Top 20 Lakes around Blackwater And Hawley
Best lakes around Blackwater And Hawley are situated across parts of Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire in the UK. This area features several notable lakes that offer diverse recreational and natural experiences. The landscape includes woodlands, heathlands, and well-maintained paths surrounding these water bodies. Visitors can find opportunities for walking, watersports, and nature observation.
Best lakes around Blackwater And Hawley
- The most popular lakes is Horseshoe Lake, an other natural area that is a vibrant activity hub. It features an activity centre offering a wide array of water sports and a cafe.
- Another must-see spot is Rapley Lake, a forest lake. It is a beautiful lake within Swinley Forest, offering a tranquil atmosphere and integration into an extensive network of paths.
- Visitors also love Hawley Lake, a shallow freshwater lake. It is known for its scenic beauty, surrounding woodland with surfaced paths, and opportunities for watersports.
- Blackwater And Hawley is known for natural, activity-focused, and ecologically significant lakes. These include sites designated for their unique plant species and those popular for sailing and kayaking.
- The lakes around Blackwater And Hawley are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 60 upvotes and 70 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 3, 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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Hawley 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
Nice peaceful spot, although there are no facilities or coffee shops in the immediate vicinity.
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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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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 are the best lakes for watersports and active recreation in the Blackwater and Hawley area?
For watersports and active recreation, Horseshoe Lake is an excellent choice. It hosts an activity centre offering a wide array of activities including dinghy sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Hawley Lake also provides opportunities for sailing and other watersports, being a base for the Army Sailing Association and an RYA Training Center.
Which lakes are best for peaceful walks and enjoying nature?
If you're looking for peaceful walks and nature, Rapley Lake within Swinley Forest offers a serene escape with beautiful, tranquil paths. Similarly, Heath Lake is ideal for tranquil strolls, birdwatching, and appreciating its unique ecological significance as an acid lake.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Blackwater and Hawley region?
Yes, several lakes are family-friendly. Horseshoe Lake is particularly great for families, with its activity centre offering H2O Holiday Clubs and after-school clubs for children. The surrounding areas of Hawley Lake and Heath Lake also feature paths suitable for family walks.
What unique natural features can I find at the lakes in this area?
The Blackwater and Hawley area boasts unique natural features. Hawley Lake is known for its stretches of pure white sand, reminiscent of the French West Coast. Heath Lake is unique as the only acid lake in Berkshire, supporting several rare plant species like water milfoil and six-stemmed water crowfoot, earning it a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designation. You can learn more about its ecological importance on Wikipedia.
Are there good walking trails around the lakes, and what is the terrain like?
Yes, all the main lakes offer walking trails. Hawley Lake has surfaced paths around its woodland, suitable even in winter. Heath Lake has a path circling it through woodland and heathland. Rapley Lake is integrated into the extensive network of paths within Swinley Forest. While many paths are well-maintained, some areas, especially around Rapley Lake and Heath Lake, can become muddy after heavy rainfall, so appropriate footwear is advised.
What outdoor activities, besides watersports, can I do near these lakes?
Beyond watersports, the area around Blackwater and Hawley offers excellent opportunities for hiking and road cycling. You can explore various trails, including easy hikes around Hawley Lake, or more extensive routes like the Minley Forest Trail. For cyclists, there are numerous road cycling routes that pass by lakes like Horseshoe Lake.
Is there parking available at the lakes?
Yes, parking is generally available. For instance, Heath Lake offers free parking on-site. For other lakes, parking facilities are typically found nearby, often associated with visitor centers or trailheads.
What is the best time to visit the lakes in Blackwater and Hawley?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Winter offers opportunities for scenic walks, especially around Hawley Lake with its surfaced paths. Spring and summer are ideal for watersports and enjoying the vibrant natural surroundings. Autumn brings beautiful foliage to the woodland areas. Be aware that paths can get muddy after heavy rain, particularly around Rapley Lake and Heath Lake.
Are there cafes or refreshment options near the lakes?
Yes, refreshments are available at some locations. Horseshoe Lake has a cafe at its activity centre, which is open throughout the summer season. For other lakes, you might find options in nearby towns or villages.
Can I spot wildlife at these lakes?
Absolutely! The lakes are havens for wildlife. Heath Lake is particularly noted for birdwatching, with swans, ducks, kingfishers, and herons frequently sighted. At Horseshoe Lake, you can see geese, widgeons, kingfishers, and swallows at various times of the year. Ducks and geese are also common at Rapley Lake.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots around the lakes?
Many lakes offer scenic viewpoints. Hawley Lake provides great views across the water, especially good for sunsets. Rapley Lake is known for its mirror-like surface on calm days, reflecting the surrounding forest. The Observation Tower and Trails at Former TRL Site, Crowthorne also offers elevated views over a lake and the surrounding forest.
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