Top 8 Lakes around Mole Valley

For scenic walks and nature observation, consider Friday Street Mill Pond, a beautiful and relatively quiet spot popular on weekends. Ashtead Park Nature Reserve offers woodlands, ponds, and wildlife, including various dragonflies and damselflies, within a historic setting. Buckland Park Lake also provides serene woodland and lake circuit walks, with opportunities to spot abundant birdlife.

Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Buckland Park Lake features woodland adventures, a large sandpit, and a picnic area. Friday Street Mill Pond is a lovely spot with a large pond, and Weare Street and Duckpond is a quiet lane with a duckpond, perfect for a quick rest. Ashtead Park Nature Reserve also offers a wonderful place for a family hike amidst nature and history.

Mole Valley offers several fishing spots. Long Copse Ponds in Bookham are popular with junior anglers due to a prolific stock of fish. Puddenhole Lake near Dorking is undergoing redevelopment to become a premium stillwater fishing venue. Coach Road Pond in Brockham offers pleasure angling via a season ticket. Additionally, there's a Hidden Fishing Pond in Surrey Hills, though its accessibility might vary.

Yes, Buckland Park Lake is an excellent destination for water sports. The Surrey Hills Adventure Company (The SHAC) operates from its water sports lagoon, offering activities like stand-up paddleboarding, open water swimming, and e-foiling. Island Barn Reservoir is home to the Island Barn Reservoir Sailing Club, providing a safe environment for windsurfing, wingfoiling, SUP, and kayaking, with facilities and training courses.

Absolutely. Ashtead Park Nature Reserve is a Grade II-listed park containing remnants of a Roman building. Friday Street Mill Pond once powered a hammer mill until the eighteenth century, and the Hammer Pond at Abinger Hammer also has historical significance related to iron production.

The lakes and their surrounding areas are rich in wildlife. At Buckland Park Lake, you can spot abundant birdlife from hides. Ashtead Park Ponds are a haven for nature enthusiasts, particularly for observing broad-bodied chasers, emperor dragonflies, and common blue damselflies. The woodlands around many of the lakes also host various other species.

While many natural areas in Mole Valley are generally welcoming, it's important to check specific regulations. For example, Buckland Park Lake generally does not allow dogs, with the exception of guide dogs. Always look for signage or specific guidelines for each location to ensure a pleasant visit for everyone.

Beyond lakeside activities, Mole Valley offers a variety of outdoor pursuits. You can find numerous hiking opportunities, including easy hikes like the Box Hill & the Stepping Stones loop. For cyclists, there are options for gravel biking and challenging MTB trails, such as those around Box Hill and Holmbury Hill.

Yes, you can find amenities near some lakes. Buckland Park Lake has an onsite restaurant called The Reverie, offering stunning lake views. Historically, Friday Street Mill Pond had The Stephen Langton pub nearby, though it is currently closed. It's always a good idea to check local listings for current operating hours and availability of cafes and pubs in the villages surrounding the lakes.

The lakes in Mole Valley offer beauty throughout the year. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying water sports, picnics, and seeing wildlife like dragonflies. Autumn brings vibrant foliage to the surrounding woodlands, perfect for walks. Even in winter, the serene landscapes provide a peaceful setting for quiet contemplation, though some paths might be wet.

Accessibility varies by location. While many natural paths can be uneven, Puddenhole Lake is undergoing significant redevelopment with plans to include fishing platforms accessible for wheelchairs, aiming to enhance overall accessibility. For specific needs, it's recommended to check details for individual lake areas.

Ashtead Park Nature Reserve is unique for its blend of natural beauty and historical significance. It's a 60-acre Local Nature Reserve with woodlands and ponds, and it's also a Grade II-listed park containing remnants of a Roman building. This makes it a fascinating spot for both nature enthusiasts and history buffs. You can learn more about its history on Wikipedia.