Top 20 Lakes around Binfield
Best lakes around Binfield offer a variety of natural and man-made water bodies within a diverse landscape. The area features woodlands, nature reserves, and open spaces, providing settings for outdoor activities. Binfield is situated in a region with several lakes that cater to different interests, from tranquil walks to watersports. These locations contribute to the local natural environment and offer accessible points for exploration.
Best lakes around Binfield
- The most popular lakes is Horseshoe Lake, a natural lake within Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve. It is popular for watersports like dinghy sailing and kayaking, and features a cafe during summer.
- Another must-see spot is Rapley Lake, a forest lake located within Swinley Forest. It provides a network of paths for walking, though conditions can be muddy after heavy rainfall.
- Visitors also love Heath Lake, a natural monument and the only acid lake in Berkshire. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its unique plant life and offers trails for walking.
- Binfield is known for natural lakes, forest lakes, and lakes within nature reserves. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, including those with specific ecological significance or recreational facilities.
- The lakes around Binfield are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 60 upvotes and more than 70 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Rapley Lake
Highlight • Forest
The area can get a bit muddy after heavy rainfall, so keep that in mind and wear appropriate footwear.
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Observation Tower and Trails at Former TRL Site, Crowthorne
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Dorney Lake
Highlight • Lake
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Heath Lake
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Horseshoe Lake
Highlight • Natural
There's a cafe at the watersports centre which is open throughout the summer season as well as picnic benches outside. If you're a keen birdwatcher then you'll find plenty of feathered friends here. You can see geese, widgeons, kingfishers and swallows at various times throughout the year.
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Tips from the Community
Rapley Lake is beautiful and sits on the outskirts of the Royal Estate of Bagshot Park. It's very peaceful and on a still day the lake is like a mirror. It's a bit of a dead end if you cycle there as there's only really one path in or out, but lots of little paths for hiking. There's ducks and geese who like to be fed!
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Very close to Bagshot, within Swinley Forest, you will find this beautiful lake, perfect for a walk and for getting lost in the network of paths throughout the forest. The area can get a bit muddy after heavy rainfall, so keep that in mind and wear appropriate footwear.
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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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Dorney Lake is completely closed to all visitors during Spring, Summer and Autumn. NCN 4 which skirts the site is in poor condition after rain, with deep mud. A very regrettable decision by Eton College.
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Really peaceful here and just one of the many different and interesting features you'll find along this route
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Frequently Asked Questions
What lakes near Binfield are suitable for family outings?
Several lakes around Binfield are great for families. Horseshoe Lake, part of Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve, offers watersports and a cafe during summer. Rapley Lake in Swinley Forest provides a network of paths for walks, and Heath Lake, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, has trails for exploring unique plant life and birdwatching.
Are there good walking or hiking routes around the lakes in Binfield?
Yes, many lakes offer excellent walking opportunities. Rapley Lake in Swinley Forest has an extensive network of paths, though they can be muddy after rain. Heath Lake also features trails for walking. For more extensive hiking, you can explore routes like 'Frost Folly Wildflower Meadow – Muddy Dirt Path loop from Warfield' or 'West Garden Copse loop from Amen Corner' which are part of the wider hiking guides around Binfield.
Can I find cafes or amenities near the lakes in Binfield?
Yes, Horseshoe Lake, located within Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve, has a cafe at its watersports centre that is open throughout the summer season, along with picnic benches.
What unique natural features can I observe at the lakes near Binfield?
Binfield is home to some ecologically significant lakes. Heath Lake is particularly notable as the only acid lake in Berkshire, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its rare plant species like water milfoil and six-stemmed water crowfoot. It's also a good spot for birdwatching.
Are there opportunities for watersports at the lakes in Binfield?
Yes, Horseshoe Lake is a popular spot for watersports. Its activity centre on the west side makes it suitable for dinghy sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Binfield?
The lakes around Binfield can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for watersports and enjoying the cafes, while autumn offers beautiful foliage for walks. Winter walks are also possible, but be aware that paths, especially around Rapley Lake and Heath Lake, can become muddy after heavy rainfall, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known lakes worth exploring near Binfield?
While not a 'hidden' lake, the area around the Former TRL Site in Crowthorne offers a vast open space with woodlands and trails, including a lake, that might be less frequented than the main nature reserves. It's an interesting spot with a unique history and good for extending a gravel ride or walking.
What cycling routes are available near the lakes in Binfield?
The region around Binfield offers various cycling routes. While not directly around the lakes, you can find routes like 'Swinley Forest Blue Trail' or 'War Horse Memorial – Guards Polo Club Sprinklers loop from Bracknell' in the broader area. These are part of the cycling guides around Binfield.
Are there running trails near the lakes in Binfield?
Yes, the area provides several running trails. For example, 'The Ramblers Route — northern loop from Binfield' or 'Jennett's Park Circular Trail loop from Binfield' are popular options. You can find more details in the running trails guides around Binfield.
Is there parking available at the lakes near Binfield?
Yes, for Heath Lake, there is a small, free parking area located next to the reserve where the lake is situated.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Binfield?
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural settings, from the tranquil forest paths of Rapley Lake to the vibrant watersports scene at Horseshoe Lake. The unique ecological significance of places like Heath Lake and the opportunities for birdwatching are also highly valued by the komoot community.
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