wide variety of birds, including swans and ducks. The surrounding areas of many lakes feature woodlands and open spaces, providing diverse natural settings.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around White Waltham?
Visitors appreciate the variety of experiences offered, from the tranquil village setting of Hurst Village Pond to the unique ecological significance of Heath Lake. The opportunity for diverse activities like angling, nature walks, and observing unique flora and fauna are frequently highlighted.
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