Top 19 Lakes around Sandhurst
Best lakes around Sandhurst offer diverse outdoor recreation opportunities in Berkshire, England. The town provides access to various lakes, from dedicated fishing spots to watersports centers and nature reserves. These bodies of water are set within a landscape that includes woodlands and parklands, providing varied natural settings. The area's lakes are a key feature for outdoor activities and natural exploration.
Best lakes around Sandhurst
- The most popular lakes is Horseshoe Lake, a natural lake that is a hub for watersports and outdoor activities. It hosts an activity center for sailing, canoeing, and paddleboarding, and is part of Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve.
- Another must-see spot is Rapley Lake, a lake within Swinley Forest. It offers a peaceful setting for walks, with a network of paths throughout the forest.
- Visitors also love Hawley Lake, a lake surrounded by extensive woodland. It features a mixture of paved, gravel, and unsurfaced paths for walking and exploring.
- Sandhurst is known for fishing lakes, watersports centers, and serene nature reserves. These provide a variety of experiences, from casual angling to active watersports and quiet nature walks.
- The lakes around Sandhurst are appreciated by the komoot community. The guide features more than 75 photos and has received more than 69 upvotes from visitors.
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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Five Arch Bridge, Virginia Water Lake
Highlight • Bridge
virginiawater.org.uk/scr/histlist.php?locid=&bid=15
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Hawley Lake
Highlight • Lake
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Heath Lake
Highlight • Natural Monument
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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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It would be helpful to put in the walk title where it is!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of activities can I enjoy at the lakes around Sandhurst?
The lakes around Sandhurst offer a variety of activities. You can enjoy watersports like sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding at Horseshoe Lake. Fishing is popular at Sandhurst Lake, known for carp, and casual angling is available at Sandhurst Memorial Park Pond. Many lakes, including Rapley Lake and Hawley Lake, provide extensive networks of paths for walking and exploring.
Are there family-friendly lakes near Sandhurst?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Horseshoe Lake is particularly family-friendly, offering watersports, a lakeside café, picnic areas, and even a dedicated dog beach. Sandhurst Memorial Park Pond is also within a local park setting, providing a casual and accessible option for families.
Where can I go for a walk around a lake in the Sandhurst area?
You have several excellent options for lake walks. Horseshoe Lake features a 1.2-mile circular path and connects to longer routes like the Blackwater Valley Path. Rapley Lake, within Swinley Forest, offers a peaceful setting with a network of paths. Hawley Lake is surrounded by extensive woodland with a mix of paved, gravel, and unsurfaced paths. For more walking options, explore the hiking routes around Sandhurst.
Which lakes are best for fishing near Sandhurst?
Sandhurst Lake is renowned for carp fishing, especially for larger specimens, and offers facilities like toilets and secure parking. For a more casual experience, Sandhurst Memorial Park Pond provides free pleasure angling within a local park setting.
Are there any lakes with unique natural features or wildlife to observe?
Yes, Heath Lake is scientifically significant as the only acid lake in Berkshire, supporting rare plant species like water milfoil and six-stemmed water crowfoot, earning it a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designation. Horseshoe Lake is excellent for birdwatching, with various waterfowl, kingfishers, and swallows observed throughout the year.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes around Sandhurst?
Yes, Horseshoe Lake is particularly dog-friendly, featuring a dedicated dog beach. Many of the walking paths around lakes like Rapley Lake and Hawley Lake are also suitable for dogs, though it's always advisable to keep them under control and check for any specific local regulations.
Are there cycling or mountain biking trails near the lakes?
While some lake paths are suitable for gentle cycling, for dedicated mountain biking, you'll find extensive trails nearby. Swinley Forest, close to Rapley Lake, is a popular spot. You can explore various gravel biking routes around Sandhurst, which often incorporate woodland and lakeside areas.
What are the parking options for visiting the lakes?
Parking availability varies by lake. Sandhurst Lake offers secure parking for anglers. Heath Lake has a small, free parking area nearby. For other lakes, such as Horseshoe Lake, there are usually designated parking facilities, often associated with activity centers or park entrances.
What do visitors say about the lakes around Sandhurst?
Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences offered by the lakes. Many highlight the peaceful atmosphere of places like Rapley Lake and the extensive woodland walks around Hawley Lake. The watersports and family amenities at Horseshoe Lake are also frequently praised, as is the unique natural significance of Heath Lake.
Are there any running trails near the lakes in Sandhurst?
Yes, the areas around the lakes provide excellent opportunities for running. The paths around lakes like Horseshoe Lake and Hawley Lake are popular for runners. Additionally, you can find a variety of running trails around Sandhurst, many of which pass through or near these scenic water bodies and woodlands.
Can I find circular walks around the lakes?
Yes, Horseshoe Lake offers a popular 1.2-mile circular path. Many other lakes, such as Hawley Lake, have extensive path networks that can be combined to create circular routes of varying lengths through the surrounding woodlands.
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