Top 10 Lakes around Hilton
Lakes around Hilton are primarily found within nature reserves, often formed from former gravel pits along river floodplains. This landscape provides diverse habitats for wildlife and offers various outdoor activities. The area is characterized by a network of lakes and waterways, making it suitable for walking, cycling, and birdwatching. These natural spaces contribute to the region's appeal for those seeking tranquil outdoor experiences.
Best lakes around Hilton
- The most popular lakes is Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve, a nature…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Far Fen Lake
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Godmanchester Nature Reserve
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Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve
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Wildlife Sanctuary Lake
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Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve
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Tips from the Community
Being here three times in the nice weather, I consider this a place where you can reset yourself after your daily routine or others, where you can sit and listen to the seagulls and the geese and any other sound. In the evening the sunset was so astonishing during the summer. I understood the place was becoming muddy after a few days of rain.
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Parking is £2. There is a portaloo and a bin in the carpark. This hike was limited in what you could see, in August the trees and weeds blocked most of the view. For safety note that the pathway takes the narrow road that cars are entering and exiting. There are two crossings over the guided path where the buses are traveling at speed. The first part of the walk by the Ouse was lovely as was the last part on a field where you ton off by the weight limited bridge. I would imagine in winter the path would be a mush pit.
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The cycleway passes between a series of scenic lakes formed from old sand and gravel quarries, now a nature reserve. The path is often flooded and unpassable for road bikes between autumn and spring though.
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The tarmac cycle lane runs parallel to the bus-way, both providing an excellent link between Huntingdon and Cambridge. Cycle-parks at each major bus stop.
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The bus whizzes through the yellow grain landscape like oiled lightning. The intercity bus from Cambridge to St Ivy rolls over a special lane bus track and reaches an impressive speed. Today he transports the four of us to the "Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve", in the lake landscape we hike and do "birdwatching". “Fen Drayton Lakes was originally a flooded sand and gravel pit bordering river floodplains. Today the area is a magnet for a variety of wildlife including otters, dragonflies, ducks, swans and geese. There is something to see (and hear) here all year round.” (https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/fen-drayton-lakes/)
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Like many nature reserves in England, Godmanchester Nature Reserve was once gravel pits. The peaceful nature could not be further away from its industrial history. Keep an eye out for songbirds, ducks, geese, kingfishers and overwintering wildfowl as you run through.
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Part of the RSPB Nature Reserve, Far Fen Lake is recognisable by the island near its eastern shore.
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Amazing cycle lane right through the Fens. Beautiful water views on both sides, an absolute pleasure!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of lakes can I expect to find around Hilton?
The lakes around Hilton are primarily former gravel pits along river floodplains that have been rewilded into nature reserves. They offer diverse habitats for wildlife and are ideal for tranquil outdoor experiences like walking, cycling, and birdwatching.
Are there good opportunities for wildlife spotting near Hilton's lakes?
Yes, the nature reserves around Hilton are excellent for wildlife. For instance, Far Fen Lake is a magnet for otters, dragonflies, ducks, swans, and geese. Paxton Pits Nature Reserve is known for kingfishers, nightingales, and overwintering wildfowl, as well as wildflowers, dragonflies, and butterflies in spring and summer. Wildlife Sanctuary Lake is also a good area for spotting birds and other wildlife.
Which lakes are suitable for cycling around Hilton?
Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve features an amazing cycle lane with beautiful water views on both sides, running parallel to a bus-way. This tarmac path provides an excellent link between Huntingdon and Cambridge. However, be aware that the path can be flooded and unpassable for road bikes between autumn and spring.
Are there any historical sites associated with the lakes around Hilton?
Yes, Godmanchester Nature Reserve has a notable Roman heritage. Roman Lake within the reserve was the site of a Roman well, discovered during quarrying work in the 1980s.
Are the lakes around Hilton suitable for families?
Many of the lake reserves are family-friendly. Godmanchester Nature Reserve, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, and Wildlife Sanctuary Lake are all great options for families to enjoy nature, walks, and wildlife spotting.
What outdoor activities, besides walking, can I do near Hilton's lakes?
Beyond walking and cycling, the area around Hilton offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including a moderate 7.9 km loop from Hilton. There are also gravel biking routes, such as the moderate 39 km Grafham Water loop from St Neots. For more options, explore the Running Trails around Hilton or Gravel biking around Hilton guides.
Are there specific hiking trails around the lakes?
Yes, the nature reserves offer various walking and hiking opportunities. For example, Godmanchester Nature Reserve is a superb place for a walk. You can find more detailed hiking routes in the Hiking around Hilton guide, which includes trails like the moderate 9 km Elsworth Village loop.
Is there parking available at the lake reserves?
Yes, parking is generally available. For instance, at Far Fen Lake, parking costs £2 and includes a portaloo and a bin in the car park.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Hilton?
The lakes offer something to see and hear all year round. However, for cycling, be aware that paths at places like Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve can be flooded and unpassable for road bikes between autumn and spring. Some areas, like Wildlife Sanctuary Lake, can become muddy after a few days of rain. Spring and summer bring vibrant wildflowers, dragonflies, and butterflies, while colder months attract overwintering wildfowl.
Can I access the lakes around Hilton by public transport?
Yes, public transport options exist. For example, the intercity bus from Cambridge to St Ives uses a special bus lane that passes by Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve, providing an excellent link to the lake landscape for hiking and birdwatching.
Are there any facilities like cafes or visitor centers at the lake reserves?
Paxton Pits Nature Reserve has a visitor centre that offers refreshments, facilities, and friendly expertise. Other reserves may have more basic amenities like toilets, as seen at Far Fen Lake.
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